Any hiker who’s serious about their sport needs to outfit their feet, beginning with a solid pair of hiking boots. Our feet are our tool. However, before you make any investment, you must ensure that they can be utilized yearly. Why limit yourself to summer day trips and hikes that aren’t earthy?
Fresh winter air and crisp powdered snow that clings to the treetops provide a thrilling experience.
With the proper care and valuable accessories, your winter boots will be able to take you on dry trails and those with snow.
When To Use Hiking Boots In Winter?
Generally speaking, regular boots stand well in the light snow. However, if there’s no large layer of snow or you’re walking on packed snow, shoes for hiking provide a better grip than conventional winter footwear.
A majority are made of water-resistant material and will ensure that you are dry and comfortable during short periods. If you live in areas with mild snowfalls or winter weather, you could either winterize your hiking boots or purchase winter hiking boots or mountaineering boots.
However, we wouldn’t recommend regular footwear for hikes in too deep snow (anything more significant than a few inches). Even if the boots are waterproof (Gore-Tex), the regular ones aren’t made to prevent snow at the top and through seams. It is recommended to wear snowshoes if you plan for a snowy adventure.
There is a chance that you’ll be wondering what are the best backpacking or mountaineering boots suitable for the ice? Yes, except if we’re speaking of Converse sneakers. Although they offer a good quantity of grip, they’re designed to grip hard surfaces instead of slippery ones. If you’re walking on frozen surfaces, it is necessary to pair them with microspikes. You can also check out our article on how to improve how comfortable your boots are for backpacking. There’s plenty of helpful information in there.
Hiking Boots VS Snow Boots
What’s the distinction between boots explicitly made for snowshoes and hiking boots? Mountaineering boots and hiking boots are designed explicitly for activities which means they’re designed to support the ankle and provide grip on rough terrain. Ankle support is essential when it comes to these types of situations. Because a standard hiking boot was not made specifically for the winter season, The most common issues you’ll have to face are protection, insulation, and traction.
However, winter snow hiking boots were designed specifically for winter – they’re made for wet weather and provide excellent ankle support. In general, they have superior rubber soles. This is waterproofing, mid-to-high cut designs to keep snow out, and superior insulation to ensure maximum warmth for your winter hiking boots.
For sure, to be warmer, you’ll prefer to wear them with a suitable warm hat and well-insulated leggings. Since they’re made for snow that isn’t packed, they’re not made for hard-to-reach surfaces or rugged terrain. Snow boots are more suitable for winter sports that require light activity.
What Makes Hiking Boots Good For Snow?
Three significant components determine if your winter hiking boots are appropriate for winter hikes.
· Sturdiness
Since the terrain can change drastically in different snow conditions, your winter footwear tends to be heavier and more rigid.
Essential features to consider on your hiking boots include a secure ankle fitting and high ankle collars to keep snow from your winter hiking boots. In addition, soles have a higher grip and thickness, which reduces the slip factor.
· Insulation
No matter if you have an excellent blood flow or are highly prone to cold, ensure that your winter hiking boots are protected. A good hiking boot ought to be.
Insulation is either built-in or removed. This could range between 200-g and 800-g of insulation constructed from natural or synthetic materials.
· Waterproofing
The danger of wet feet is while walking in winter, as frigid temperatures cause them to freeze.
You don’t wish to be suffering from frostbite! The hiking boot you wear is the primary cause of that.
The standard hiking boots might be water-resistant; however, you’ll want waterproof winter boots. The hiking boot must seal the water entirely but still allow some airflow.
Our experience has taught us that winter hiking boots incorporate these three elements into consideration during the design process. In addition, they have three characteristics that are favorable to snow:
- Reinforced toe caps provide extra protection from elements and the terrain. Additionally, it allows you to attach snow-compatible equipment like microspikes and crampons to your boot without harming it.
- Gusseted tongues on your hiking boots to ensure no leakage of snow or water through the bottom of laces.
- Mid-cut to high-cut style for excellent ankle support, without letting the water out.
- Liners that can be removed are preferable to constructed insulation if your boots become wet. They dry completely so that you don’t need to put on damp boots the next day.
It is important to note that winter shoes tend to be heavier because of the winterized and insulating sole.
However, they’re not so heavy as boots with caps made of steel, however. Mountaineering shoes that are lightweight can be found for people who want to go on long trips.
Getting the Right Size
The last thing to say is that getting in shape is the most important thing. If you don’t have it, you won’t be happy. Comfort and very well are by far the most important things for you.Shoes that are too tight could stop circulation, and too loose boots could cause injury.
Test conducted by:
- You are wiggling your toes. You should be capable of moving them without sliding your heel.
- The ankle should be rotated. There must be some flexibility in addition to the support.
- Moving around in them. Be sure to check for discomforting pressure points or blisters.
- In winter, don your hiking socks. The winter socks are heftier, and therefore, you should consider the extra material.
- Pay attention to your ankle’s support. The boot should comfortably fit your ankles.
Using Hiking Boots In The Snow:
There are many ways to make winter walks through the winter snow enjoyable for you, thanks to your boots.
· Wear Proper Socks
That’s why you need long-lasting wool socks that wick moisture and retain warmth. Take a spare set of socks made from wool for long walks if they are wet, sweaty snow, or any other cause.
· Use Extra Accessories
Sometimes, it’s worth adding additional features such as.
- Gaiters: From ankle-length to knee-length, gaiters are used all year long to keep snow as well as mud, insects, and other unwanted items from your winter boots.
- Crampons: A must-have item for extreme winter hiking to help keep feet safe on frozen and ice-covered surfaces. Be sure that your footwear is equipped to hold crampons.
- Microspikes: They can be used on flat surfaces as well. They are utilized for traction on packed-down snow and slippery surfaces. It is easily attachable and compatible with all winter boots and hiking boots.
- Snowshoes: If it is newly fallen, deep snow, they will aid you in walking across it instead of sinking into it the snow and getting your winter boots wet.
· Waterproof Your Hiking Boots
Synthetic boots, in particular, can absorb water. So give your waterproof shoe clothing even in the event of highly light snow!
It’s similar to waterproofing your tent. First, you must apply a water repellent (DWR) coat. It will not only keep you dry, but it will protect the materials of your footwear as well.
