Key Points
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Snow boots and winter boots have similarities, but ultimately, they are two different things.
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Snow boots are great for cold weather when wearers are outside for long periods.
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Winter boots are stylish and used for casual outdoor use in the cold weather.
When winter hits, you want to be able to keep your feet as warm as possible. Everyday shoes no longer do the trick — you need boots. However, what kind of boots are available? Should you look for winter boots, snow boots, or something else? Are the two actually that different?
As you attempt to winterize your wardrobe, you want to consider your feet. Many people use winter and snow boots interchangeably, but they differ. They have different functions, purposes, strengths, and styles. Comparing the options is a good idea if you want to understand what direction is necessary to suit your goals.
Michael Mckinney, the footwear department coordinator at Midwest Mountaineering in Minnesota, says, “When shopping for winter boots, it’s important to remember our bodies are like a tree. Our core is our warmest and our extremities require more time for warm blood to circulate to them. In the cold, our fingers and toes get cold faster.” Moreover, that is why boots are necessary for the wintertime.
Similarities Between Snow and Winter Boots
Snow boots and winter boots are meant to keep your feet warm and dry in colder temperatures.
Whether or not the boots do that depends on what kind you get and how you use them. If you use a snow boot when you really should have a winter boot, your feet will be dry, but they might be overly warm. On the other hand, if you use a winter boot when you should be wearing a snow boot, your feet could get cold and wet.
Snow Boots
Snow boots are great for walking through the snow but also work well against wet weather and cold days. Snow boots are often insulated and offer an extra shell around the foot to protect your toes from freezing during the winter. They come in a range of warmness, rated on their insulation. Many snow boots are also waterproof, so they don't let the snow, rain, or other moisture in around your feet.
When you turn a snow boot over, notice the heavy tread on the underside. That tread helps wearers to avoid slipping on icy snow. That tread is an integral part of any snow boot. Additionally, snow boots are generally taller and fit around the calf. You lace or belt them up so they are on the tight side to fight the cold and keep snow out of the boot.
Some snow boots are heavy as they have thick soles, heavy insulation, and waterproof materials. They are not always for everyday wear since they are heavy and warm, but they protect feet against cold conditions and the snow on the ground.
Boots of this kind excel in wet, snowy conditions because of their overall design. They are durable, long-lasting, and have materials that do well under that pressure. Since it is hard to walk through snow often, snow boots offer extra protection to the foot to keep you comfortable in the long-term cold. These boots are specialists in providing warmth in cold weather. They keep feet warm outside for long periods in the wintertime.
Snow boots come in a variety of heights, but they usually at least cover the ankles and climb partway up the calf. This aspect helps you to keep your feet and lower legs warm, and it also aids you in preventing snow from falling into the boot.
If you have cold winter months that often include snow, having a pair of snow boots is essential to your wardrobe. Even if you live in a warmer climate, you might go skiing, vacation in other states, or visit family in their location to sled. You need warm, dry feet, which means a pair of snow boots are in your future.
Snow Boots Materials
Snow boots should keep your feet warm and dry, even in harsh conditions. They need specific materials to meet those functional goals. Certain materials work well on snow boots, and you can recognize boots as ‘snow boots’ when you see those materials included in their construction.
Rubber is one material often found in snow boots. Rubber or nylon helps the boots keep the snow and rain at bay, even in the coldest conditions. Boots with rubber on the exterior and along the soles may be waterproof. This element is different from water resistance and is what you want to make boots functional in the snow.
Another trendy material in snow boots is Thinsulate. You may see this material in other winter items like coats, hats, and gloves. It is a type of insulation that is lightweight but traps heat well. Thinsulate helps your feet feel nice and warm, even in harsh temperatures. This material also helps keep the boots' weight down so they are not too heavy and bulky.
Wool is another option for insulation that makes snow boots warm and comfortable. There are also synthetic materials, but wool fibers are natural materials that trap heat and help your boots to breathe and dry faster. They cost more than synthetics but do not mold or grow mildew as lower-quality products can.
Snow Boots Pricing
Snow boots come in a wide range of costs, starting at a budget-friendly level and going up to a level that not everyone can afford.
You often get what you pay for in snow boots. If the boots are more expensive, they have further insulation and higher-quality waterproofing. Lower-cost boots still work well but may not last as long or be as warm. Check temperature ratings and match yourself with boots that suit your needs.
Great Snow Boot Options
When you are ready to purchase snow boots and know that is the type of boot you need, you have to figure out which boots to buy. Kamik Nation Plus has one of the best combinations of performance and price. You do not have to worry about getting cold; these boots help you remain slip-free in icy conditions. These boots are a good fit if you are outside a lot, shoveling, working, or walking through the snow.
The Men’s and Women’s boots from Sorel Caribou are ideal for snowy, wet weather. They have a rubber base that keeps the moisture out and works well when the snow melts, and things get extra mushy outside. The rubber sole keeps your feet off the ground, and the interior fur is warm and comfortable no matter how long you must stay outside.
Winter Boots
Winter boots include the bare essentials and usually have much less included in their construction than snow boots.
While they can be waterproof, that is not always the case. They are usually water resistant, which means they do well in light rain. Winter boots help your feet stay warm and dry when running errands or going about your everyday life during the winter weather. They do not work when exposed to cold temperatures for longer; do not use them to walk through the snow.
This type of boot is not generally temperature rated since they should not be in the cold for long. They are much lighter in weight because they do not have the extra insulation, rubber protection, and other things that snow boots always include.
Winter boots come in a variety of different heights that range from ankle to knee-high. Since these boots are not for walking through the snow, you do not have to worry about snow getting into the boot. Wear ankle boots for style as you rush to and from work. Wear a skirt, pair it with knee-high boots, and stay warm.
Think of a winter boot as more of a general-use item. It could feature insulation to keep the feet warm, but it is more for everyday wear than for walking through the snow or spending a long time outside.
Winter boots can serve you well if you have a mild winter or are not outside very much. You cannot expect them to serve you well if you want to walk through the snow or stay outside for long periods.
Winter Boots Materials
Since winter boots have different functions than snow boots, the materials in those options vary. They do not always have rubber for waterproofing, though they can sometimes include it for water resistance. They also do not always have insulating linings. Instead, you see a variety of other materials that make winter boots stylish and functional for different purposes.
Leather is one material you likely never see featured in snow boots, but it is standard on winter boots. Leather is not a material that stands up well to water, but it looks nice and can help to ward off the chill in the air. Be careful where and how you wear leather winter boots, but they help you to dress up your look or remain casual. Leather is also durable and flexible and comes in many different colors.
Textiles are another material that winter boots sometimes include. They may have a fabric exterior with specific colors or patterns on them. Find more variety in winter boots because of the fabric materials available.
Winter Boots Pricing
Like snow boots, winter boots come in a range of different prices. The materials, construction, and brand name greatly affect the price. Some boots are more expensive just because of their name. The style and features of boots can also change their price tag. Height is another factor. You can expect to pay more for a knee-high boot than an ankle boot.
Great Winter Boot Options
It can be hard to find warm shoes for the winter with a sense of style. Winter boots are a good fit. The Ugg Malvella Waterproof Boots are just such an option. They have leather, suede, wool, and rubber materials included but no insulation. With black and charcoal colors, you can match different styles. The wedge booties feature a stacked heel that brings a sense of style, but the boots also do well in the rain, snow, and sleet.
The Timberland Nellie Waterproof Ankle Boot is another good option to consider. Comparable in price, these lower-cut boots keep feet dry and warm without overheating them. Pair them with skirts, jeans, or leggings; their rubber outsoles combat the wetness around you during those winter days.
Which Boot Type Do You Need?
The next step is to decide which boot type you need. Perhaps you want one or more of each style, which is also okay. However, you still need to know when to wear which pair of boots for the best results.
One easy rule of thumb is to think about whether you need to stay warm and dry or whether you want to look fashionable. If you need to go outside to shovel the snow, or if you are going sledding, snow boots are the way to go. Winter boots suffice if you are running errands or headed to work.
Pairing Boots with Socks for Warmth
No matter what kind of boot you get, you need more than just the boot to keep your feet warm and dry. If you place your feet into a snow boot with wool lining, your feet might sweat or even itch. If you have bare feet inside a winter boot, the silky lining could rub and cause blisters. Having suitable sock options can make or break your comfort.
With snow boots, you might want a wool sock that helps you to add warmth, cushioning, and comfort. The socks should be breathable and moisture-wicking, so if your feet get a little hot during your skiing session, they won't remain wet and edge to the cold side.
For winter boots, you may want socks that act as more of a liner. You do not need the extra padding and warmth, but you want something between your feet and the boot. You want a moisture-wicking material for winter boots as well.
The Bottom Line: Differences Between Snow Boots and Winter Boots
If you want to keep things simple, you can use a few guidelines to differentiate between snow boots and winter boots. Both are good for winter conditions, but their variations can help you determine what you need.
Their Construction
Snow boots work well in icy conditions for long periods. They do not let the water in and insulate your feet to keep them warm. You get all-around protection from the cold weather and wetness.
On the other hand, winter boots keep your feet warm in the cold, but not for very long. They resist water, but your feet still get cold and wet. They often look better and include construction with flair and a sense of style.
Their Insulation
Winter boots sometimes have insulation but at a much lower level than snow boots. Snow boots have a varied level of insulation, but they help you retain heat in your feet for a long time, even at shallow temperatures. Inspectors judge insulation by its weight. The higher the number, the warmer the boots are. You can find variations in both boots, but snow boots' insulating qualities go much higher.
Their Weight
If you were to pick up a snow boot in one hand and a winter boot in the other, it is easy to tell that the snow boot is much heavier than its competitor. Snow boots are heavy because of their materials and insulation. Wearing them for everyday ventures, like errands or to travel to work, might feel too much. Winter boots are lighter and easier to maneuver regularly. You do not want to feel weighed down for simple tasks. Furthermore, you do not want something light that doesn't keep you warm in the snow, either.
Consider Your Needs for Winter Snow Boots
While snow boots and winter boots are not the same, it makes sense that they are often confused. Their goal is similar: keeping your feet warm during the colder months. How you use them to get what you need varies. Consider the details before buying either option and make an informed decision each time you choose a boot to wear outside in the wintertime.
Many consumers have one or more pairs of each style to accommodate different circumstances. Research the qualities of each boot you consider to get the most out of your purchase.
For more up-to-date info on the latest boot trends, styles, and purchasing options, check out BootAuthority.
