Is it the winter and the freezing weather that has set you on a path to look for a new pair of quality boots? Or is it your occupation, or a hobby, which involves rough and wet terrain, where you would like to keep your feet comfy and dry?
Makes no difference really, as everyone should have at least a single pair of quality-made boots for harsh conditions, or simply for the classy and elegant look that they can give. Some people will pay more attention to the style and the image they give, while some will prioritize functionality and resilience.
Plenty of Options
In today’s market, be sure that there is something out there for literally anyone. A short shaft or a long one, high heel or low heel, oiled or natural leather, the options are limitless, depending on the nature of your need.
Depending on what you need them for, or dare we say what you want them for, your boot collection could be categorized under a few different types based on their function. Boots made to keep your feet warm and endure freezing conditions are referred to as winter boots, while boots made in the USA for heavy working conditions are categorized as work boots.
Choosing Your Boots
Today, shopping for footwear has never been simpler, but you still need to make sure that you are picking the right model for your feet. If a boot does not fit, it all goes down the drain, as this will make your feet suffer, and you will not be able to wear them.
Aside from picking the right properties of the boot, such as insulation, protection features, material type, and the like, you need to be aware of the way it supports and fits your feet. Good arch support is always necessary, as well as comfort around the ankles and the bottom of your foot, where most of the pressure will be applied.
The break-in period is also something to be considered, as the length of the period varies from model to model, and some boots can take a bit longer to loosen up and start fitting your feet adequately. So take this into consideration before deciding on returning them or changing the size.
Winter Boots
This being winter and with heavy snowfall and low temperatures planning on sticking around for another month or two – it’s often a good idea to have a pair of fine winter boots with thick insulation at your disposal.
If you are choosing winter boots, you’re choosing them for the winter. That much is obvious. So the most important trait, alongside the comfort, of course, should be insulation. Insulation thickness is normally measured in grams (G) which represents the thickness of the insulating material of the boot.
It can range from 200G, which is often suitable for conditions where the chilly morning temperature rises as the day progresses, all the way to 1000G or more for those truly rough, freezing conditions. Insulation does, however, affect the flexibility of the boot. 1000G or more are often quite rigid and are mostly used for activities that don’t require much movement.
Alongside insulation, if you are expecting snowfall or similar wet conditions, you might want to opt for a water-resistant pair to keep your feet dry. Breathable water-resistant materials are widely used by lots of bootmakers in their production process. These materials will keep the water out of your boot, as well as allow the air to flow through to keep your feet from sweating.
Logger Boots
If you are a working man in need of a good pair of durable, comfortable boots – look no further than logger boots. These are a special kind of work boots, normally up to 10 inches tall, they offer great protection and durability in the worst of terrains, such as marshes and forests. This sturdiness and protection, however, comes at the price of reduced maneuverability.
The most common association with logger boots is, logically, logging, as they are more than capable of handling the roughest of nature’s terrains. Their use, however, is much more widespread as lots of people have discovered how versatile they are. Often they’ll come equipped with an anti-slip sole for better grip on muddy and slippery terrain.
A logger boot tip is more square-shaped when compared to most other boots, and is in most cases equipped with toe-protecting features such as composite-toe, or steel-toe. A raised heel is also a common characteristic.
Fun fact: the raised heel gives quite a few benefits, from keeping your foot above the mud you might be treading through, to giving you a better grip on rough terrain or while using climbing spurs. This is why you’ll find even some cable repairmen in urban conditions wearing them, to make the climb up the lampposts as easy as it can get.
Stylish Boots
Not all boots are worn or bought just for their practicality or functionality. Some will simply go great with your long coat, or with those rolled-up jeans. Looks are an important factor where footwear is concerned for quite some time now, and even work boots have been doing their best to look stylish while still providing all the protection and comfort they need to provide.
Using fine and quality materials, with some incredible design, your boots can be one of your best fashion assets you can find. Although work boots are mostly focused on the male consumer group, with the rest of the boot types that is hardly the case.
Boots for women are as varied as they can be, following every fashion trend that comes and goes, creating a plethora of models to choose from to make your style and image unique.
Final Thoughts
As long as you take the right things into consideration when purchasing your pair of quality boots, you are likely to be satisfied with your shopping. A good fit will reduce the wear to a minimum, and prolong the lifespan of the boot. In the long run, this will make a difference, and your boots can serve you for years as long as you take good care of them. Whether it’s a professional necessity, or simply a fashion statement – you will rarely find a wardrobe without a pair of boots inside it.
