How to Shop for a Pair of Boots

There are many different types of boots available on the market today. You may be looking for new boots for men, women's boots, or kid's boots for your upcoming backpacking trip or range excursion. Some boots are better for cold climates, while others are optimized for hot weather. Steel toes, waterproofing, anti-slip, and various other features are common in boots. This guide will go over different parts, materials, and features found in boots and their strengths and weaknesses to decide which boot is best for you.

What Are the Parts of a Boot?

Boot Shaft

The boot shaft is the upper part of the boot that measures from the ankle to the top edge of the boot. Higher shafts provide extra ankle support and protection. While ankle boots are typically lighter, they won’t offer protection against outside elements such as vegetation. More ankle support is necessary to prevent injury from rolling your ankle when carrying heavy loads. Boot shafts can be found in ankle-height, mid-height, tall-height, and even over-the-knee boots. Ensure you choose the height that offers the support and protection you need.

Boot Outsole

The outsole is the outermost part of a boot where the boot contacts the ground. The outsole is meant to provide footwear with traction and protection from the surfaces it will contact. Outsoles can be comprised of materials such as rubber, polyurethane, PVC compounds, and leather. Softer soles offer increased traction but will wear out quicker, while stiffer soles offer less traction but increased durability and longevity.

Lug patterns are the bumps that sit along the outsole—the thicker and deeper the lugs, the more grip they provide. Mountaineering, backpacking, and hiking boots generally have deep lug patterns. The heel brake is the heel zone separated from the forefoot and arch. It reduces the chances of sliding by acting as an anchor on a slope.

Boot Midsole

The midsole is the layer between the insole and outsole of a boot. The midsole provides cushioning and buffers feet from shock. The midsole is responsible for most of the boot’s overall stiffness. Stiffer boots will provide better comfort and support when traveling over rocky, uneven surfaces. Polyurethane is a common midsole material found in boots and is generally very firm and durable. Another common midsole material you may encounter is EVA. EVA is a lighter, cushier, and less expensive midsole material that is more oriented toward everyday boots.

Some tactical and combat boots may use plates and shanks to add load-bearing stiffness to the midsole and to protect the feet from being bruised by rocks and roots. Shanks are typically 3-5mm thick and can vary in length (covering the entire midsole or only half). Plates are flexible inserts between the midsole and outsole and below the shank. The plates’ primary responsibility is to protect the feet from bruising.

What Materials Are High-Quality Boots Made Of?

Boots can comprise many materials ranging from full-grain leather, polyester, waterproof membranes, and more. These boot materials can affect the boots’ weight, durability, breathability, and water-resistance. Synthetics like polyester are the most common material in modern boots. They are lightweight, quick-drying, easier to break in, and cost less.

The main downside of polyester/synthetic boots is that they may wear out quickly due to the extra stitching on the outside of the boot. Full Grain, Split Grain, and Nubuck Leather provide excellent durability and water-resistance. Split-Grain Leather provides the least water-resistance of the three but usually features a waterproof liner to assist in its water-resistance.

Waterproof Boots

Waterproof boots are also a factor to consider when purchasing a new pair of boots depending on what you plan to use them for. Water-resistant boots resist moisture (light rain), while waterproof boots are entierly unaffected by water (can be completely submerged). As previously mentioned, leather already provides a natural waterproofing characteristic. On top of that, most boot brands will often apply a waterproof layer on the outside of the boot for additional protection.

Many polyester/synthetic boots use waterproof linings and membranes to prevent water from seeping in. GORE-TEX is a common example of a waterproof membrane used in boots. Some synthetic boots use leather with a polyester top layer to achieve waterproof capabilities with a more modern look.

Rain boots, muck boots, duck boots, and others with rubber outsoles and rubber polyurethane uppers are waterproof materials unaffected by water. Remember, waterproof boots will keep your feet dry from external moisture but have less breathability than water-resistant or non-waterproof boots.

Insulated Boots

Boot insulation’s main purpose is to keep your feet warm when working, hiking, playing, etc. Many types of insulation are available for boots, such as HeatSeeker, Zylet, Optiwarm, and Primaloft. The two most common types are Thinsulate and Shearling. Thinsulate is very durable and doesn’t break down easily. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t lose its ability to insulate even when wet. It traps air molecules within the microfiber, blocking cold outside air. It also prevents heat from escaping from inside the boots.

Shearling is a soft fleece material that keeps your feet warm and comfortable. This type of insulation is designed more for daily use and not long outdoor excursions. Insulated boots come with different weights of insulation. The boots may be better for mild to freezing temperatures depending on the insulation weights.

• 200 grams: Works best for cool temperatures and little to no activity or for high activity levels in cold weather

• 400 grams: Works best for cold temperatures when doing moderate activity

• 600 grams: Works best for colder weather conditions and low activity levels

• 800 grams: Works best for very cold weather and low activity

• 1,000+ grams: Works best for extremely cold weather conditions with very little activity

Those who need a new pair of boots for warm environments will require a boot built for hot weather. Hot-weather boots must provide airflow and breathability to keep your feet as cool as possible in harsh conditions. Most hot-weather boots will have small holes, vents, or open mesh style to allow air to pass through the boot. They typically need insulation as they are not designed for colder climates.

Remember that since these boots have vents for air to pass directly into the boot, they cannot be waterproof. This is an unfortunate trade-off for those who are looking for a boot in very hot, wet environments. While they may not be waterproof, the vents and holes allow for water to flow out of the boot after it has gone in.

Boot Safety Features

Some workplaces may require anti-slip or oil-resistant soles. Others may require toe protection, such as steel or composite toes. Anti-slip boots and shoes are designed to not slip in wet and slippery conditions. These shoes have specialized rubber outsoles that provide a better grip when walking on slippery surfaces. Non-slip work shoes are usually softer on the outside, while their outsoles are typically rubber. That makes them slip-resistant, allowing for an efficient grip on slippery, wet, and greasy surfaces.

Steel/composite toes are another common feature on many work boots designed to protect from falling objects or compression and prevent foot injuries. Steel toe work boots use a thin cap of steel in the toe box. It is extremely strong and cheaper to produce compared to composite toe boots. A composite toe cap is usually made from strong materials like Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or plastic. Composite toes are lighter than steel toes, do not conduct cold or heat, and do not conduct electricity.  

Shop for Boots at OpticsPlanet!

Boots are offered in a seemingly unlimited combination of features and styles that vary in design and performance. Choosing the best pair for you will depend on your intended use for them. Knowing the climate and terrain of the environment you plan to use your boots is extremely important to select the right boot. You want a boot that is comfortable and optimized for performance. If you still need assistance selecting the right pair, feel free to contact us directly. When you’re ready to shop, check out our collection of winter boots, tactical boots, and hunting boots for men and women to find the perfect footwear for your favorite activities.