Which Shoes Are Best for the Winter and Icy Conditions

If you have just moved to an area of the country known for ice and snow in the winter time, you are probably looking to upgrade your footwear to something appropriate for the wintertime. Or maybe you have always lived somewhere with snowy winters and you are looking to update your worn out boots.

Either way, it is important to have safe and comfortable shoes for navigating ice and snow. The type of shoes that you wear during the winter can help prevent slips and falls that can cause injuries. Wearing appropriate footwear can help you avoid a trip to the emergency room, while also keeping your feet warm and dry. Here are the shoes that are best for the winter and icy conditions:

Winter Boots

This is an obvious first choice, but for a good reason. Winter boots, or snow boots are generally waterproof and lined to keep your toes from getting frozen, and usually have great treads on the button to keep you from slipping on ice.

If your commute involves walking, like to and from a train or bus stop, or a significant distance into work from where you park your car, snow boots are a great option. And there are definitely trendy and fashionable options available.

Rain Boots or Duck Boots

Rain boots are waterproof and generally come up higher on the calf than a winter boot. If you live in an area known for freezing rain or sleet, rain boots may be a good option for you in these icy conditions.

An alternative to rain boots and winter boots is the duck boots, which is a waterproof boot with a rubber button and a leather top. Both rain boots and duck boots come in a variety of heights and styles and will provide a sturdy waterproof base for walking in snowy or icy conditions.

Hiking Boots or Shoes

If you prefer a shoe versus a boot, hiking shoes will provide the grip you need in a shoe form (and of course, there are also hiking boots available). Hiking shoes will be a great option if you are looking for grip on icy surfaces, but aren’t planning to encounter any deep snow.

Hiking shoes generally come to the ankle, so if you are planning to run into any deeper snow, or you want a little more coverage, a snow boot or rain boot may be a better pick.

Boots with Metal Spikes or Detachable Cleats

If you spend an extended amount of time outdoors in icy conditions, or your job involves being outdoors in icy conditions, your best bet for a winter show may be a boot with built in metal spikes. There are a variety of styles of boots to choose from with metal spikes built in that provide excellent grip on icy surfaces and will help to ensure your safety if you need to spend extended time walking on ice.

If you have a favorite pair of comfortable and warm shoes or boots and want to add some extra grip for icy conditions, you can also purchase removable cleats to add the grip that you need for the winter and icy conditions.

If you have taken the time and energy to select the perfect boots or winter shoe for you and have still fallen on ice due to lack of maintenance in a parking lot or other area that should have been maintained, be sure to call a slip and fall lawyer. A good pair of winter shoes should help to prevent most falls, so consider your options carefully.