Selecting Your Winter Boot

Winterfootwear.com's extensive selection of cold weather footwear and snow boots ensures that we have the winter boots to match your needs. Let us walk you through the decision process so that you're sure to find the perfect pair.

Sizing
At the beginning of each season, we invite testers to our warehouse to fit-test every model. We update our product descriptions and note in the Fit section whether the boots run true to size or if an adjustment should be made when placing your order. For a thorough discussion of sizing considerations, please see our Fit and Sizing page.

Temperature Rating
Once you have sizing in hand, the next consideration is which temperature range works for you.

Manufacturers use temperature ratings based on scientific testing that results in cold weather extremes not relevant to the average snow boot shopper's life. We find most boots rated at -40F. are actually the perfect snow boot for cold snowy northern U.S. winters. A true day outside in -40 F. weather requires a warmer boot. Winterfootwear.com lists a comfort range in the description of each boot listing that provide a more "real life" measure of the appropriate temperature range for each boot.

Remember, it's not all about the numbers on the thermometer. A smart shopper takes four factors into account when deciding which pair of winter boots is the best fit for their needs:

• What is the outside temperature?
The typical northern winter has temperatures between 0 and 30 degrees F. For most people, the All Weather collection is going to be their best bet.

• What is my personal tolerance for cold?
Some of us find ourselves with frosty feet well before the rest of the crowd while others could happily wear our Converse high tops year round. You need to decide where you fall on the spectrum. If you always have cold feet, you may need to consider the Advanced Cold Weather boots for your everyday wear.

• How long will I be outside?
Nothing freezes up the feet faster than standing around on cold snow. Think ski lift attendant. You'd be surprised to learn that most lift attendants wear the warmest snow boot they can find from December right through March, just because of the length of time they stand still on the cold snow.

If you love to be outside for the long haul, consider the Advanced Cold Weather collection or Extreme Cold Weather collection.

• How active will I be?
Winter snow boots are your armor from the cold. The longer you stay outside (sleigh ride in the winter followed by a walk through the woods), the warmer the boot you need. The more you stand still (snowmobiling across the lake), the warmer the boot you need.

Activities like snowshoeing will heat your body up faster and will not require as warm a boot.

Snow boot liners enable you to withstand a range of winter conditions. They are designed to keep the cold out while at the same time keeping the moisture away from your foot. This keeps your feet happy through a range of activities. Warm feet? Yes. Sweaty feet? No. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who needs a supportive, stable winter boot, check out the Performance Sport collection.

The main lesson learned here? If you are prone to cold feet and are going to be outside for a lengthy time, make sure you have a warm enough boot. If you are going to be active, take that into account too!

Remember, if you need any advice, we're easy to talk to.

It warms our hearts to warm your feet!