Winter Boot Insulated Guide: How to Pick the Correct Boot For Your Position During the Winter
Are you working outdoors this winter? Keeping your feet warm in the winter is an important factor in overall safety and comfort on the job site. Extreme cold can cause a number of health problems for employees during the winter months. Hypothermia and frostbite are just two conditions that may affect workers if the proper precautions are not taken.
The best way to keep your feet protected from frostbite is by investing in a pair of high-quality boots that are well insulated. The question is how much insulation do you need?
Boot Temperature Ratings Explained
A lot of the winter boots we carry do have specific temperature ratings but some brands are moving away from temperature ratings because there are a lot of assumptions that go into the ratings. For example, temperature ratings are based on assumptions that the wearer is moving around consistently or that they’re foot is completely dry. These different factors can affect the overall performance of the boot.
Different Types of Boot Insulation
Brands can use different types of insulation based on styles or they can develop their own proprietary insulation methods. 3M Thinuslate™ is one of the most common types of insulation. It is warm yet lightweight, the extremely fine microfibers in Thinsulate™ insulation helps trap air and block body radiant heat loss, making it an efficient insulator.
What does “grams” of insulation mean?
The amount of insulation refers to the thickness of the insulation used, not the total weight of insulation in the boot. For example 200 grams of insulation means 200 grams per square meter.
200g Insulation
Temperature Rating: -28°C/-20°F
Season: 3-Season
Works best for cool temperatures and little to no activity, or for high activity levels in cold weather.
400g Insulation
Temperature Rating: -40°C/-40°F
Season: Winter/Freezer Work
Works best for cold temperatures when doing moderate activity.
600g Insulation
Temperature Rating: -51°C/-60°F
Season: Winter
Works best for colder weather conditions and low activity levels.
800g Insulation
Temperature Rating: -62°C/-80°F
Season: Winter
Works best for very cold weather and low activity.
1,000g Insulation
Temperature Rating: -73°C/100°F
Season: Winter
Works best for extreme cold weather conditions with very little activity.
Different Types of Boot Insulation
Go with a Composite Toe.
Steel toe boots might be classic, but metal is a conductor so you will feel the cold a lot more with a steel toe. Composite does not conduct hot or cold but provides the same level of protection as steel.
Wear Moisture Wicking Socks.
Wool or synthetic socks work best, avoid fibres like cotton since these are very absorbent and can cause discomfort when wet. Check out the Wool Socks we carry here.
Consider Breathability.
Look at the lining of the boot, you want a boot that promotes a breathable lining to prevent humidity and sweat in your boots.
Dry your boots.
This goes without saying, it is important to dry your boots after work (even if they don’t get super wet) to prevent moisture from building up within your boots.
Height matters.
If you a trucking through snow it is important to get a taller boot that helps keep snow out of your boots. Baffin has a great selection of taller winter boots (8+ Inches).
No matter what your profession is it is important to be protected from the elements during the winter. Have a specific question about a boot? Our team online or in-store can help!
