Winter Shoe Buying Guide

Our selection includes a great range of warm winter shoes that are perfect for outdoor activities and hiking. High-quality shoes are also built to last.

A warm winter shoe is an essential factor in staying warm in cold weather. If the shoe isn’t warm or dry, or if you’re wearing the wrong kind of socks, the cold will quickly creep in—even if the rest of your clothing is suitable for the weather.

Our selection of winter shoes includes stylish models suited for both the outdoors and the city. Some shoes work well in both environments.

When shopping for winter shoes, it’s worth considering the following factors:

Choosing Winter Shoes

• Consider the intended use of the shoe
• Amount of insulation and sole thickness
• Grip and traction of the sole
• Shaft height
• Weight and walking comfort
• Waterproofness
• Choose a slightly larger size

Winter Shoes for the City

For city use, it’s best to choose a shoe that is comfortable to wear and has a sole with good grip. Shoes with friction soles or studs offer the best traction on icy surfaces. The amount of insulation should be selected based on how the shoes will be used. In the city, a high shaft is rarely necessary, and a mid-height shoe is often more versatile.

Here you can find men’s high grip shoes and studded shoes.
Here are women’s high grip shoes and studded shoes.

You can choose a slightly sportier, more stylish, or better-gripping sole according to your preference.

Our selection also includes winter shoes designed more for everyday use.

Popular city models in our range come from brands such as Helly Hansen, Palladium, Icebug, Timberland, Kamik, Sorel, Pomar, and Jack Wolfskin.

Winter Shoes for Hiking and Walking in Nature

For hiking, a slightly warmer shoe is usually preferred, especially if the plan includes sitting down or staying still for a while. Trails may be icy or covered with hard-packed snow, where studded shoes provide the best grip. If walking off-trail, it’s good for the sole to have a larger lug pattern for better traction.

When hiking, a slightly higher shaft is often practical when there’s more snow. However, if you’re planning longer walks, it’s best not to choose shoes that are too heavy, as walking in snow with them can be tiring.

A waterproof winter shoe is especially useful in southern winters, where temperatures often rise above freezing.

Popular winter shoe brands for hiking in our selection include Icebug, Meindl, Halti, Lowa, Merrell, Hanwag, and Salomon.

Winter Shoes for Winter Trekking

For winter trekking, very warm shoes are often needed for camp use and short walks. If you’re not covering long distances in the shoes, a thicker sole that insulates well against the cold coming from the ground is preferred, and the weight of the shoe becomes a less important factor.

On a winter trek, a higher shaft is again beneficial, as you’re likely to be walking in deeper snow. Some of the warmest shoe models include the Sorel Caribou, Kamik Nation Pro Wide, and Nokian rubber boots such as Kaira and Naali, which feature a thick, removable felt liner.

Choosing the Right Size for Winter Shoes

The most common mistake when buying outdoor or winter shoes is choosing a size that is too small. The insulation of a winter shoe relies on air space, so the shoe should not be too tight. It’s a good idea to choose a size large enough to comfortably fit thicker socks.

If your feet feel cold despite wearing warm shoes, the problem might be your socks. Wool socks work best, as they retain warmth even when damp. You can also use thermal insoles in your shoes for added warmth or insulation.

You can find all women’s winter shoes here and men’s winter shoes here. Stay warm and enjoy the outdoors this winter!