If you're looking for a pair of boots to stay warm in cold weather,you can choose insulated hiking bootswhich will keep you warm.
Do you really need a pair of insulated boots? Certainly, when working or spending time outdoors in below freezing conditions, insulated boots are likely a necessity. While the decision in freezing weather or snow is straightforward, it becomes a bit more nuanced when the weather is chilly but not approaching freezing. In such cases, consider a few factors. Do you have poor circulation or tend to feel colder than those around you? Is there a chance of a sudden temperature drop while wearing your boots? Will you primarily use the boots in mild weather but might also need them during colder months? If the answer is affirmative to any of these questions, opting for insulated boots is advisable. Otherwise, if none of these factors apply, waterproof boots might be a more suitable choice.
In some instances, if your winter hiking boots meet the following 6 criteria, then yes, you can wear them in the snow.
1. Tall Height
Ask any hiker, and they'll attest that few things are more uncomfortable than having water infiltrate your boots—especially in the freezing winter months. The cold water chills your ankles and underfoot, turning every step into a frigid ordeal. If your hiking boots have a low cut, ending below your ankles, you're likely to endure the unpleasant sensation of icy water penetrating your boots. These boots lack the necessary height and support to shield your ankles and feet from water infiltration.
To keep your feet and lower legs dry during your hike, your boots should extend well above your ankles. While hiking boots with taller heights are available, their effectiveness in preventing water seepage hinges on the specific design and height of the boots.
2. Insulation
Merely covering your feet and ankles with lightweight hiking boots is not sufficient for insulation; it is the boots themselves and the internal materials that offer the needed insulation.
Microfiber liners play a crucial role in insulating from the inside out. These materials trap and retain the heat generated by your feet, ensuring that even after prolonged walks through the snow, your toes remain unfrozen and unaffected by numbness.
It's worth noting that not all hiking boots are necessarily insulated, particularly if you own a lighter pair designed for hiking in the warmer seasons of spring and summer. Conversely, winter hiking boots and snow boots are specifically designed for cold conditions and are equipped with insulation to provide the necessary warmth.
3. Waterproofing
Discovering that your hiking boots lack waterproofing becomes evident rather quickly when trekking through snow, as your boots, socks, and feet become thoroughly drenched.
Wandering around with wet boots throughout the day can quickly dampen the enjoyment of your hiking trip, especially since your slip on hiking shoeswon't have the opportunity to dry until you escape the cold.
When venturing into snowy terrain, it's crucial to have boots equipped with an integrated waterproof membrane. This waterproof liner effectively wicks away the moisture that naturally accumulates in your socks and shoes during your hike. If you encounter melting or slushy snow, the boots act as a barrier, preventing moisture from seeping inside.
Snow boots, more often than not, boast higher waterproofing ratings. Treated with a waterresistant coating, these boots resist external moisture, ensuring your boots remain secure and dry during winter hikes.
In cases where your standard hiking boots lack exterior waterproofing, it's possible to treat them afterward. However, this treatment won't compensate for the potential absence of an interior waterproof membrane.
4. Traction
During winter, any hiking excursion can transform into an exhilarating yet perilous adventure, and even on a fair-weather day, hiking poses inherent risks.
From trails blanketed in ice and snow to steep terrain lacking adequate slip-resistant cover, engaging in hiking demands the right footwear. Proper footwear is paramount to navigate through these challenging conditions safely.
Among the crucial tools in this category are traction devices designed to grip slippery surfaces. These devices enable you to venture farther than anticipated without encountering excessive difficulty or risking a fall due to inadequate traction, enhancing your safety during winter hikes.
5. Breathability
When your hiking boots are waterproof, you can trust that they also provide breathability. Regardless of the climate, your feet perspire during hikes, even in snowy conditions.
Therefore, it's essential to have breathable footwear that allows sweat and moisture to escape, preventing your feet from becoming damp heat traps. The combination of sweaty conditions inside your boots and slippery conditions outside makes it challenging to maintain stability while hiking.
6. Comfort
The final consideration is a crucial one: comfort. While a pair of hiking boots might feel comfortable during a brief trial in the store, it's only with an extended wearing period that you truly discover their comfort or discomfort.
This underscores the significance of breaking them in before embarking on any significant excursion. Comfort is undoubtedly one of the key reasons to break in hiking boots.
Winter hiking, despite its appeal to many, is not inherently the most comfortable activity. Wearing boots that are excessively heavy or ill-fitting can diminish your comfort during this already challenging season. Therefore, ensuring proper fit and breaking in your boots becomes essential for an enjoyable and comfortable winter hiking experience.
When determining the necessary insulation for your boots, numerous factors come into play. Beyond the ambient temperature, considerations should include environmental elements such as snow, ice, or water. Your level of activity while wearing insulated boots and the thickness of your socks also play crucial roles.
Boot insulation is quantified in grams, representing the actual weight of the insulating material. Observing a pair of boots with 400 grams of insulation and assuming they are twice as warm as boots with 200 grams is a common misconception. While the former will indeed provide more warmth, insulation doesn't function on a linear scale. Providing specific temperature ratings for each insulation weight proves challenging due to the diverse factors involved.
200G Insulated Boots:
Ideal for cool weather and lower activity levels, these boots can also suffice in colder conditions if you plan to stay consistently active.
400G Insulated Boots:
Boasting 400 grams of insulation, these boots are suitable for cooler weather and low activity levels. They can effectively keep you warm in fairly cold conditions, particularly if you remain active.
600G Insulated Boots:
Stepping up to 600 grams of insulation, these boots are designed to provide warmth in cold weather at low to moderate activity levels.
800G Insulated Boots:
With 800 grams of insulation, these boots are among the heaviest you'd want for continuous movement. They prove effective unless you're in extremely frigid environments or traversing cold water or snow.
1000G Insulated Boots:
Boots featuring 1000 grams of insulation are well-suited for maintaining warmth in truly cold conditions at low to moderate activity levels.
1200G Insulated Boots:
For those navigating cold or icy water, 1200 gram insulated rubber boots are an excellent choice. They are particularly suitable for snowy conditions, with an emphasis on insulation rather than breathability.
1400G Insulated Boots:
In the most frigid environments demanding maximum warmth, opt for our 1400 gram insulated boots. These boots provide the utmost insulation for extreme cold conditions.
If you have any needs for heva shoes, please contact HEVAfor your best fit!Your insulated waterproof hiking boots will work best when it fits snugly and acts as an extension of your foot, without sliding around.
