How to choose winter boots?

Buying boots is not a difficult task. But when a woman comes to a shoe store and begins to wander between the rows of various models, trying on one or the other and not making a choice, everything seems different.

Reducing the time spent in the markets in aimless searches is possible only by clearly setting the task. Decide what you are buying for, in what price category, and what material it should be made of. We will provide you with assistance and advice on key issues.

What outerwear do we choose?

Think about what clothes the boots will be worn with. If you wear a down jacket, choose comfortable casual style models. For a winter coat and fur coat, boots that are more stylish and elegant are selected.

Girls who prefer skinny jeans in winter should take into account the width of the boot top when choosing. Shoe models with rhinestones, chains, and other decorative elements should support the image.Otherwise, you should choose a more neutral finish.

Which material to choose?

To decide on the best material for women's boots, we will determine the criteria that they must meet:

• ability to retain heat;
• life time;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• breathability.

A material that meets these qualities is genuine leather. Its thickness should be medium. A thin layer will not keep you warm in winter, and thick material is inelastic, uncomfortable to wear and looks cheap.

Boots made of genuine leather are durable. With proper care, they stay in good condition for several years, so you can save money. Leather substitutes crack after a while, letting moisture and cold in. They can fail very quickly, but well-known brands are made from high-quality eco-leather, which is guaranteed to last 1-2 seasons.

Suede boots look very elegant and have all the positive aspects of natural materials, but require constant complex care. In addition, slush and dirt leave unsightly white stains. These boots are chosen if there is another, more practical pair.

The buyer must decide what is more important: buy genuine leather and pay a large amount up front or buy a pair of leatherette boots every year, which in total will still exceed the cost of natural materials.

Women's boots made from artificial materials have one advantage - the price is significantly lower than that charged for leather.. But some fashionistas prefer to buy several pairs of different boots for the winter, choosing the most current models from substitutes, and the next season change everything to shoes that are becoming fashionable.

Important! The choice is made by the buyer, weighing his needs and financial capabilities. For residents of Siberia, models made from artificial materials are suitable only on the eve of cold weather. It is more practical to choose options made from genuine leather.

Which fasteners are better?

The options for fasteners on boots are limited to only three types:

• lightning;
• lacing;
• Velcro (Velcro).

It is more convenient to wear boots that have a zipper sewn into them. They are very quickly and effortlessly not only put on, but also fastened. With laces it’s more difficult: it’s not so comfortable to put on, it takes longer to tie.

Lacing is a more reliable option in terms of damage: a broken lace can be easily replaced with another one. If this trouble happened on the way, then, having tied up the ends, you can get to home or the nearest store and buy a replacement part. But there are more problems with lightning. If it comes apart, you need to urgently look for a shoe repair center, somehow magically get to it, wait until they sew in a new one, and pay for urgent work.

Very convenient and practical Velcro fastener. It is used on sports-type footwear - ugg boots, dutik boots - in combination with natural or artificial outer and inner material.

If you choose women's boots with a zipper, carefully inspect the sewing areas. There should be no crooked seams or creases here. To retain heat from the inside, the seam must be closed with a valve. This way the lock will not damage your tights or socks.

Choosing the right sole and heel

It’s not difficult to choose a good, warm sole; you just need to pay attention to the thickness, which should not be less than 1 cm. A thinner layer will not warm you in the winter cold; your feet will freeze even in boots made of natural fur.. The best sole option is made from the following materials:

• made of rubber;
• made of polyvinyl chloride;
• made of polyurethane.

This sole, which is chosen for warm winter boots, does not allow water to pass through, does not release heat to the outside, is stable, and is not prone to slipping. INchoose boots where the sole has a good tread pattern. It will help out not only in icy conditions, but also in snowfalls, it is easier to walk to the house along an uncleared path in them.

The heel for winter shoes should be durable, thick, and comfortable. It’s good if it forms one whole with the sole. This increases stability, and therefore your safety. It is better to avoid plastic heels immediately. They are unstable on snow and ice and break easily.

Important! Heeled boots are the worst choice of boots for winter. It’s uncomfortable to walk in the snow in them: the heel sinks and the toe rides up. In addition, such shoes are dangerous; even the slightest icing can lead to loss of stability on your feet.

Take a closer look at the wedge models. They are convenient, practical, relevant. The foot on the sole side will definitely not freeze, the heel or instep support will not break, and the heel raised a few centimeters will give the desired slimness to the silhouette.

Lining: fur, euro, flannel?

Each of these materials has undeniable advantages:

• real fur is always accompanied by real leather. This tandem warms and retains heat without letting it out. At the same time, the necessary air exchange is carried out;
• faux fur provides good warmth in mild frosts, but when overheated, your feet sweat. In extreme cold with this material you are at risk of hypothermia;
• eurofur - a combination of the lower part of the boot (to the ankle) made of natural fur and the upper part made of fleece, flannel or thin fur lining. A very warm and hygienic option for light frosts, up to a maximum of -10–15 degrees;
• biker jacket (fleece) - will warm your feet well only in warm winters, with minimum temperatures around zero.

How to choose a size? How do you know that you have chosen the right boots?

Choose boots a little larger than your actual size. This is necessary so that the air layer between the toe of the shoe and the toes can maintain the desired temperature inside. If there is a tight fit, such a layer does not form, the skin is overly stretched and cold air penetrates inside.

It is best if the pair is selected with a sock that will be used during winter use. Don't forget about free air space.

If the chosen model in the foot area fits too tightly on the leg, do not expect that the natural leather will stretch. Yes, it will happen, but not so quickly. You will have time to freeze in your boots many times before the size increases to the required size.

Properly selected boots will fit comfortably in both length and fullness. The toes will not rest against the toe, and the boot will not squeeze the leg, impairing blood circulation.

Tips for buying boots online

1. When choosing shoes, give preference to well-known brands.
2. If the same model is on sale in a store, try it on, determine the size you need, and then order it online. This will make the purchase cheaper.
3. If an online store provides boots for trying on, take this opportunity, order several pairs and before purchasing, carefully inspect the lock, the junction of the sole and the leather (not only gluing must be present, but also stitching), the quality of materials, and seams.

When ordering on foreign online platforms such as Aliexpress, rely on reviews. If you have at least one negative comment, refuse to purchase.

The best purchasing option is in a store in your city, where you can try on different pairs, choose shoes according to length, fullness, taking into account the anatomical features of the foot and instep. Buying online will cost less, but it’s easy to miss the mark on size or quality. To avoid having to spend extra money on other boots, remember the folk wisdom: a miser pays twice.