With winter quickly approaching it is time to put the sneakers on ice and get the winter boots ready. The cold season is a great time to break out the classics like Timberland, but you have to pick carefully. When it is cold you cannot just pick any pair. There are specific criteria for the right winter boot. Before diving into our winter boot selection let’s look at what goes into the right boot.
Shaft Height
The shaft of the boot is the part that goes up from the ankle up toward the calf. This will keep the elements out such as water and snow. A good winter boot’s shaft should be at least 6″ high. The laces should run up the shaft as well. This ensures a secure and tight fit so your boot does not come off or the elements get inside.
Insulation
When the temperature drops and we are doing our winter activities our feet need to be warm. A winter boot should be at least 200 grams of insulation. 200 grams of insulation will keep you warm if you are moderately active. If the temperature rises you won’t get too hot either.
There are other factors to consider for insulation. The thickness of your socks, how active you will be, and how long you will be in the elements. During the day a 200g boot may be ok, but at night that may not be the case. For more on insulation take a look at this article.
Outsole
A winter boot with a good shaft height and proper insulation is pointless without good traction. That is where the outsole comes into play. The outsole should have lugs for good traction and durability for walking on icy surfaces. The outsole should also be waterproof to prevent a soggy foot after a snowy hike. Now that we have established criteria let’s get into our picks.
Timberland 6-inch
Boot: Timberland 6-inch Waterproof
Pros: Lugged outsole
Cons: Suede can become worn with regular wear
Retail: $210
Where to Buy: www.timberland.com
Timberland originally was a hiking boot, but later became a Hip Hop staple. The Timberland classic six-inch features a padded collar and a lugged outsole for traction. The leather is sealed during the tanning process offering protection from water.
Timberland’s Primaloft Eco Insulation will keep feet warm during the cold months. Synthetic fibers are 50 percent recycled bottles. Through wear and walk, the insulation will maintain its loft. The insole uses anti-fatigue foam so it can handle those moderate hikes. At $200 the price is on the high side, but it will hold up for a while making this an excellent long-use boot.
UGG Adirondack III
Boot: UGG Adirondack III
Pros: Rated to -32 degrees celsius
Cons: Steep price tag
Retail: $250
Where to buy: www.ugg.com
The UGG Adirondack III features a sheepskin lining and a collar for a stylish and functional look. This boot will be good for winter strolls or spending long hours working. The 200g insulation is rated up to -32 degrees celsius. Meaning it can be worn during the day or on colder nights.
The Adirondack offers protection from rain and snow with waterproofing. UGG’s DRYTECH provides a waterproof barrier. The outsole features White Spider Rubber. The outsole provides slip resistance on wet and dry surfaces. The 7-inch shaft height will ensure your socks stay dry.
Northface Shellista IV
Boot: Northface Shellista IV
Pros: Full-grain leather
Cons: Fur Lining could potentially retain water
Retail: $179
Where to Buy: www.northface.com
Next on our list is the Northface Shellista IV. It features a full-grain leather upper, with a PET recycled ripstop. The inside of the collar has a faux fur lining for additional warmth. Along with the collar the lining has 200 grams of insulation.
This boot is set up for protection with a single-density molded midsole. This offers additional protection from the elements along with additional ground insulation. The outsole features Northface’s Surface Control technology to minimize slips and falls.
Columbia Ice Maiden II
Boot: Columbia Ice Maiden II
Pros: seam-sealed leather
Cons: Shaft may break down over time
Retail: $99.95
Where to Buy: www.columbia.com
The Columbia Ice Maiden II features a nine-inch shaft for extended warmth. It has a waterproof leather and textile upper for extra protection. The inside will keep you warm with 200g insulation.
The outsole features Columbia’s Omni-Grip non-marking technology. This will not only not mark up your floors, but it will keep you from falling outside. While shoveling snow or going on a winter hike the Techtile midsole will provide all-day comfort.
Nike Tanjun High Rise
Boot: Nike Tanjun High Rise
Pros: Thick laces
Cons: Loose collar may allow snow to enter
Retail: $85.00
Where to Buy: www.nike.com
Nike is known for their stylish sneakers and running shoes, but they offer other styles. The Nike Tanjun High Rise is a winter boot with the Swoosh logo. It features a rugged rubber outsole for grip during the icy months. Along with durable fabric, the synthetic upper extends up the calf. This provides additional protection from the elements.
You don’t have to worry about getting cold during those snowball fights with the fleece lining. The laces are thick making them ideal for those who like to keep their gloves on. The mid-calf features a cinch cord and toggle for additional tightening. This boot is available in women’s sizes and comes in all black or phantom.
