When you lay out a wad of cash for a pair of boots, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. But how do you know which are the best winter boots for you? One thing to consider is how you plan to use them. Will you head out to the Winter Solstice Celebration in Lakewood, CO, on December 21 for a night hike, campfire, and burning of the yule log, or do you enjoy long snowshoe hikes? If the answer is yes, keeping your feet warm and dry will be a priority. On the other hand, if you’re heading into Denver for a day at the mall or like to wear boots to work, then comfort and style may be more important to you.
There are basically five areas you want to balance when choosing winter boots: function, fashion, boot height, comfort, and performance (not necessarily in order of importance). Function means they are designed to fit what you will be doing and the conditions you will be exposed to. Boot height depends on whether or not you will be in deep snow that could fall in over the tops, making your feet wet and miserable. Performance is how well the boot does what’s needed—keeping your feet warm, keeping water out, or just looking great! Comfort means they fit well and don’t give you any problems if you wear them for long periods of time. Fashion means they are attractive and stylish.
Think about which one or two of these characteristics will be the most important to you and then do your research. There are tons of styles out there: leather or synthetic, rubber sole or deep treads, thin lined or shearling, short or tall, lightweight hiking or heavy insulated protective boots. Ideally, you will find a style that is functional, comfortable, and performs well without having to totally sacrifice your fashion sense!
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, try on several pairs that match your requirements. When you try them on, use the type of socks that you’ll actually wear when heading out in colder temperatures and make sure your foot fits comfortably without pinching, rubbing, or sliding around when you walk. We can help you choose the best winter boots for any foot conditions you have. Call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center at (303) 423-2520 and set up an appointment.
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