Women’s Winter Boots: How To Choose One

For those ladies who reside in climates that get cold or if you’re visiting somewhere snowy, then you need a good pair of women’s winter boots to make the sub-zero temperatures more bearable.

Let’s face it; winter can be ruthless. From the single-digit temperatures, frosty winds, and slippery sidewalks, you need all the help you can to persuade you to go outdoors. Since the first step is to walk out the door, waterproof boots that keep the elements out and your toes toasty will help you enjoy the season and its fun activities.

Why You N​​​​​​​​​​eed Winter Boots

Snow can be daunting for the first time winter traveler. When it comes to clothes, you have no idea that layering is not just for cakes. Besides that, you are also clueless about the type of shoe that is practical for this time of year. Here are a few reasons you need to ditch those stilettos and suede shoes for some women's winter boots.

Warmth

Winter boots keep your feet warm even as the temperatures slip down. Some manufacturers offer a temperature rating so you know the level of cold the boots can withstand. Others have insulated insoles and lining materials for optimum warmth.

Grip

Winter boots have an excellent grip to keep you from falling over slippery ice and snow. Snow grips can be added to your winter boots to increase traction. Most outsoles are made of rubber to prevent slips and falls.

Ankle Support

These boots are made heavier to provide maximum ankle support. They have a firm structure, padded sides, and laces that go all the way up making even its lightest category heavier than your favorite pair of sandals.

Waterproofing Abilities

The water resisting features of winter boots make them an ideal option for the winter season. That and the fact that you won’t have to wear several layers of socks as you would with rain boots. That's because winter boots have a gusseted tongue that keeps water and snow from entering the boot. These boots can also have a cuff or a gaiter that extend above the boot to the knee to encourage snow to fall outside the boot.

What to Look for When Buying Women’s Winter Boots

There are endless styles and types of women’s winter boots to choose from on the market. To narrow down the best ones, here is what you should look for.

Sizing and Fit

How your boot fits determines the level of comfort you will experience. The winter boot should provide some arch and a proper walking posture. Some women’s winter boots may feel heavier so you should check the lightweight models if you’re not used to heavy footwear. Instead of choosing an exact fit, consider a size larger to allow room for an extra pair of socks for colder days.

Warmth

To check your winter boot for warmth, consider temperature ratings, insulated lining, and an insulated insole. Some boots come with temperature ratings that act as a useful comparison tool among different models. However, it is worth mentioning that there is no standard way of measuring the temperature rating of a boot. Consequently, warmth depends on individual factors such as health, activity, age, and the socks you choose.

Lining Materials

Not all women’s winter boots have temperature ratings so what you look for is the lining materials. That depends on the type of winter boot you choose. For instance, Pac boots have removable linings made of wool, acrylic, or polypropylene. Those without a removable liner use Thinsulate or Primaloft. For extreme cold conditions, consider boots with 400 to 800 grams of insulation.

Boot Height and Weight

The height and weight of women’s winter boots vary significantly. You have the option between tall and short boots. Tall women's winter boots range from 11 inches to 16 inches, but the extra height limits motion. In contrast, short boots are below 11 inches, so this makes them lighter but prone to let snow seep in from the top.

When it comes to weight, heavier women's winter boots meant for the worst conditions weigh six pounds each. Lighter models weigh about three pounds each, but you have to be careful with these because they may not be stable enough when hiking difficult terrain.

Boot Traction

The traction of a boot depends on the size of outsole lugs. Lugs are the bumps in the rubber that provide grip. The outsole can come with a heel brake that comes in handy on uneven terrain and sharp descents. Where rubber is just not enough, some winter footwear has Vibram outsoles.

Water Resistance

A good women's winter boot should not only keep those feet warm but also dry. For this reason, most winter boots get proofing by sandwiching a waterproof but breathable membrane between the insulator and outer material. Another option is by using treated leather or nylon. Rubber also works due to its waterproof properties. Eventually, the leather, suede, and nylon will have to be retreated to retain the waterproof material.

Breathability

The lining materials of your winter boots do more than provide insulation against the cold. Most women’s winter boots have antimicrobial features that prevent bacterial growth and foot odors. Some even come with quick-drying features to prevent frostbite.

Laces vs. Zippers

It matters how easily you can get a winter boot on and off. Some laces allow one fluid pull from the top while others require you to pull the strings from your toes up. That's why some people prefer zippers, toggles or slip on boots for the simplicity they offer.

Types Of Winter Boots

There are four main categories of winter footwear including Pac boots, snow boots, casual, and active winter hiking boots. Here is a more detailed overview of each boot.

Best 10 Available Women’s Winter Boots

Our Take on Your New Boots

The bottom line is that a high performing women’s winter boot will not only keep you warm but also let you enjoy all the fun activities that come with winter. Don’t let not having a good pair of boots be your excuse to hibernate in the house anymore.

Use the factors we discussed above to help you pick a winter boot that suits your needs. Another option is to pick any of the ones we have just reviewed, and you’re all set for the season.