As the temperature drops, thoughts turn to warm winter boots. Shearling boots, leather boots, boots with rubber soles and boots with spike heels. Which women's boots are best for cold weather days? Insulated winter boots and waterproof boots are always good bets, but the American Podiatric Medical Association weighed in with its own tips in a 2009 Boot Buying Guide.
Shopping for Women's Winter Boots
When shopping for boots, the APMA recommends taking a pair of support insoles along, because many boots don't have very good arch support. Arch support is important because it prevents overuse injuries and muscle strain. Dr. Rock Positano is a foot doctor in New York and a member of APMA. He was interviewed on Good Morning America in April, 2009 to discuss the arch support in UGG boots.
Postiano suggested the best boots have ample arch support. He said, "The types of shoes that are best are usually a semi-rigid shoe that's not too flexible, that has a small heel." He also said, "A recent study just came out that showed the correlation between a flat arch, and problems with the knee, the hip, and the back."
When shopping for women's winter boots, look for arch support or purchase arch support inserts to wear with boots. Make sure to buy the right sized boot, so feet will fit comfortably with inserts. The APMA recommends having feet measured for proper fit. Foot size can change with weight loss or gain, and feet often get a little larger with age.
Finally, the APMA suggests trying on boots at the end of the day when feet are more likely to be swollen and tired. This ensures the boots will be comfortable even after a full day of use.
Types of Women's Winter Boots
In regions where snow and sleet are common, waterproof boots are vital. The APMA recommends leather or natural material boots because they allow feet to breathe. Waterproofing treatments for leather boots are available online and at shoe repair shops to protect natural material boots. Waterproof treatments like Aquaseal, SnowSeal, and NikWax are available for under $10 a bottle. Expect to pay slightly more for treatments at shoe repair shops.
Synthetic boots may seem like a better deal, but because they don't offer the airflow of natural leather boots feet will sweat more. And man-made materials will trap in foot odors. This is also true of rubber rain boots, but an odor-absorbing shoe insert can help combat this problem.
Shearling boots like UGGs are very popular. The only downside to them is the lack of arch support. Inserts should be used with any rigid, flat-soled winter boots to prevent long-term strain and overuse injuries to ankles and knees.
Women's Winter Boot Prices
Synthetic winter boots generally cost less than natural material boots. Prices for synthetic shearling, or "furry winter boots" can be as low as $39 or less at online retailers like Overstock and Zappos. Department store clearance sales often have synthetic furry boots for under $50.
A pair of leather or suede winter boots will generally run in the $89 and up range. Some well-known boot designers like Timberland sell in the $89 to $140 range for ankle boots, and $149 to $220 for tall winter boots. Designer boots will generally range in the $200 to $600 range. Designers like Bruno Magli, Bally, and Burberry are at the highest price range with boots from $615 to $800 and up.
Winter Boot Buying Made Easy
When shopping for women's boots, price does not guarantee warmth or comfort. Try on several pair and don't be afraid to return or exchange boots that aren't insulated or comfortable enough. Boots should also be waterproof to keep feet dry during the snow and sleet filled days of winter. Buy arch support inserts if winter boots don't have built-in support, and try boots on at the end of the day to get the best fit.
Tall winter boots provide the most protection from winter weather, and tall boots can be found for as low as $89. Keep these tips in mind when buying women's winter boots. A good pair of boots will last several years, and they'll keep feet dry and warm all season.
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