When a light autumn coolness smoothly turns into a real winter cold, it is very important to change light shoes for warmer shoes in time. This will protect against seasonal colds. For the representatives of the stronger sex, in most cases, high-quality men's shoes are more suitable. Winter types of shoes can be different, but boots or uggs are not always appropriate, and if you also have to comply with the office dress code, then the problem is exacerbated. I would like to combine quality, aesthetic appearance, and not overpay for such an acquisition, and for this it is advisable to carefully understand this issue.
Durability of winter boots
The problem with modern shoes is that they are annoyingly impractical, and it's very annoying when apparently quite decent men's shoes fall apart in a matter of a couple of months. Winter models, which are offered in the markets and in cheap stores, rarely make it to spring, and in especially neglected cases, they begin to let water through after a couple of weeks of wearing even in relatively safe conditions.urban environment.
Even cheap boots designed for one season should last in acceptable condition from the onset of cold weather to spring heat, but in practice this is extremely rare. It turns out that it is more profitable to purchase high-quality shoes that will last more than one season, ideally at least two to three years. Since men's shoes are less subject to fashion changes, there is unlikely to be any loss on the aesthetic side.
What boots do you need in a winter city?
The modern metropolis is a rather contradictory environment. On the one hand, there are asph alt roads around, on the other hand, the sidewalk can quickly and unobtrusively turn into impassable mud, and a mixture of sand and anti-icing reagents makes shoes unusable in record time. So what should men's winter boots be like in order to reliably protect their feet from cold and moisture, and at the same time that their quality matches the declared price?
On average, shoes should be comfortable and warm enough so that the owner can spend several hours outside at a temperature of about 20 degrees below zero without compromising he alth and well-being. The fitting will be the starting selection criterion, and if the shoes are tight even slightly, then the feet will freeze in them. Therefore, you need to try on winter shoes with warm socks, while it should be possible to move your fingers freely.
What are the criteria for quality winter boots?
Everything needs to be evaluated, and inFirst of all, it is important to know the classification. Men's winter boots are high enough shoes that should reach the beginning of the ankle. The so-called low shoes slightly open the ankle joint and are suitable for relatively dry and not too frosty weather.
High quality genuine leather outperforms all synthetics, calfskin is better than pigskin, and pressed is the lowest grade among natural materials. A warm lining is also highly desirable - fur or high-tech synthetics, which sometimes costs more. According to this description, brief characteristics can be compiled, according to which high-quality winter boots for men are genuine leather, natural fur. And do not forget about the material and structure of the sole.
The grooved "tractor" sole shows itself best in winter, providing reliable grip even with slippery sidewalks covered with snow. At the same time, the protrusions of the sole should be large enough, with deep and wide grooves between them. Leather thin soles are only suitable for moving in a car, a maximum of a few steps along the sidewalk from the car to the office door.
You also need to evaluate the strength of the seams, the number of parts, the quality of the sole attachment. There are no trifles in this matter.
Types of leather and other materials for winter boots
As mentioned above, high-quality men's winter boots - genuine leather, natural fur, plus a semi-rigid tractor sole. shoes fromleatherette may look good, but it is not suitable even for greenhouse conditions.
Calf leather is the most expensive, but one of the most durable options. Winter boots are made of fairly thick leather, which is additionally processed for increased water resistance and resistance to surface damage. Pigskin is less practical, but can last an average of three to four seasons, especially with proper care.
Special issue is elegant suede boots. As a rule, they look great, they are pleasant to wear, but in a wet urban winter they quickly lose their decent appearance. Cleaning off s alt stains and dirt from suede is much more difficult. However, this is not a reason to refuse a purchase, it is simply advisable to leave suede boots for clear, dry cold days.
Material and structure of sole
Expensive and elegant shoes may have leather soles, but they are only suitable for offices and well-groomed alleys. Sticking prophylaxis will not solve the problem. Rubber or polyurethane soles are suitable for good wear-resistant shoes, but different manufacturers use very different materials for this. Low-quality polyurethane becomes stiff in the cold and can burst under a certain load. However, serious firms use higher quality raw materials.
The sole is attached by vulcanization. This is one of the best options. ECCO shoes are made in this way. If the usual firmware is used, then you will have to additionally process the boots to increasemoisture resistance, but not the fact that the result will suit you.
The structured outsole from brands like Vibram shows the best results. This company produces sports and semi-sports shoes, including those for long walks. The service life of branded boots can easily exceed ten years.
Which lining to choose?
Any faux fur can immediately be considered a decorative application designed to mislead the buyer. It heats up very relatively, quickly falls off, wipes off and “loses weight”. If you really choose synthetic insulation, let it be a special structured material that is used in branded sports shoes. It reliably isolates from moisture, while leaving room for air microcirculation.
Good winter boots with fur are made of leather lined with natural sheepskin. This is a rather dense and warm fur, over time it slightly falls off the insole, forming something similar to felt, which has taken on the individual characteristics of the foot. But rabbit or hare fur, despite all its naturalness, can be considered a waste of money. Such a heater "goes bald" in a matter of weeks.
Lace-laces or other types of fasteners?
There can be almost no disagreement here: a zipper on classic men's boots is out of place, as well as Velcro or puffs. Variants are only possible on appropriate sports or hiking shoes, and then in combination with reliable laces. For example, winterAdidas boots for men are high-quality and comfortable shoes, but they don’t match the official suit at all.
Choose boots by price
In the lower price segment there is a market, cheap shops and partly chains like "Centroobuv". The determining criterion when such budget winter boots are purchased is the price. Men's models for 2000 rubles cannot be worn for a long time, by definition, but with luck, they will last until the middle of winter. Of course, we are talking about daily wear in different conditions, including bad weather.
Practicality Leaders
Due to modern materials and the latest shoe making techniques, visual differences between shoe types can be blurred. For example, men's winter sports boots can look quite modest and concise, almost within the office dress code, but at the same time they retain a high degree of practicality. For everyday wear with a semi-formal suit, these shoes are almost perfect.
According to customer reviews, of the companies represented on our market, the leadership is held by the top three companies - Columbia, Garmont and Merell. Three to five seasons, these boots can withstand very well, it is enough to take care of them regularly. They are followed by the brands Caterpiller, Salomon and Ecco. The products of all listed companies use Vibram, GTX, Gore-tex or Sympatex technologies, already proven by consumers, not only in urban conditions, but also in long transitions of medium severity over rough terrain.
When choosing winter boots, it is better to pay attention to productsreputable companies that rely on quality and their own reputation, and not on momentary quick profits.
