As the gray, snow-filled clouds roll in, the winter boots come out. Maybe you reach for your pillowy boots that have more resemblance to an astronaut’s uniform than a shoe, or perhaps you opt for your stylish wintertime staples that are both cozy and cute.

On your journey to finding the best winter boots, you may have wondered, are timberlands good for snow or, are doc martens good for snow? Honestly, the world of winter boots is just as vast as an icy winter-struck tundra. But, one thing that all winter boots have in common is insulation, a thick layer of fabric that’s often sewn into boots to keep your feet warm and dry from cold weather and deep snow.  Some styles of boots keep the insulation neatly hidden in the lining, while others burst with soft shearling. 

In this boot insulation guide, we’re exploring common types of winter boot insulation to prepare you for snow excursions and freezing temperatures.

Common Types of Boot Insulation

When you’re browsing the aisles of a shoe store, you’ll see shoes of every color and style. However, there are typically only five primary types of insulation for winter hiking boots or work boots. 

If you’re buying off the shelf, the types of insulation you’re most likely to encounter are:

• 3M Thinsulate – 3M Thinsulate insulation is known for its lightweight construction and warmth.¹ As its name suggests, this insulation is exceptionally thin. That said, it does a great job of trapping body heat to keep your feet warm and wicking moisture to keep them dry. Thinsulate makes variations on their original insulation design that feature flame resistance and water resistance, as well as insulation made from featherless down alternatives, making it some of the best insulation for winter hiking boots.

• Primaloft – Constructed from very fine fibers, Primaloft is known for its ability to trap heat and hydrophobic or water-resistance qualities.² It’s a very soft, very thin synthetic insulation that’s also surprisingly durable.

• Aerogel – This synthetic insulation is made from silica, a class of materials that includes substances like silicone and granite.³ These tiny clusters are pocked with microscopic pores that trap air and heat.

• Zylex – Zylex refers to removable boot liners that provide insulation.⁴ They consist of four layers made from foam, felt, polyester, and polyethylene that perform a triad of important functions: trapping heat, reflecting heat back to your feet, and wicking moisture out. 

• Wool or Shearling – Wool or shearling insulation is incredibly soft and exceptionally warm. In most cases, the insulation is visible around the top of the boot uppers—think of a pair of classic UGG boots.

Which Insulation Is Best For You?

When it comes to knowing how to keep feet warm in the winter, it's helpful to understand which boot insulation will be best for your lifestyle. Each type of insulation has its unique footprint when it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry during the winter. But to a large extent, which insulation type is best for you depends on what type of winter activities you’ll be involved in, as different winter conditions will call for different boots.

Before you decide on a boot style, consider where you’ll be wearing them. Do you need a pair of winter boots that keep you warm but are still stylish enough to wear to dinner or the office? Or do you work outdoors and need a pair that’s able to stand up to the most unforgiving weather conditions that winter can muster? Knowing how you expect a pair of boots to perform is crucial to choosing the right style for you.

More important than the type of insulation is the insulation rating. Boot insulation is rated according to the lowest temperature in which it can be worn and still be effective, and the rating refers to the thickness of the insulation.⁵ The ratings are as follows:

• 100g – For temperatures between 40° and 50°

• 200g – For temperatures between 30° and 40°

• 400g – For temperatures between 15° and 30°

• 600g – For temperatures between -5° and 10°

• 800g – For temperatures between -20 and -10°

You can use the temperature ratings to help you determine which boot insulation is best for your needs. For example, if you don’t plan on wearing your boots in deep snow or temperatures below 20° or 30°, you can get away with insulation rated at 100g or 200g.

On the other hand, if your winter plans include activities like sledding or snowboarding, you might be better off opting for 400g or 600g insulation. Likewise, if your work keeps you out in the snow, mud, and cold for long periods of time, a higher rating is in order. You’ll also need insulation that guarantees dryness and comfort as well as warmth. 

Stay Warm With Boot World

Whether you prefer an ultra-thin, extra-light, super-warm insulation like 3M Thinsulate, a puffy, amazingly soft insulation like shearling, or a technologically advanced option like Aerogel, Boot World has you—and your feet—covered. 

Folks from all over have been coming to us for all their footwear needs for more than 50 years. With the best brands in the world, like Timberland, Doc Martens, UGG, and more, we can help you find the perfect boots for each of your wintertime activities, from work to play and everywhere in between. 

Shop our collection of warm and cozy winter boots today.

Sources: 

1. 3M. 3M Thinsulate Insulation. 3m.com/3M/en_US/thinsulate-us/  
2. Primaloft. Homepage. https://www.primaloft.com/ 
3. Aerogel. About Aerogel. https://www.aerogel.com/about-aerogel/ 
4. Kamik. What is Aerogel? https://us.kamik.com/products/zylex%C2%AE-4f-liner
5. Hiking and Fishing. Boot Insulation Guide: What You Should Know. https://hikingandfishing.com/boot-insulation-guide/