What to look for in a winter boot: 5 tips for keeping your spirits up – and staying on your feet – on winter walks
Looking to embrace winter with open arms this year? It’s a whole lot easier when you’ve got the right winter gear. A warm jacket, toque and good pair of winter boots can help keep you going even on the coldest winter days, whether you’re out tackling errands, shoveling the driveway or simply enjoying an afternoon stroll on a crisp winter day.
After all, winter in Canada is all about getting out and enjoying everything the season has to offer—and once you’re equipped with the proper gear, you’ll be able to tackle any winter weather with confidence.
With that in mind, we’ve partnered with Mark's to bring you a few tips on what to look for in a winter boot, so you can get out there and conquer your winter walks.
Find a boot made to beat the bitter cold
One of the first things to consider when shopping for winter boots is how warm and dry they’ll keep your feet. Boots made specially for winter typically include a temperature rating to help you gauge what kind of weather they’re best suited for. Those living in milder climates can likely get away with a less heavy-duty winter boot for everyday use, but you’ll still want to look for something appropriately rated for sub-zero temperatures for chillier winter weather.
These Helly Hansen Women's Bivy II boots boast a cold weather comfort rating of -40°C to -50°C, making them heavy-duty enough to tackle even the frostiest days. They also come equipped with T-MAX HEAT® tech, which uses a special blend of fibres to provide improved body heat retention as the temperature drops.
For men, these WindRiver’s Banff 2.0 Winter Boots combine a T-MAX HEAT® lining with T-MAX® insulation, an innovative lightweight blend of high performance fibres that are designed to provide maximum warmth with minimum bulk while allowing moisture and excess heat to escape, keeping your feet warm, dry and comfortable.
Look for anti-slip soles to help you stay upright
You’ll also want to prioritize boots with anti-slip outsoles for added traction and slip resistance, both of which you’ll surely appreciate the next time you come across a patch of black ice.
Check out these Helly Hansen Men’s Bivy 2.0 boots, which feature cutting-edge IceFX® rubber outsoles for added safety and peace of mind. IceFX® innovative tread designs are specially created to help keep you upright during winter, providing greater surface contact in both the heel and forefoot, which results in advanced traction on icy surfaces. IceFX® outsoles are also made using a softer, more flexible rubber compound that won’t harden up in the cold, giving you added protection even on those extra-chilly days. Sorel’s Tivoli IV Winter Boots are another great option for slippery sidewalks, thanks to a molded rubber outsole intended to keep your footing secure on icy winter surfaces.
Love going on winter hikes? WindRiver’s Retallak winter hiking boots are trail-ready and ultra-sturdy, thanks to their Tarantula AntiSlip® outsoles, which provide incredible traction—even on slick surfaces. That’s because where other winter boots can be prone to hydroplaning on wet surfaces (similar to your car), Tarantula AntiSlip® soles boast a unique tread pattern that pushes liquids out from underfoot using micro channels, making it ideal for wet and slushy winter weather.
Stay dry even in ankle-deep snow
Having a pair of boots that are water-resistant (or fully waterproof) is pretty much non-negotiable for Canadian winters, which can be as wet and soggy as they are slushy and snowy. Winter boots offer varying degrees of protection against wet weather, ranging from water-repellent to water-resistant and waterproof (the highest level of protection).
For especially wet winter climates, consider a pair of Helly Hansen Lockdown IceFX boots for men, which feature a waterproof leather upper and vulcanized rubber shell as well as an adjustable locking lace system to keep the elements out. For women, these Denver Hayes Ella boots come equipped with Hyper-Dri® HD3 tech, which pairs a laminated waterproof barrier with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment for the ultimate in water protection. Both styles of boot are ideal for winter wandering and can help ensure your feet remain dry, no matter the weather.
Sorel’s 164 Pac Nylon Winter Boots are also fully waterproof to help keep your feet dry whether you’re out blazing snowy trails or slushy sidewalks thanks to their seam-sealed construction, vulcanized rubber shell and waterproof nylon upper.
Get a boot that’s built to last
Between ice, road salt and ankle-deep snow, winter can do a number on your footwear, so be sure to look for boots that are made of durable, long-lasting material as well.
These WindRiver Women’s Ice Queen waterproof leather boots don’t just come with T-MAX® insulation and IceFX® outsoles, they also feature Duraguard® protection—meaning they’re made with specially treated materials designed to increase their durability and provide added protection against salt stains and wet weather. Helly Hansen’s Bivy 2.0 boots for men also feature this same Duraguard® tech, as well as a plush ultrafoam liner and thick rubber outsoles, making for an extra-durable boot that’s built to withstand season after season of winter wear. Meanwhile, both boots come equipped with FRESHTECH® for all-day freshness and advanced odour protection to help keep your boots fresh all winter long.
Comfort is key
Warmth, traction, water-resistance and durability are all key factors to look for in a winter boot, but comfort is equally important. For daily use, you ideally want to look for a boot that fits more like your comfiest pair of sneakers than a stiff ski boot.
These premium leather WindRiver Back Forty boots feature a commuter-friendly Chelsea boot style, as well as Mark’s innovative Quad Comfort® tech, which offers added shock absorption and cushioning, as well enhanced weight distribution to alleviate pressure points. They also come with cushioned insoles that can be easily swapped out for custom orthotics.
Looking for a boot that can help you go from trudging through the snow to breezing through it? These Baffin Women’s Chloe boots pair a stylish suede upper and faux fur collar with a comfort-fit multi-layer inner boot system for form-fitting comfort, as well as added insulation and warmth.
You’ll be surprised how much of a difference a good winter boot can make—and once you’ve found the right pair, those snowy winter walks will start to look a lot more appealing.
