Sturdy winter shoes. What should they be?

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In winter, it is necessary not only to dress thoroughly, but also to put on clothes. This also applies to trips to the countryside. What should the best outdoor winter boots do?

What features must meet the best winter shoes

Specialised footwear is very important for outdoor activities. We should definitely not go on hikes in ordinary shoes such as trainers. In extreme cases, inappropriate shoes can be dangerous. We must take into account the type of activity, the difficulty of the terrain and the general conditions.

Winter boots must be appropriately warm, waterproof, even in the form of rain or snow, and also resistant to dirt in the form of mud. And they should also be able to ensure safe movement on slippery, icy surfaces. This is subject to the following attributes:

• cut
• sole
• material
• membrane
• insulation
• shoe size

Cut

The height of the boots is also very important. By design, most winter versions are taller, but for less demanding terrain, low boots may be fine. A lower cut means more comfort for walking and is also suitable for wearing in town. The boots are lighter and more breathable.

You will appreciate the high cut (snowshoes) especially in the mountains for walks in deep snow and winter fun. Such a boot not only protects you better from water, snow or dirt. At the same time, it also reduces the risk of sprains. Similarly, ankle (high) boots can also be distinguished according to the height of the chimney. This means that the footwear is divided into MID (medium) and HIGH (high) models.

Sole

The sole should be made of a high grip material to reduce the risk of slipping. This is usually the case with current shoes, which use rubber or high quality rubber. Optimally, your boots should also have a deep enough tread pattern that is specially shaped for movement in snowy areas. The grooves should be evenly distributed over the entire surface.

The sole can also be glued or injected. The risk of a glued design stems from its nature. It can easily peel off. It is therefore minimally used in winter boots today. The injection moulded sole is a better choice from a practical point of view.

Material

In terms of material, there are practically three options available on the current market, namely:

• leather
• synthetic
• combination

Leather footwear, which is most often cowhide, has the advantage of greater durability, longer life and also greater comfort. On the other hand, this is compensated by a higher weight. Leather is also waterproof, but on the other hand impermeable.

Textile uppers, on the other hand, are characterized by lower weight, adapt more easily to your limb and dry out faster. It also has the advantage of a lower price. You're sure to find the right option at https://sportano.cz/znacky/salewa.

Thermal insulation

Another specific "gadget" of outdoor boots for winter is the insulation, i.e. the insulating layer needed to keep your feet warm. Which are also most often synthetic materials. Previously, sheep's wool was the main material used, but now synthetic materials dominate again.

These are now mostly found under the trade name Polartec or Thinsulate. Both insulate well, Polartec is characterised by its perfect breathability, light weight and quick drying. Thinsulate is thinner and lighter than its counterpart.

Boot size

Keep in mind that the foot will swell under increased physical exertion, which will be reflected in the size of the boot. In addition, you definitely need to be able to fit a thicker sock in your shoe. Thus, it is necessary to get shoes half a size to a size larger than you normally wear. You can find a wide selection of shoes at https://sportano.cz/boty-salewa.