It's winter time in town, and you're beginning to feel the chills. You've bought the gear to keep yourself warm. But you still need to tick the footwear off your checklist. Don't worry. This guide will help you with some shoes to wear in winter besides boots.

Now, if you go to the store and can't find the right boots, you need alternatives. I'll guide you through some of them in this post.
When it comes to winter, we must prepare for a few different things. It's the several winter elements like snow, sleet, rain, etc.
Your feet must also get enough attention during the winter season. You might not feel the pinch in mild conditions. But your feet must stay warm at all times in extreme weather.

The Need for Footwear in Winter

Apart from your aesthetic winter outfits, accessories play a vital role in winter wear.
Back home, you might have enough stock of beanies, gloves, mittens, etc. But is that the case with your winter shoes as well?

Winter can bring you face-to-face with many of its harsh elements. You might experience wind chill, slippery roads, frostbite, etc. Now, you must ensure that you're safe amidst all this harm.

Photo by Valeriia Miller

You don't need to worry further if your feet are well protected.

As the temperatures drop, you're body and feet will be happy with as much warmth as possible.

Tips to Keep Your Feet Warm

The journey of Kosha socks | An idea to reality.

When temperatures dip below 10°C, it's best for both men and women to wear merino wool socks. These socks are available in two styles:

- Classic fine-knit socks for men and women

- Advanced Merino wool socks for men and women. These socks come with a cushioned support on the pressure point of the feet. They have an in-built arched support and a breathable mesh. The latter allows it to dry fast and not shrink after a long day.

Typically you should wear one pair of socks for two days without washing. It's an excellent practice to wear them during the day and air-dry them at night. Also, you must keep your feet dry in winter to ensure that they stay warm.

Are you planning to indulge in outdoor activities like hiking or trekking? In that case, avoid wearing wet socks. Even if they get damp, change them immediately.

If you don't, you might suffer from frostbite. Also, you must change your socks as soon as you're done hiking or trekking for the day.

Before you begin your trek, use an antibacterial powder for your feet's safety. Ensure to sprinkle it between your toes. It ensures that your feet are well taken care of while you're busy exerting yourself.

Along with this, you must moisturize your ankles and the soles of your feet. It ensures that your skin won't feel stretched at any point. If you feel like giving it some more attention, use warm olive oil and massage your feet.

If you want to know about the complete winter assemble you can also check out our thermals, waterproof jacket, and woollen gloves.

Check out winter accessories for men here, accessories for women here

Tips to Buy Shoes to Wear in Winter Besides Boots

Like all other types of clothing, follow a checklist for your footwear too. You won't fall short of options for the season. But, they must agree with a few pointers.

So, let's help you out in picking the ideal type for your winter footwear.

      1.Does It Provide Warmth?

Warmth is a must for your clothing choices in winter. This feature should be a given for your winter shoes. Do you experience extreme winters in your area?

Then, you must ensure that your shoes can withstand the temperatures in your region. Also, you need a good lining material for the required warmth.

     2. Feel the Comfort for Long Hours

Once those shoes are on, you wouldn't want to get rid of them. But, you must ensure that the shoes are top-quality. That's what allows comfort and longevity to grow.

You must buy shoes that have a simple structure. Don't look for something fancy or complex, as it can add to the comfort. And don't forget to assess how you feel while walking.

    3. Your Feet Should Be Able to Breathe

Your winter shoe's breathability is a crucial factor to look at. It plays a role in the comfort and safety of your feet.

If the breathability is missing, you might risk yourself with infections. So again, the lining fabric of the shoe must be winter-friendly.

    4. It Should Have a Firm Grip

You must look for stability above everything else in your winter shoe. Rubber would be one of the most popular choices for a good grip. Apart from rubber, look for other durable fabrics that will walk you through winter.

   5. The Moisture and Snow Shouldn't Affect Your Feet

Your winter shoes must be waterproof, among other features. Like wet clothes, you won't want to roam around in wet shoes. It can cause discomfort and health concerns.

Do your shoes have gusseted tongues, gaiters, and cuffs? These elements allow winter shoes to be waterproof.

Your winter boots must also not retain moisture for long periods. Again, it affects your comfort levels while walking around town.

  6. Shoes Must Have Good Ankle Support

Always ensure to pick a pair with decent ankle padding. It prevents any hurt caused for long periods after you wear them.

You can also go for a laced pair or one with a firm grip and support.

 7. The Weight Matters

The weight of your shoes is expected to be heavy. It's because you add an extra layer of lining for warmth, good padding, etc.

But make sure to buy a pair that you're comfortable enough to walk in. Only select a pair that suits or feels suitable for you.

Read more: What to wear in Finland in Winter

The Types of Shoes to Wear in Winter Besides Boots

When we discuss winter footwear, the first guess might always be boots. But you can wear other shoes in winter besides boots.

Here are some excellent options you could add to your winter wardrobe this season. So, I'll walk you through the different types mentioned here.

Sneakers

Sneakers will forever be comfort personified. You can wear them casually on the streets or at winter parties.

If you're wearing sneakers during a winter trip, check the conditions of the surroundings. Does the area experience snow or rain frequently?

If that's the case, you must ensure that your sneakers are waterproof. It keeps your feet dry and prevents the snow from seeping through.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

If the snow manages to seep in, your socks will get wet. Along with that, your feet, too, might freeze.

Also, wear detachable crampons if you come across black ice or slippery roads. They should be attached to your sneakers. The crampons also give you a good grip while walking. In turn, this makes it easier to walk in the snow.

Ankle-High Outdoor Shoes

As the name suggests, these shoes come up to the ankles. These shoes are an excellent option for the winter season. They're available in leather, faux leather, and waterproof fabrics. They also give better coverage for your feet.

Some of them are also available in heeled varieties. There's a benefit to this feature. It ensures that you're elevated when you walk in the snow.

Photo by Danik Prihodko

Once you buy them, also ensure that they're non-slippery and anti-skid. If these shoes come with a warm lining, you should understand they're suitable for the cold weather.

Uggs

Uggs are yet another option that is traditionally made for winter. They're also lined with a warm insulating material. They're available in a wide variety of styles. The list includes:

- Slip Ons

- Regular Shoe Length

- Ankle Length

- Above Ankle Length

 Photo by J Moana Yoon

You can easily shop them for daily casual wear at home.

Gum Boots

Gum boots are also known as rain boots. This footwear is either made of rubber or a combination of rubber and fabric.

They will protect the feet in wet or muddy conditions.

Image by vecstock

You can also wear gum boots in different weather conditions, including snow. They might not be the most stylish option available in the market. But they will keep your feet warm and dry. Plus, they have the potential to add a fun element to your outfit.

They can also prevent the odd, slip, trip, or fall. Also, your feet will be safe when some object is about to fall on them.

Where to Buy The Shoes?

You might have a sorted list to pick your winter shoes for the season. But you must also know where to shop for this footwear. Here's a list of some brands that would give you good-quality footwear:

- Bata Weinbrenner

- Woodland

- Timberland

- Wildcraft

- Ecco

Shoes to Pack for a Winter Trek

Now you've found out about some options for shoes to wear in winter besides boots. You've also read about some brands to shop from for your shoes. So now, in this segment, let's narrow it down a bit further.

Winter shoes for men are an essential part of any cold-weather wardrobe. They need to be warm, waterproof, and durable enough to withstand the elements. There are many different types of winter shoes available, so it is important to choose a pair that is right for your needs and activities.

Here are some recommendations you must consider while shopping:

Winter shoes for women are an essential part of any cold-weather wardrobe. They need to be warm, waterproof, and durable enough to withstand the elements. There are many different types of winter shoes available for women, so it is important to choose a pair that is right for your needs and activities.

Here are some recommendations you must consider while shopping:

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Snow Boots Aren't The Same as Winter Boots

There are many kinds of winter footwear out there in the winter market. Snow boots are one of them. But, there is a difference compared to a regular winter boot.

Let's see what separates the two and makes them unique.

Snow Boots

As the name suggests, these boots will enjoy snowy weather. But they are excellent in extreme and damp winter conditions too. Snow boots are seam-sealed and feature a shell around your foot. Usually, you see rubber used there as it's impermeable.

Snow boots have thick and heavy soles. It allows for good traction in icy climates.

The laces are built to let you pull the boots tight and keep the snow away. It also might come with a tall shaft that ends several inches above the ankle.

Photo by Marta Branco

Also, they're usually made with suitable insulating materials. But, the amount of insulation could vary from boot to boot.

You can buy these boots as per their temperature ratings too. It will help you to assess which ones are best for snowy conditions.

So, are you going for a winter vacation any time soon? Invest in some snow boots if you're excited about the snow there.

Skiing, snow fighting, and making snowmen are all made easy with the proper snow boots.

Winter Boots

You can treat a winter boot as your essential for the cold season. These boots can be waterproof, but not all are.

Waterproof and water-resistance are two different terms.

Photo by Andrew George

A water-resistant boot will be fine in minor drizzles or areas that aren't too wet. But, as the dampness increases, your winter boots become less effective.

A winter boot will be fine if you're out and about for short periods of time. But don't wear them in hazardous conditions. Even if you're out to do grocery shopping, it will take you through.

Some More Tips to Follow While Choosing Boots

When you want to look good in winter, your footwear must also look good. You should carefully pick your winter shoes for the occasion.

As for tips you can follow, look at some of these below. It might help when you shop for shoes to wear in winter besides boots.

1. Go Neutral

Footwear always completes your look for any occasion. And so, the colour of your footwear should be worth the look. Now, you can try experimenting with colours. But the best suggestion would be a neutral colour.

It will allow you to wear any outfit from your outfit without hesitation. It's because neutral colours go well with most outfits. So, look at your wardrobe before picking your winter shoes.

2. A Blend of Function and Fashion

Dot compromise on style because of the winter weather. Your winter wear should have a mixture of function and fashion as its highlights. If either is missing, the interest level might drop.

When you set your eyes on a piece, ensure it's winter-friendly too. After all, you must enjoy winter without any hiccups in between.

It's best to look for function and fashion in that order. It will keep you safe and happy throughout the winter season.

3. Take Good Care

You must ensure that your footwear is clean at all times. You might see snow, dirt, stains, etc., form on them. But, you should not let them stay for long once you reach home.

It will allow them to serve you for a lengthy period and look good quality. It will save you from spending more on a new pair for the season.

4. The Size Matters

Winter boots aren't like your regular shoes. The ideal size would vary for the cold weather.

The perfect winter boots could feel a bit heavy and bulky. But the best way to test that could be with socks.

So, carry some thick socks the next time you go shopping for winter boots.

As for winter shoes to wear in winter besides boots, the look might be different. Also, the structure would be different from a regular winter boot.

Now that you know these essential aspects enjoy shopping for your winter boots for the season.

FAQ's

1. What is the best shoes for winter?

Snow boots are the most versatile winter shoe.

They are waterproof, warm, and have good traction, making them perfect for a variety of winter activities, from walking in the snow to skiing to snowshoeing.

Conclusion

So, now you know the different shoes to wear in winter besides boots. Also, remember that footwear should be addressed when you go winter shopping.

Your feet are as important as the other parts of your body. So, ensure you take good care of them in the winter months. If you do that, you're at risk of health issues and discomfort.

For any queries related to wearing thermals, base layers, or winter wear in general, visit Kosha’s store and get a free consultation! While you’re at it, check out Kosha’s website for the wide range of accessories available at Kosha.

This post was written by Kosha team member – Shawn Mathias

Cover Image Pic Source: Veronica Mihaylovskaya (Unsplash)