There’s nothing like standing outside with chattering teeth and freezing toes to make you wonder how to keep feet warm in winter. And while a few quick jumping jacks can do wonders to get your blood flowing in cold weather, it’s helpful to have a more long-term solution.¹

Techniques for keeping your feet toasty range from knowing which materials provide insulation to treating your footwear before you go trouncing through the cold weather. With these 5 tips on how to keep your toes warm in boots, you can comfortably enjoy that crisp winter beauty—minus the chattering teeth and cold feet.

#1 Wear Wool Socks

During the winter season, one of the most foolproof ways to keep your feet warm is by picking the right fabric of socks: namely, wool.

While cotton socks hold onto moisture, wool socks are ideal for wintertime because:²

• They can keep your feet dry and insulate heat

• They’re naturally odor-resistant

• Lightweight, thin wool can fit comfortably in bulkier shoes

As a bonus, keep your feet even warmer by pairing your wool socks with a winter boot that features an insulated or wool lining.

#2 Try Sheepskin Insoles

Sheepskin insoles provide insulation, which means they use your body heat to keep your feet warm in the winter months.

If you’re looking for an insole that can thermoregulate, UGG Sheepskin Insoles. like the women’s and men’s UGG Tasman Slippers are highly recommended for three reasons: 

• The dual-density foam insole with EVA heel pods provides your foot with additional support, cushioning, and comfort

• The top layer of sheepskin combines with the foam layer to help keep your feet warm

• Its breathability helps keep your feet from sweating (thereby cooling down)

You can pair sheepskin insoles with any pair of shoes, and even rotate them between different insulated boots in your closet. Like wool socks, they’re an affordable way to make your shoes feel even warmer in the winter months.

#3 Choose Roomier Shoes

If you’re buying new winter boots this season, consider choosing a pair with a roomier fit. The important question is, how should boots fit? Ideally, your chosen footwear will seal tightly around your calf and ankle but leave some pockets of air inside, which can help keep your feet warm during the winter season.

If you have any questions about fit, we always recommend checking with a knowledgeable salesperson, either in person at a store location or via email and social media. 

#4 Wear Waterproof Shoes (or Waterproof Your Shoes)

Shoes that admit moisture can cool your feet, which means you want to opt for waterproof or water-resistant winter shoes. 

Fortunately, owning a non-waterproof pair of winter boots doesn’t mean you can’t prepare them for winter weather retroactively. Let’s review two ways of ensuring your shoes stay as moisture-free as possible.

Weather Proof Your Shoes

Not sure how to waterproof uggs? You can make your leather or fabric shoes more water resistant by treating them with a water-resistant spray. 

Follow these two steps:

1. Use a brush or toothbrush to gently clean any dirt off of your shoes. If you have suede shoes, you can hide water spots by brushing against the suede.

2. Take your shoes to a well-ventilated area and treat them with a thin layer of water repellant spray. We love Burleigh Water Repellant because it’s effective, easy to use, and affordable. 

While this process can’t fully waterproof leather or fabric shoes, it can provide your boots (and feet) with additional water protection without requiring you to invest in a new pair of boots.

Buy Waterproof Shoes

Worried about if you can wear UGGs in the snow? If you want the freedom to stride through snow and puddles without getting wet feet, we recommend wearing waterproof shoes in cold temperatures.  

Some of our favorites include:

• The Men’s UGG Biltmore Mid Boot, a classic work boot with water-resistant leather uppers and seam-sealed waterproof construction to keep your feet dry and comfortable

• The Women’s UGG Classic Clear Mini Boot, takes the classic UGG silhouette and combines it with a translucent waterproof TPU upper to keep your feet dry

• The Women’s UGG Siena Matte Rain Boot, uses a smooth-finish polyurethane body and 9.5” shaft to keep your feet and calves warm and dry

While waterproofing can help keep your feet warm, it’s not the only factor to consider. For example, a classic rubber rain boot would keep your feet dry, but it lacks the insulation your feet need in winter weather. Whenever possible, use multiple warmth-building strategies to help your feet stay snug.

#5 Look for Tall, Insulated Boots

Winter work boots with taller shafts—say, 8 to 10 inches—can help prevent snow from falling into your boot. If they’re well insulated, they can also provide an extra layer around your calves to help trap warmth and prevent the cold air from circulating in your boots.³  

Ideally, a good winter boot is waterproof, insulated, has a tall shaft, and has a deeply grooved rubber sole that can help reduce the risk of you slipping on snow or ice.

Have a Cozier Winter with Boot World 

At Boot World, we’ve been helping customers keep their feet warm for fifty years. 

We’re proud to be known for our safety and occupational footwear and as the home of the UGG. From their beginnings as surfers’ go-to boots for keeping their feet dry to today’s range of snow- and rain-ready stylish footwear, UGG offers plenty of ways to keep your feet warm, for both men and women.

Keep your feet cozy and prepare for the season of snow by visiting a Boot World location near you.

Sources: 

1. Healthline. How to Increase Your Body Temperature.  https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-body-temperature#physical-activities 
2. Rolling Stone. RS Recommends: The Warmest Socks to Wear This Winter. https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/warmest-socks-1161600/ 
3. The New York Times. How to Shop for Warm, Waterproof Boots.  https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/snow-boot-shopping-tips/ 
4. Snowshoe Magazine. Snowshoeing Footwear: Tips For Choosing Your Boot.  https://www.snowshoemag.com/snowshoeing-footwear/