Hello fellow travelers! Who likes to Hike and explore the winter outdoors? So it is that time to discuss your safety for your precious number one working body part. Yes, it is your feet. Keeping your feet warm and dry during your winter outdoor explorations will keep you at the job a bit longer. Your feet will thank you!
Many times healthcare travelers go to a job without thinking about the activities they may assume. I went to Washington. I didn’t know hiking was a beautiful experience there. I didn’t do the research to prepare. It left me with an UH OH feeling in my gut. Which boots do I need? Hiking is what people do on their free time for enjoyment. It is fulfilling to get to that beautiful picturesque spot. So keeping your feet safe during that journey up the mountain is important. I can’t tell you how many people I have done an xray or a CT on with injuries from hiking. I’m sure you have some stories too. So, lets be safe and not become a patient.
Best Brands
What makes them the best?
Columbia produces a wide array of women’s, men’s, and children boots to appease your interest in the winter explorations this season. They are warm, waterproof or water resistant, light weight, and have plenty of traction. Rocks get slippery when they are wet. So, good traction is a must on a slushy winter hike. Staying warm is key. Stay out of the water. You don’t want to slip and accidently go swimming this winter.
Ugg offers a diversified selection of boots that focus on functionality, warmth, and water resistant styles. They are great for keeping those toes warm on a snowy blissful day. They are wool lined to hold in the heat.
Merrell boots are famous for their superior grip. They are made with an artic grip sole that is excellent traction. This boot will keep you from slipping in icy situations. They also have the deep tread to allow you to move easily in snowy, rocky, or muddy areas. Allowing you more safety for your hike.
Sorel boots will keep your feet super warm. They are rated to keep your feet warm down to a -100 degrees. They are a comfortable and lightweight boot that is waterproof to keep your feet dry. They are excellent for walks in the snow.
Bogs is a great winter boot for warmth. They have a Neo-tech insulation allowing the small pockets to trap warm air to keep your feet warm. However, they do not have great traction on the soles. So, slipping can ocurr.
Northface boots are a great warm boot with insulation that is waterproof and great tread. These boots can keep your feet warm down to a – 40 degrees. The insulation is also breathable to allow your feet a dryness that is unparallel to other boots in the industry.
Choosing the right boot?
Columbia – lightwieght, great traction, water resistant to waterproof, -25 degrees, durable, rigid sole, $60-170+
Ugg – Light weight, functional, stylish, warmth -32 degrees, $150-200
Merrell- known for superior grip and deep tread, 20-30 degrees F, $100-250
Sorel – light weight, warm, nonslip, waterproof, -100 degrees, $125-240
Bogs – warms with neo tech insulation, light weight, 30 degees F, $120-175
Northface – waterproof breathable insulation, great tread, -40 degrees, $109-280
Choosing the right boot for you will depend on your budget, style preference, and functionality of the boot. You have to ask yourself what activity you are going to be indulging in? Will you be hiking through mud and much? Or through and icy snowy mush? Is it going to snow or has it already snowed? What elevation are you hiking to? You may be using your winter boots for just playing in the snow with your family or you may be going on a quick ski trip. Whatever you decide your adventure will be will depict what boot to select.
How well do they travel?
Winter boots are typically lightweight with rigid soles. Depending on the leg height of the boot, you have to think about space in your luggage. I find that putting my boots in my suitcase first allows me an idea of how my back can be packed. They may pack light, but you will lose space from the sole. I would pack them in the edges of your suit case so the soles are on an edge. This way you have middle room for all of your other items. Put a barrier between your boots and your other belongings. I like to use space saver backs to separate my clothes from my boots. Winter boots can travel well if you utilize space-saving tips.
Get packing!
Has anyone ever done one of those body temperature games at like an aquarium or another place you have visited? Your extremities are the coolest part of your body. Your head and body are the warmest. It is important to keep your feet warm in the winter. Plan your activities when you go to a new assignment. It will save you a huge headache later. Or, a foot ache! Your winter boots are a necessity if you plan to hike or ski in the winter months. It is always fun to do these activities until you have wet and cold feet. Brrrrr! I’m packing mine.
Cheers,
Kathleen
w. travelimagingnut.com
Hey Kathleen, Thank you for the article! I appreciate all the information on these boots! My wife and I just moved to a colder climate and I was planning on buying her some winter boots for her birthday! Thank you for all of the info in a central location! I will definitely be buying some soon!
Cody, You are welcome. I’m glad I could help. Make sure they are cute boots. I know she will love them. Happy Birthday to your wife and stay warm. Thank you for visiting.
I have always had bad circulation, which means that my hands and feet are always cold. Having boots that can keep my feet warm and dry, is a priority for me. So finding this post with so many great choices for winter safety boots, is great.
I have been wanting a pair of Ugg boots for a long time, as I know they are great for keeping feet warm. But how suitable is the tread for using them on a hiking trip? Or are they better for just using around the house or campsite? Thank you.
Hi LineCowley! Ugg boots typically are a warm fashion statement to wear around the house, campsite, and maybe in some snow. Pay attention to the different features of the specific boot. Some styles are not meant to get wet nor have the traction for a hiking expedition. The Ugg Adirondack III is probably the best shoe for the cold wet slushy adventure.
Hey thank you for the important reminder to wear good-quality gear that is suited for the task. I am also a big fan of Teva water-resistant boots. They are extremely comfortable and have held up well, but I’m not sure they are ready for terrain too challenging or on days that are too cold. Thanks for sharing these brands and some helpful info about how they perform. Looking forward to getting a quality pair of winter safety boots!
Hi Aly! I am so happy you liked the read. Actually, Teva does have a boot that is safe for those cold, slippery, and wet conditions. You can find it here. https://amzn.to/3JhIKUf. It is the Teva Grandview gore tex boot. Happy Traveling!
Great article! Great centralization of several brands. It sure does make it easier for people like me to click through to check them out! Also, the information under choosing the right boot is fantastic! Literally, everything I would consider; what kind of insulation, the cost, and what temp do they work for. My fiance is a medical courier and so he works out in the weather, he’s always looking for. boots with traction as well as weather proof and keep his feet warm (they’re always cold). I will definitely have him check out these recommendations!
Thank you Priscillab88. I am glad you enjoyed the read. I hope your fiancé finds the right fit for him to keep his feet warm. That is super important in his job.
I found this post about winter safety boots and I think it’s a great topic to discuss, especially since winter is here.
Have you tried any of the boots that were talked about in the post? Which one do you think is the best option? I am looking for a pair of boots to wear in the winter and I would love to hear some personal experiences.
When I choose a good pair of boots, I think about comfort first. It is important to me that the boots keep my feet warm and dry, but they should also be comfortable to wear. Do you have any thoughts or opinions on this?
I appreciate you sharing this post! It was really helpful.
Hi Bob, Yes, I have Columbia boots that I took hiking in Washington this year. The snow covered mountains there are just amazingly beautiful. The views are breathtaking. Well, the cold is too. My boots kept my feet comfortable, warm, and dry while my daughter and I played in the snow at Hurricane Ridge. I highly recommend those views. Happy Traveling!
Hi Kathleen thank you so much for your nice concise review of winter safety boots. I love the simple way you have captured all the information and consolidated the links for us. We will be traveling soon to Europe and Im going to need to invest in a good pair of boots so this review is really opportune. Will check out some of your other articles as well.
Hello Abbas! I am so happy you enjoyed the information. If you are hiking in Europe make sure to get a comfortable boot. Happy Traveling!