What to Look for in a Great Pair of Winter Boots
Baby, it's cold outside. That means one thing for your wardrobe: it's time to switch up your winter coat choices and embrace the warmer, cozier side of life. One of the most vital components is, of course, your footwear–and choosing the right pair of women's winter boots can mean the difference between a comfortable day and one that's downright miserable. Whether it constantly rains or snows in your area, it's important to find the right pair of boots to last all year. So what's the best way to ensure that your boots aren't just perfect for the season, but also built to handle the elements without a hitch? Here's how to make sure your feet stay dry.
Zero In on Styles You Love
It's inevitable that you may be drawn to a pair of women's boots for its style at first. Who can blame you? The diverse selection of classic and trendy options is out of control in the best possible way. Whether you're fond of old-world riding boots or lean more in the direction of chic platform boots, you'll find just the right look to complement your wardrobe and personality.
In simplest terms, you aren't limited in choice just because of the change of season. If anything, it opens up an entirely new world of possibilities. So as you focus on the styles that best speak to your sensibilities, put a winterized slant on your decision-making process. For example, the average riding boot–the one you might literally wear to ride–is not going to cut it when it's hovering around nine degrees outside and there's a threat of snowfall. The key is to look for a cold-weather version of said shoe. It will fall in line in terms of silhouette and outward style, but contain the very necessary elements that make it more compatible with winter wear.
The same goes for other styles that might catch your eye. If you love a great pair of women's ankle boots for the office, for example, then you have your pick of thousands. What sets the winter contenders apart is the addition of warming features that protect your feet, no matter what the conditions are like outside. And if you do happen to favor ankle-length boots instead of those with longer profiles, pay some attention to what you wear on the bottom, too. Soft slack's for women or leggings in wool or fleece are ideal for helping you stay warm on those oh-so-brisk days.
Get Acquainted With the Functional Side When it Rains
Now, the important part–yes, once the cold rain begins to happen during early to late fall, the way rain boots perform ultimately takes precedence over how they look. The good news is that modern options factor both aesthetics and mechanics into their construction, making it easier than ever to find a pair of boots that meets all of your needs.
What to look for specifically? It's all about efficiency. While you're admiring its color, fabric, and eye-catching details, spare a thought for the addition of outdoor-worthy extras that set them apart from basic fashion boots. Think about what fall and winter bring to your region in terms of water, then zero in on features that are built to stand up those challenges. Among the most important is a weather-resistant material or waterproof shell that will lock out moisture, keeping your feet dry. Also key? The soles. Unless you don't mind showing off your lack of skating prowess on an unexpectedly icy and wet day, it's best to avoid any type of sole that might make you slip. Another must-focus point? Insulation. What's inside your boots matters just as much as everything on the outside.
Finding all of those in one–on a silhouette that you love–may seem like a tall order, but it's not quite so challenging once you know precisely how to find rain-worthy boots that operate like a dream. As you search for attractive materials, look for key terms that inform you they won't succumb when exposed to a little bit of moisture–and prepare to be surprised by what you find. There are wonderful weather-friendly suede options that you can easily wear when it's wet outside, for example. That's step one in wearing boots that look as good as they feel.
Rubber Soles and Warm Insulation Are Winter Must-Haves
Next, you need to think about the heart and "sole" of your snow boots for women. No one wants to deal with sliding around on the ice, so purchasing a boot with a sturdy sole designed specifically to prevent those types of incidents is imperative. The ideal material is rubber, which grips treacherous ground well and provides the traction you need to navigate tricky terrain with greater ease.
Boots fitted with insulation make life a lot easier whether you're sledding with the kids or walking around town with friends. Insulating layers ensure that your feet remain snug and warm, and also give a more comfortable fit. Think of them as the final component in a powerhouse shoe that works with you all season long.
Remember that for all its fashionable appeal, the right winter boot for you must also be well designed and built to last. Examine it from top to bottom for imperfections. Make sure that visible topstitching is perfectly aligned, and that the insoles are situated perfectly. Inspect the soles to confirm their placement: a properly designed boot will feel sturdy and secure from every angle. Once you've found The One, you can trust it to be your go-to shoe for years to come.