Updated on 5/02/2025
Winter: a cosy period, but unfortunately also a time when wet and cold feet are all too familiar.
The right winter footwear will help keep your feet warm, dry and protected from harsh conditions. But what should you look out for when choosing the right winter footwear?
Why are good safety boots so important?
Your winter boots should not only be comfortable, but also tailored to the work you do. Firstly, remember that your boots must protect you from any risks present, such as falling or sharp objects, or slippery surfaces.
Once your safety boots meet these basic conditions, you can then start looking at features to keep your feet warm and dry in cold and wet conditions.
1. Choosing the right style
There are a few rules of thumb to follow when choosing the right style:
- Boots versus shoes: Boots can sometimes provide better protection than shoes because of their higher leg style, which helps keep water and cold out, especially in wet conditions or intense cold.
- Avoid seams if possible: The perforation holes caused by stitching reduce water resistance. Choose boots made from sturdy full-grain leather with minimal stitching.
- Breathable membrane: A breathable membrane such as Goretex® or Sympatex® keeps moisture out but wicks away any sweat. An incorporated membrane will prevent clammy feet.
Expert tip: Choose shoes or boots from protection class S2, S3, S4 or S5. These classes of shoes and boots and the materials used are guaranteed to be water repellent.
2. The material for your boot
Leather
Leather is the most popular material used for making safety shoes and boots. The most popular leather types that are ideal for winter are cow grain leather and nubuck leather (both full-grain leather). Nubuck leather must be greased or injected to ensure water resistance. Split leather is not suitable for use in damp conditions.
When choosing leather shoes or boots, it is important to know the difference between full-grain leather and split leather. Full-grain leather, which is the top layer of the hide, is known for its strength, water repellency and durability. This makes it ideal for the shank of shoes and boots, which are often exposed to harsh conditions. Split leather, the layer under the full-grain leather, is less strong and therefore less suitable for intensive use. Shoes made from split leather are better suited to dry conditions, such as in warehouses or logistics environments. Leather boots are almost always made from full-grain leather, usually from cow or buffalo full-grain leather, to ensure the best protection and durability.
Synthetic materials (PVC or PU)
Then there are boots made from synthetic materials. These boots are mostly used if you work in very humid conditions for long periods of time, either indoors or outdoors. The synthetic materials used for these boots are usually PVC or PU (polyurethane). These types of footwear are usually worn by those working in the agricultural sector and the food industry, or on construction sites or on and near open water. They are easy to clean and don't tear. They are also 100% waterproof, ideal for high levels of exposure to water.
However, one drawback lies in the fact that they are less comfortable than leather boots and are not usually lined, which is a requirement for staying warm in winter. The solution to this is to wear woollen liner socks to keep your feet warm.
- PVC: Budget-friendly, but a little heavier and less flexible
- PU (polyurethane): More comfortable, ideal for long-term or frequent use.
3. Anti-slip for better grip
Freezing temperatures can make the ground slippery, increasing the risk of accidents caused by slips and falls. A good SRC-certified anti-slip sole helps keep you firmly on your feet.
Does your work require you to walk on slippery ice or snow, or frozen surfaces? Then wearing ice grippers over your footwear is highly recommended for additional stability.
4. Thermal properties
Good safety boots will keep you warm without making your feet feel clammy. The breathability of good safety boots depends not only on the outer material used, but also on the lining.
Lining
- Leather or fabric: Suitable for standard working conditions.
- Wool or thermal lining: For cold days. Wool wicks away moisture and provides excellent insulation, while thermal materials such as Molton provide extra warmth.
Expert tip: Wool has the ability to wick away a lot of moisture. A wool lining is therefore not only suitable for winter, but also provides a cooling effect in summer. Multifunctional!
Soles
- Protective synthetic toecaps and anti-perforation soles: These are lighter and warmer than the steel variants.
- Cold insulating sole (CI mark): Perfect for extremely cold conditions.
5. Easy to put on and remove
Some safety boots are equipped with handy extras that make their daily use more convenient. If you can't use your hands and/or are wearing gloves or have cold hands, these features are very useful indeed.
- Hand grips or pull-type loops: Easy to put on and remove.
- Tabs: To easily remove your boots.
6. Proper socks make all the difference
If you want to keep your feet warm and dry, choose breathable and moisture-regulating socks. Despite what most people believe, thick socks aren't always better. On the contrary, thick socks can sometimes prevent good blood circulation, which then causes cold feet.
High-quality socks of the correct size, made from wool or a synthetic material with acrylic, is the key to keeping your feet warm throughout the winter.
Conclusion
So, you now know what to look out for when choosing your winter boots. Here’s a short summary:
- Choose boots for added protection against water and cold
- Go for durable materials, such as leather or PU
- Make sure the boots are SRC-approved and have anti-slip soles
- Consider a thermal lining and cold insulating soles for extreme cold conditions
- Combine your boots with breathable socks for optimal comfort