Winter poses many footwear-related challenges, perhaps none tougher than navigating snowy streets and walkways on frosty mornings. Knowing how to approach walking in the snow appropriately is important to keep yourself safe and secure in difficult conditions.
Not all snowy days are the same. Layers of ice could be hiding underneath the white coating one day, and it could be wet, mushy surfaces the next. With this in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on which shoes are best to wear in the snow and other challenging weather this winter.
Learn which shoes secure your footing, protect you with appropriate insulation, keep you looking stylish despite the conditions and more.
Table of contents
- What are the best shoes to wear in the snow?
- What are the best shoes to wear in the rain?
- Best shoes for walking on ice
- How to keep your feet warm in winter
- Shoes for cold weather at Rieker
What are the best shoes to wear in the snow?
Should you need to leave the house and brave the snowy streets, you'll need appropriate footwear. Everyday trainers or boots leave you at risk of soaking wet feet if they aren't resistant to the elements. You need footwear that protects you from cold, moisture and the unique challenges of walking in snowfall.
At Rieker, our TEX footwear range can help you stay dry, comfortable and protected from snow on your journey. Our ladies' and men's TEX range features boots and shoes designed to help you confidently tackle difficult conditions thanks to their key water-resistant properties and strong construction.
TEX shoes are made with water and cold-resistant properties that protect your feet and provide necessary insulation from harsh weather and temperatures. The boots and shoes in the TEX range contain thermoregulating properties that make them perfect for the cold and wet days we get all too regularly.
What are the best shoes to wear in the rain?
The key feature of TEX is the water-repellent high-tech membrane that forms a protective layer against wet weather between the outer material and inner lining. The membrane protects your feet from cold and wet weather while maintaining a comfortable feel.
Rain and snow are kept at bay thanks to the small pores featured in the ultra-thin membrane between the material and lining. The pores prevent moisture from entering the shoe as it funnels it through the membrane. This function allows the shoes to stay dry, feel comfortable and provide breathability so your feet don’t feel restricted or overheated.
While TEX shoes are some of the best you can hope to find when fighting against wet weather, it’s important to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant. TEX footwear is water-resistant. This means that TEX shoes work to combat wet properties, while waterproof shoes are completely impenetrable.
However, waterproof shoes are often heavy-duty, making walking difficult and uncomfortable. Water-resistant shoes like TEX include the same antistress properties as every other Rieker product.
The comfort-focused properties used in our antistress technology work alongside the protective membrane to create comfortable footwear that fends off moisture to an incredible degree.
Best shoes for walking on ice
Any winter walker’s worst nightmare is striding down the frosty pavement and suddenly finding themselves on the floor with a bruised hip or sometimes worse. Give yourself the best chance of remaining upright and in control this winter with shoes that support your balance throughout your journey.
Find durable, comfortable and stylish shoes ready to take on slippy surfaces in our Rieker Sport range. Shoes and boots in our Rieker Sport collection are designed to test limits and help you break new ground. They also provide superb support and keep you comfortable despite the tough terrain.
No matter what footwear you choose, extra caution is always required when walking on ice-covered surfaces. Use handrails where available and ensure you move at a considered pace in order to steady yourself should you start to falter.
How to keep your feet warm in the winter
While our TEX shoes and boots do a fantastic job of insulating the inner material to keep your feet as toasty as possible, some people are more sensitive to temperature than others, especially in their feet. Taking extra precautions to keep your feet comfortable and warm during snowy spells can make walking much less tedious during winter.
Wearing thick, fluffy socks is a great way to keep your feet warm but ensure that you still have enough freedom of movement to walk comfortably. The same applies to wearing multiple pairs of socks before putting on your shoes.
Try getting ahead of the game by warming your feet before heading out for a walk. Your body uses a lot of energy trying to heat you up when in extremely cold conditions, so it can take an uncomfortably long time to warm your feet if you leave without warming them first.
Shoes for cold weather at Rieker
Find all your cold-weather footwear essentials at Rieker. Whether you need shoes and boots to carry you through sleet and snow while keeping you dry and comfortable, or you’re after a suitable style boost for the season, we have you covered.
With 150 years of experience, we’ve made plenty of weather-appropriate shoes at Rieker, and we’re confident that our current Autumn/Winter collection is our best yet. Shop shoes and boots in various fashionable designs and perfectly blend comfort and style as you take on the cold.
Get ready for the elements and find the perfect winter warmers to add to your collection today!
