How to Choose the Best Winter Boots

November 8, 2023
Blain's Farm & Fleet

Discover what to consider when choosing winter boots with these tips.

When the cold and snow hit, you’ll want a quality pair of winter boots to keep your feet warm and dry. There are plenty of styles, fits, and materials to choose from, and you might not know where to start.

To find the perfect pair of winter boots, follow these tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Types of Winter Boots

Pac Boots

Pac boots have a soft inner liner or shoe that’s insulated to keep your feet nice and warm in cold weather. Plus, they typically have removable liners, so you can easily dry them if the inner parts of your snow boots get wet.

They’re great for a number of outdoor activities, like snowshoeing, ice fishing, shoveling, or playing in the snow.

Hunting Boots

If you live in the Midwest, you know that it’s pretty common for snow to fall during hunting season. Hunting boots are more lightweight than pac boots, but they are a bit more rugged and made for walking through tough terrain.

Look for waterproof protection or a boot with Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet warm.

Work Boots

Winter work boots must be tough enough to take on the elements, but comfortable enough to wear all day on the job. You’ll want a stable, thicker boot that’s meant for the task at hand.

Important Winter Boot Features

Waterproof & Water Resistantance

Depending on your needs, waterproof or water-resistant winter boots can come in handy. If you’re wearing boots for a shorter time, such as for running errands, water-resistant ones will do the trick.

If you’ll be out and about in the snow, ice, or rain, you might want to purchase fully waterproof boots to ensure your feet stay dry.

You can read more about the different types of waterproofing on our blog.

Insulation

Insulation is a key feature of quality winter boots. It’s what sets them apart from regular boots.

Insulating material traps heat, keeping your feet warm and protected from the elements. When combined with waterproofing, your feet will stay both warm and dry.

The amount of insulation varies from boot to boot, so make sure you get a pair that will be warm enough for you.

Slip Resistance & Traction

Look for winter boots that have slip-resistant elements, like treaded rubber, to help grip ice and snow. They should also have lugs that prevent snow buildup on the bottom of your boots.

Material

Another important thing to consider is the material winter boots are made of. Look for a pair that’s constructed with durable materials, such as leather. These boots will last longer and will take on extreme weather better.

Rise

Winter boots come in a a variety of different heights. Some are quite tall, while others might just come up to your ankles.

If you’re going to be walking in the snow, we recommend you get a taller pair. This will help prevent snow from getting into the boot.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you’ll find high-quality winter boots for men, women, boys, and girls from top brands.

For more tips on choosing the right warm clothing and footwear, visit our Winter Clothing Blog.