Snow Boots
Winter weather should never stop you from going where you want to go and doing what you want to do. Your first line of defense against vicious winter weather should be a pair of snow boots.
Winter Boots and Snow Boots
Finding the right boots for your winter activities can be difficult, but is also a critical part of proper preparation. It is important to stay warm and dry, but it is also important not to overheat your feet. You need to find the right amount of waterproofing, breathability and insulation to meet your needs.
Fabrics in winter and snow boots:
There is a wide range of fabrics available for snow boots and it seems that with advances in science, there are new materials developed every season. It can be tough to decide what material is best for you. In almost all forms, including suede and nubuck, leather is the most popular material for winter and snow boots. It will keep your feet warm and by being treated with a water resistant finish or by being oiled will keep you dry. Leather or leather substitutes are the best materials for snow boots if hiking is a part of your winter activities. Supplex® nylon will keep feet dry and make a great shell. Coupling this with fur or fleece or any other insulating material will create great protection for a romp in the outdoors. Thinsulate™ insulation is a thin material that traps heat as effectively as other bulkier materials. This cuts down on the weight and size of your boots for convenience and for comfort. PrimaLoft™ is heavier insulation than Thinsulate™ and will withstand more extreme temperatures. Like Thinsulate™, it is not too bulky or heavy.
Warming capabilities in snow boots:
There are a wide range of fabrics available for a snow boot to ensure that you'll be equipped for any activity. Usually, winter boots are accompanied by a temperature rating that tells you what air temperature they can withstand. If the boots are rated for -40 degrees Fahrenheit, that tells you that at 70 degrees Fahrenheit your feet will still be protected and warm. Of course, the ability to keep feet warm at colder temperatures makes boots more expensive so, for the sake of your wallet, you should buy only the temperature rating you need.
Outsole of snow and winter boots:
There are as many variations of lug designs as there are snow boots. If you are going to be playing in snow on flat, forgiving land, a simple rubber gripping sole will probably be sufficient traction. In other cases, such as for hiking on slippery terrain, multi-directional rubber lugs of varying lengths may be necessary. Winter specific soles, such as the high traction TNF Winter Grip™ rubber outsole are available on some boots to ensure great grip on wet, slippery surfaces. As with the temperature rating of snow boots, when it comes to soles and traction, you get what you pay for and should only pay for what you think you'll need.
