If you are a well-traveled man, you have likely encountered the harsher elements during your adventures.
As fall is well underway, it is time to start preparing for those chilly winter days. These seasonal preparations typically require giving your wardrobe a good look to determine what you might need to purchase. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your fashion sense just because of the cooler temperatures. If your winter apparel could use some work, rest assured that the shopping part doesn’t have to be painful. When buying winter boots especially, you don’t have to sweat it this year. Finding the perfect fit for maximum style and comfort is simple if you know exactly what to look for.
Rest assured that we have done the research for you, so the hard part is over. All you essentially have to do is pick out your favorite winter boot. When buying winter boots, keep these helpful tips in mind for an easy shopping experience. Check out our fail-safe guide to finding just the right fit for your winter boot needs.
For all you traveling men, use this foolproof guide to buying winter boots this season.
Strategize when to buy your winter boots.
You might not realize it, but the time of year you purchase your winter boots really does matter. There are many factors that contribute to the pricing of winter boots, and can affect the total cost by hundreds of dollars. Know that if you prefer rocking the latest trends, then you are going to end up paying more for your winter boots. Generally the newest seasonal fashions begin to roll out around early autumn, so if you are in the market for fresh kicks, that is the time to do so.
Imagine you are walking through a large snow bank. Within this imagery, the last sensation you want to experience is large chunks of snow slipping into your boots and dampening your socks. All the unpleasant metaphors aside, the height of your winter boot matters. Besides additional protection against the elements, your winter boot height also correlates with the amount of warmth it generates. Naturally, the taller the boot, the warmer your feet and ankles will be. While this generally is not going to be an issue in a low impact setting, if you intend to spend time outdoors hiking through snow, consider purchasing taller boots.
Use the right tools to help you find that perfect fit.
Do you ever make the mistake of ordering a pair of shoes that are the wrong size? Shoes are perhaps the worst apparel item to size wrong, as walking around in the incorrect size is actually the worst. It is difficult to determine which is the lesser of the two evils, too tight shoes or too large. Of course, you can avoid this precarious situation altogether by using the right tools when buying winter boots. The first thing you want to do when trying boots on in store is bring a pair of thick wool socks. The extra material makes for a more accurate fitting when it comes to what you actually need in the winter. Leave a little room in your shoe in case you decide to layer your socks. Boots that have little wiggle room get very uncomfortable when worn for a long period of time. Ill-fitting winter boots in general can cause blisters, so choose your size wisely.
If you want to search online for a particular type of boot, make sure you have an accurate idea of what size you need. Shoe sizing tends to vary depending on the brand, so this can be a difficult situation. If possible, be sure to look for a similar style or brand in a store to try on and get a feel for different sizing. It is also a good idea to double check the return policy just in case you need to send your winter boots back for a new size. It is no secret that online deals often cost less than in store pricing. For extra savings, try buying winter boots during major online store sales during holidays such as Labor Day and Black Friday.
Check the material.
When it comes to winter boots, the material they are made with really matters. Perhaps more than any other type of shoe. This is largely due to the fact that you want to keep your toes warm during frigid temperatures. If you have ever spend long hours outdoors shivering and feeling your toes freeze over due to poor boot insulation, you understand. The material of your boots needs to be water resistant and thick. Look for wool insulation inside of your boots and a nylon or leather exterior. These reliable materials are a great place to start when buying winter boots. Don’t be afraid to pay a bit more when buying winter boots to ensure that your boot material quality is just what you need. It is better that your toes stay toasty this winter.
Consider what setting you need to wear your winter boots.
Are you going to be spending most of your time trekking through an alpine forest, or navigating the icy city streets? Naturally different settings require a specific type of footwear, so make sure you get a type of boot you will wear the most. If you plan to spend much of your winter months outdoors trekking through deep snow, you are going to want boots with solid traction and warm insulation. Urban styles are typically more sleek and formal, which are suitable to wear for a coffee date or a work meeting. While there is virtually any kind of winter boot out there to suit your every need, all you have to do is try a few pairs to see what is the right fit for you. When buying winter boots, imagine the various settings and wardrobe selections you intend to incorporate with these boots.
Think about the height of your boot.
Imagine you are walking through a large snow bank. Within this imagery, the last sensation you want to experience is large chunks of snow slipping into your boots and dampening your socks. All the unpleasant metaphors aside, the height of your winter boot matters. Besides additional protection against the elements, your winter boot height also correlates with the amount of warmth it generates. Naturally, the taller the boot, the warmer your feet and ankles will be. While this generally is not going to be an issue in a low impact setting, if you intend to spend time outdoors hiking through snow, consider purchasing taller boots.
Make sure to check waterproofing.
All winter boots come with an intrinsic level of waterproofing within the material. As you make your selection, check out different brands to see which ones include waterproof features. Of course, for added protection, you can also waterproof your winter boots yourself. Manual waterproofing generally comes into play after you have made your winter boot purchase. However, this is quite important to the longevity of your shoe. One of the main causes of those frozen toes is your boots getting wet. If you take the right steps to properly waterproof your winter boots, you reduce this risk immensely. You can easily waterproof your boots by using a waterproofing spray. Check out some of the best waterproofing sprays out there for winter boots.
Don’t let that winter boot shopping excursion stress you out.
With this foolproof guide, you won’t sweat a drop as you make your way through various stores. Your feet will thank you this winter when you find the perfect shoe for all of your travel needs. You can step foot out on that snowy tundra with confidence that you have the ideal winter get-up. Whether you find yourself navigating icy city sidewalks or deep backcountry trails, your winter boots will keep your feet comfortable and warm.
Related Article: 9 Best Winter Boots For Men: Stylish, Functional Finds
