As important as it is to have a good pair of flip flops in the summer, it’s even more important for men to have two pairs of killer winter boots.
You need one to wear when the weather is a little nasty and you need to get to work or the store, and another pair for when the weather has turned your world upside down and you need to get outside to chip your car out of a block of ice, find the dog, or dig your satellite dish out of a bluff of snow.
Let's look at both.
1. Men's Winter Boots: When You Have to Go to the Office
Merrell 'Outland' Image: Zappos.com
These are the boots that you’ll need when the weather stinks, but you’re going to the office anyway. You need to protect your feet, but still need to look like the professional you are.
1) Style: You need to be presentable since you’re still in a professional setting. The boots need to look good enough with a pair of jeans so when you walk into a meeting people don't look at you like you're scaling Mt. Everest.
2) Function: These need to be waterproof and high enough on the ankle so if you have to step through snow or water, you won't ruin your entire day.
3) Flexibility: They need to be flexible enough for you to move around in a normal day. You don't need something that will be stiff and limit your mobility. Find boots that will protect your feet, but will also work as everyday shoes.
2. Men's Winter Boots for When Winter Hits You Hard
Sorel 'Caribou' Image: Zappos.com
Now let’s explore the boots you’ll need when your world has been hit hard by weather. That could mean intense cold, ice rain, snow … or all of the above. Here’s what to look for:
1) Seam-sealed waterproof protection: if you get wet – your day is only going to get worse. Keeping dry when the temperatures are below zero is crucial.
2) A rating under 0 degrees: You need to make sure that the boots are going to keep you warm for those rare winter storms where the wind chill is below zero and snow drifts can go crazy. If you're digging a car out these boots need to keep you comfortable for a long time.
3) A boot that is high enough: Make sure the boot is high enough to keep water and snow from hitting your feet. Ankle high boots will not cut it when Mother Nature has it in for you.