Rain and Snow Boots

Winter, snow, and rain boots are often an afterthought and chosen as footwear out of necessity and comfort rather than style. Although snow boots are generally thought of as synonymous with a winter boot, they are distinctly different types of footwear. In addition, other types of footwear, including duck boots and rain boots provide protection in specific weather conditions. Snow boots don’t necessarily provide comfort or protection for every kind of winter condition and, conversely, winter boots aren’t made only for snow. Understanding the materials each kind of boot is made from and also what conditions a material will effectively repel can help you determine which kind of boot is right for you.

Winter Boots

The term winter boot can be used to identify nearly any boot that is made for general and anticipated winter weather conditions. If you live in a climate that experiences harsh winter conditions such as bitter temperatures, a winter boot can be the ideal footwear. Every winter boot, however, does not provide the same protection rating against low temperatures and this can vary significantly based on the materials used to make the boot. Subzero temperatures in winter are dangerous to any part of your body, even if it isn’t directly exposed. Not every winter boot can insulate your feet against what would be considered a typical New England or Michigan winter, where temperatures and wind chills are consistently in the negative digits. A winter boot made from Thinsulate or a similar thin, but highly protective insulating material, can ward off temperatures that can lead to frostbite. On the outside, a winter boot should also guard your feet against moisture that can cause skin damage.

Duck Boots

Duck boots are popular with people who work or play outside during the winter and into the sometimes soggy spring. A duck boot is designed with a shoe bottom that is made completely of rubber and attached to an upper portion that is usually made from leather. The rubber shoe of the duck boot effectively keeps out water, slush, ice and snow, preventing moisture infiltration that can lead to serious damage to the skin. A duck boot also tends to be more durable than boots made from other types of material, so it’s perfect for working in muddy conditions without worrying about destroying the boot. A high quality duck boot will also have some form of thin but protective insulation inside the boot and often, into the upper portion that covers the ankle and calf.

Snow Boots

Snow boots are made specifically for use in snow or slush and are designed to resist moisture and insulate your feet and lower legs. In contrast, a winter boot won’t necessarily need to be waterproof or water resistant, because winter weather does not necessarily include snow or slush in every location. Ideally, a snow boot will have an upper portion that will cover your pant’s hems, to prevent water, slush and snow from getting in. Uppers are typically made from either leather or nylon that has been sealed with a water or moisture-proofing chemical. Additionally, the seams of a snow boot should also be chemically sealed to keep water from leaking in.

Rain Boots

The most common type of rain boot is the ones made completely of colored rubber, usually worn by kids. You may not realize it but a rain boot can be styled for adults as well and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. A rain boot may be more like a shoe, just covering the foot or it can be extraordinarily long, covering the entire lower portion of the leg. The sole purpose of any rain boot is to keep water away from the part of your foot or leg that the boot covers. For colder climate use, a rain boot may have some form of insulation lining the shoe and upper and it may also have some type of fastener at the top to hold it tight against the leg. People who work outside and parents love rain boots, because washing them is as easy as rinsing them off with a hose or running them under warm water.

Choosing a Boot

The primary way to correctly choose a boot for your needs is to identify how you will be using the boot and also what kind of weather conditions you tend to encounter. If you work outdoors in cold temperatures, your boot will likely need to have some form of insulation that prevents cold temperatures from reaching your skin. Working or playing outdoors in snow will require a boot that keeps the snow out and keeps your feet warm. Additionally, if you often encounter icy conditions, your boot should have some type of traction at the bottom to prevent slips and falls. Most importantly, any boot you are considering should feel comfortable when you put it on and when you walk around. A boot that doesn’t feel comfortable can be worse than one that lets moisture or cold temperatures inside.