What Shoes To Wear In Snow

It’s never more important to have the right pair of shoes on your feet than when you head out into the snow. Wearing the wrong shoes in snow can not only ruin them but also damage your feet. 

The correct shoes will give you the proper support you need when walking around in the snow, while also keeping your feet protected from the cold. You’ll want to opt for shoes that will be able to keep your feet warm and dry instead of pairs that leave you cold and soggy.

Obviously, your favorite pair of dress shoes are a no-go. Boat shoes and loafers are best left in the cabin, too, as these will cause you a lot of discomfort. But what type of shoes should you wear in the snow?

What shoes to wear in snow

Leather or faux leather

When it comes to choosing the best material for snow-appropriate shoes, you should always favor leather. The grain of the leather doesn’t particularly matter, as both full grain and top grain leather are ideal.

These will keep the snow out of your feet, keeping you nice and dry. Shoes made of cowhide won’t let the snow seep in so will keep your feet well protected.

Leather is pretty waterproof in general. Shoes made using full grain leather have only been mildly treated, so do a great job of keeping your feet dry. You can also treat your full grain leather shoes with a waterproofing product if you want to ensure that your feet don’t get wet.

Shoes made using top grain leather will also do a fantastic job of keeping the snow out. The only difference between top grain leather and full-grain leather is that top grain leather has been polished and sanded.

This makes the leather slightly weaker than full grain leather, but it will remain highly waterproof. You won’t have to worry about snow or water getting your feet wet!

Artificial leather or faux leather is another great choice. This material won’t last as long as real leather, but it will still do a great waterproof job. The best faux leather shoes will even appear like real leather at first glance.

Insulated cozy linings

Of course, snow is very cold. So you will want a pair of shoes that are going to keep you toasty and warm! Shoes that come with a fleece lining work to keep your feet warm when you need it most. A good quality lining will trap in the warmth from your feet and keep it close to your skin.

Shoes using a good quality lining will mean you can spend a decent amount of time walking in the snow. Your feet will stay dry and warm, especially if you match them with a pair of moisture wicking socks.

Rain boots aren’t recommended for snow, as they won’t be able to keep your feet cozy.

Good traction

It can be tricky to walk in the snow if you don’t have the right shoes on your feet. You will need to choose a pair of shoes that come with good traction, depending on what you plan on doing in the snow.

If mountain climbing is on the schedule, then you’ll need to add some crampons to your shoes.

Microspikes are ideal for walking on light snow and ice. However, if you’re on the hunt for regular boots to wear while out walking on errands, then rubber soles with deep treads are your best bet.

These should keep you stable enough on the snow without falling over.

Gore-Tex technology

Gore-Tex technology will be a must-have in your new pair of snow-appropriate shoes if you plan on wearing them all day. When your feet are trapped in boots for long periods of time, they tend to sweat.

Shoes that come with Gore-Tex technology are breathable but will also keep your feet warm and dry.

By opting for a breathable pair of shoes, you can prevent an unwanted build-up of sweat around your feet. Your feet will be able to remain comfortable as you walk around, and they shouldn’t smell too much after being worn for a while.

These types of shoes may be pricey, but they are a worthy investment.

Waterproof shoes

You will of course want a pair of shoes that come with proper waterproofing. This is because despite how great the construction of your shoes is, they can let water in through the seams if they haven’t been waterproofed properly.

Waterproof shoes will keep that snow out of your shoes, meaning dry feet.

Leather shoes are the obvious choice because the material is naturally waterproof. Canvas or cloth shoes will soak up water from the snow, and become heavier the further you walk.

Your feet will also stay soggy and cold throughout the day! What’s really great about leather shoes is that you can also spray them with a waterproofing product to keep them properly snowproof.

Opt for waterproof instead of water resistant shoes. Water resistant shoes are only able to resist water up to a certain point, whereas waterproof shoes will keep you properly dry.

Ankle support

Ankle support is important if you plan on going for a hike. Especially if you’re hiking in areas with elevation gain! You may wish to opt for snow boots over traditional shoes, as these will come with ankle support built into the high shaft. 

True-to-size shoes

One of the most important things to remember is to opt for a pair of shoes that fit true-to-size. Shoes that don’t fit properly will allow your feet to slip around in them, hampering your stability as you walk.

Check that your shoes are true-to-size when you receive them, and that they allow for thick, moisture-wicking socks.

In summary

So now you know what shoes to look out for when it comes to heading out in the snow. Make sure to opt for waterproof shoes made using leather or faux leather.

Also consider shoes that have Gore-Tex technology, as well as a warm lining. And don’t forget to opt for shoes with proper traction!

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