The Shoes to Wear in Snow
Posted by Pavers Blog Team on
The Great British weather is so unpredictable, snow days always seems to catch us by surprise and we never seem quite prepared to deal with the disruption that bad weather brings.
As much as we hate to admit it, it’s getting colder. The heating is on, and we’re making full use out of our slippers once again. So, now’s a better time than any to prep your wardrobe to brave the unpredictable weather by investing in the best shoes for snow and ice.
With our need-to-know guide of winter boots you’ll always be prepared to face spells of bad weather, no matter if snow, wind, or rain is forecast. From the best walking shoes for snow to all-essential wellingtons and snow boots, this line-up will ensure you stay warm and look cool when it comes to styling out arctic conditions.
What kind of shoes are good for snow?
A pair of snow boots is perfect for keeping your feet dry, warm, and comfortable while a pair of waterproof walking boots or even wellies will ensure you stay shielded from adverse weather conditions. Before you invest a pair of shoes or boots for the snow, it’s important to look for a few key details that will keep you protected against the elements.
Gripped Soles
There’s something so satisfying about feeling the crunch of freshly laid snow under your feet, but with a slippery terrain you will need you need shoes that are equipped with sturdy soles and strong gripped support to provide practical underfoot traction.
Even the most practical of footwear needs a little extra help when walking on snow and ice, attaching snow grips to the soles of your shoes and boots is a great way to instantly improve the tread and traction of your footwear. As you can slip the grips on and off your shoes, it means you can wear footwear that is not only limited to the snowy season.
Insulated Linings
Choosing footwear with insulation is the key to being warm and staying warm in the snow, that’s why you need a pair of snow boots with padded uppers and linings, this will trap in the warmth and keep cold draughts out whilst regulating your temperature.
Toes are often the first thing to be affected by the cold. The key for dressing for the cold weather is to wear plenty of thin layers, it provides excellent insulation, and should you get too warm you can take a layer off easily. If you’re opting to wear a few pairs of socks, be sure to consider the size of your snow boots. If you’re between sizes go for the bigger size or invest in some boots with adjustable fastenings to cater for a wider fit.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Styles
Shoes and boots for snow should keep your feet warm, supported, and dry, so go for a pair of shoes with a waterproof or water-resistant membrane and a sealed-seam construction. Without weather protection, your shoes and feet are likely to become wet and in-turn they’ll get very cold very quickly.
Water resistant walking boots and shoes make a great alternative to snow boots as they provide excellent protection from wet and cold weather conditions, plus they are usually equipped with gripped soles that will help to keep you steady on your feet.
The Best Boots for Bad Weather
Can leather shoes be worn in snow?
While they are considered an essential winter staple, you should avoid wearing your regular leather shoes and boots in the snow. Leather is a material that is hard-wearing and durable, however water, salt, and cold, are their worst enemies that leather can have. All three of these elements can lead to leather become stained, drying out, cracking, and eventually becoming irreparable. So, it’s best to keep your leather shoes and boots away from snowy spells.
But that doesn’t mean that you can never wear leather boots when the world outside has turned into a winter wonderland. With a few easy hacks, you’ll be able to take care of your leather boots and protect them from whatever the weather throws your way. Follow some tips below to protect your shoes and boots from the snow.
How to make shoes snow proof
With the right care and maintenance, winter proofing your shoes can protect both your footwear and your feet from the cold, wet, or snowy weather.
Waterproof spray
Nothing can make your shoes waterproof forever, but you can take plenty of measures to make them more water resistant, cue the ever-faithful water protecting spray. Not only is it great for repelling water from the uppers of your shoes, but a waterproofing spray will also help to build up a protective barrier against dirt and grit, reducing the chance of your shoes being damaged or drying out and cracking.
Dubbin Wax
Dubbing wax, also known as dubbin in short, is a classic shoe care product that’s made from natural waxes and oils that helps to waterproof leather – just not suede or nubuck! Applying thin layers of dubbin to your leather boots will protect them from dirt, water marks and salt stains. It’s also a great way to keep leather supple and nourished, this will help to keep your boots looking great and will make them last even longer.
Drying out shoes
We’ve all been there, where we’ve been caught in a downpour and our favourite shoes are soaked through, but how do you dry out your shoes safely?
It’s important that you remove your shoes as soon as you are able, walking in wet shoes can cause significant damage to materials such as leather as they can stretch, crack, or even shrink. Stuff your shoes with plenty of newspaper or tissue to absorb the moisture and leave them to dry naturally away from any heat sources.
How to clean snow boots
Snowy and icy weather can lead to a lot of slush and mud, which can mean that snow boots can dirty within a few wears. Usually, wellies and snow boots are often the shoes that are left on the doorstep until the next spell of bad weather, but if you keep your boots clean, they’ll last you for much longer – and ensure that you look the part despite the weather forecast.
Here are some handy tips to keep your snow boots clean during the winter months:
- Use a shoe tray or mat to place wet or muddy snow boots, place them close to the to avoid any dirt moving around your house. Allow your boots to dry naturally away from any heat sources as this can damage your boots.
- Once the bad weather has subsided, take your now dry boots outside, and use a shoe brush to remove any dried mud and dirt.
- For wellies and rubber style boots, use a damp microfibre cloth and a bowl of warm soapy water to wipe away any access dirt. Leave your snow boots to dry naturally and they’ll be ready for your next snow day!