With cold weather on the horizon, it's time to put away the summer shoes and break out the winter footwear. The right boots will keep your feet warm, ensuring your comfort whether you’re shoveling snow or going for a wintry walk. You have the option of selecting snow or winter boots to keep your toes toasty—but what's the difference? Explore the two here. 

Snow Boots

Snow boots offer superior protection against all kinds of winter elements, including cold, snow, ice, and slush. Snow boots have thick soles with deep treads, which give the wearer traction on slippery surfaces and prevent slips and falls. Snow boots usually have a tall shaft, meaning you can wade through ankle-deep snow without getting snow inside.

Quality snow boots are temperature-rated, letting you know exactly how cold of an environment they can withstand. Many can keep you warm even in sub-zero conditions, thanks to the heavy insulation and thick soles. If you live in an area with consistent snowy conditions in winter, snow boots are a must. You should also invest in a pair if you're headed on a wintry holiday, for example, to go skiing.

Winter Boots

Winter boots are less heavy-duty overall. Since they aren't specifically made for use on snow and ice, they aren't guaranteed to have the heavy slip-proof treads of snow boots. One advantage of this is that they are more lightweight, which can enhance comfort on longer walks.

Winter boots are generally not temperature-rated in the same way that snow boots are. Additionally, they won't necessarily be waterproof—although you can treat them with a spray to help keep your feet dry. In short, winter boots will do the trick in milder winter climates, but if you're spending extended periods in freezing weather, you're better off with snow boots.

Boot Country LLC is prepared to meet all of your footwear needs for winter. Located in Anchorage, AK, they have been serving residents throughout the Matanuska Valley and Kenai Peninsula since 1984. Their knowledgeable team provides a custom fitting for every pair of boots they sell. Stop by the footwear store in person to view their large selection of high-quality products and get your custom fitting. For questions, call (907) 349-8413.