Winter shoes

Winter shoes - warmly insulated and waterproof

When it's cold, wet from above and below, slush and snow, winter shoes have their day - our winters are a challenge for your feet. With the right winter shoes, your feet will stay warm and dry.

The cold attacks from below, the wet comes from above - now it's important that your winter shoes are warmly insulated and waterproof at the same time.

Defy the winter with a thick, grippy sole

Fancy winter boots are fashionable, but not warm. The soles are often the biggest problem. Thin soles allow the cold of the ground to pass through in a short space of time and your toes no longer have a chance of staying warm. What's more, thin soles don't have a strong tread to prevent you from slipping. So what should a good sole for winter shoes be like?

• A good winter sole for your boots in mud, snow and on ice should be made of a rubber compound specially designed for these temperatures. These special rubber soles offer a strong grip straight out of the cold, similar to car tyres, which also need a different rubber compound in winter than in summer.
• Hiking boots that are to be used in winter and on snow and ice should also have a special profile that offers a secure grip on snow and slushy underground.
• Hikers in the mountains often encounter snow and ice as early as autumn. Special soles such as Ice-Grip, Winter Grip or Snowbob are ideal here.
• Hiking boots for winter should always cover the ankle so that an unexpected snow field can be walked on.

Warm inside - warm at all

Lined winter shoes are the be-all and end-all for warm feet. There are various options and materials to choose from.

• Synthetic lining - inexpensive and available in many colours. Not everyone can tolerate synthetic fibres on their feet without odours and perspiration.
• Virgin wool lining - the natural material provides warmth even when it has become damp due to skin moisture. It insulates very well.
• Down lining - the top class for shoes in winter. Similar to a down jacket, a down lining is also ideal for winter shoes. It is light, soft and provides excellent insulation.
• Insoles - can be quickly replaced in winter shoes when they become worn or unsightly. They are available in synthetic materials, natural fibres such as wool or cotton, with padding and insulation.

Waterproof winter shoes

Winter hiking boots are exposed to hard conditions. Even if it's not snowing or raining straight away, the ground is often damp in winter. This moisture gradually penetrates the entire shoe if it is not waterproof or at least water-repellent. Winter shoes with a breathable membrane such as GORE-TEX® are ideal, as they not only make your boots waterproof from the outside, but also allow moisture from your feet to escape to the outside. If you want to keep your feet warm in winter when hiking or strolling around town, you need protection against moisture and insulation against the cold.

Gaiters are a special feature for tours that will take you through snow. They protect the edge of your boots from penetrating snow and keep your trouser legs dry. Gaiters can simply be taken off again after crossing snow.