8 tips for buying shoes in winter

Warm feet, a secure grip, and a shoe that remains comfortable even after many hours: In winter, shoe shopping involves more than just aesthetics. Cold, moisture, and varying surfaces place special demands on materials, fit, and soles.

What should you look for when buying winter shoes? With these eight tips, you'll find shoes that suit your feet, your daily life, and the cold season.

Tip 1 – Choose the right shoe size

A winter shoe should neither pinch nor be unnecessarily large. It's crucial that your foot has enough space while still sitting securely in the shoe.

Pay particular attention to ensuring your toes have enough freedom of movement. If you often wear thicker socks in winter, it's best to consider them when trying on shoes.

Don't rely solely on the size you usually wear. Depending on the last, construction, and model, the fit can vary.

You can find out how to correctly measure your foot length and determine the right size under [How do I determine my shoe size?].

Tip 2 – Pay attention to the correct shoe width

Not only the length of a shoe determines whether it fits well. The shoe width is equally important.

If a shoe is too narrow, it can pinch at the sides. If it's too wide, your foot might lack the necessary support. Especially with winter shoes that have a thicker lining, it's important to ensure sufficient space in the forefoot area.

Sioux offers shoes in various widths to accommodate different foot shapes.

You can find out which width suits your foot and how to determine it under [How do I determine my shoe width?].

Tip 3 – Try on shoes at the right time

Our feet can change in volume over the course of a day. Therefore, a shoe might feel different in the afternoon or evening than in the early morning.

When trying on new winter shoes, do so at a time of day that corresponds to when you'll typically wear them. Take your time and walk a few steps.

The shoe should feel comfortable from the first moment. A well-fitting shoe should not have to be painfully "broken in."

Learn more about how to recognize a good fit under [The perfect fit].

Tip 4 – Consider what you need the shoe for

Not every winter shoe has to meet the same requirements.

For the commute to the office, different characteristics might be crucial than for an extended walk, a visit to a Christmas market, or a long day outdoors.

Therefore, ask yourself before buying:

• Will the shoe mainly be worn indoors or outdoors?

• Does it often have to cope with rain and slush?

• Do you need a particularly warm lining?

• Is a robust sole profile important to you?

• Should the shoe be more elegant or sporty?

Knowing the intended use allows for a much more targeted selection of material, lining, and sole.

Tip 5 – Pay attention to the right protection against wetness

Rain, slush, and wet streets are part of winter. If you regularly travel in wet weather, you should therefore pay attention to whether the shoe offers appropriate moisture protection.

Selected Sioux models are equipped with a Sioux-TEX membrane. It protects the shoe from penetrating moisture and is also breathable. Such features can be useful especially for changeable autumn and winter weather.

Additional care, matching the upper material, supports the protection of the shoe. Learn more under [Waterproofing shoes].

Tip 6 – Pay attention to material and lining

The interior of a winter shoe significantly contributes to how comfortable it is on cold days.

Different lining materials are used depending on the model. A light textile or leather lining may be sufficient for transitional periods, while warm lining or lambskin offer additional thermal comfort at lower temperatures.

High-quality leathers as upper material have also proven their worth in shoes. Leather is flexible, durable, and, with suitable processing, can comfortably adapt to the foot.

You can find out which different materials are used at Sioux under [Our Leathers] and [Shoe Linings].

Tip 7 – Don't underestimate the sole and tread

When buying shoes in winter, it's also worth looking under the shoe.

A treaded outsole can offer more grip on wet and wintry surfaces than a very smooth sole. How pronounced the tread should be depends on the shoe's intended use.

Flexibility, material, and construction of the sole also play an important role in walking comfort. A good winter shoe should therefore not only be considered from above.

Learn more about the different sole types and their properties under [Shoe Soles].

Important: Even a pronounced tread cannot guarantee a secure grip on ice or very slippery surfaces. Always walk carefully in such weather conditions.

Tip 8 – Think about proper care when buying

Winter weather puts more strain on shoes than many dry summer days. Moisture, road dirt, and road salt can leave visible marks on the upper material.

The right care helps preserve the material and appearance for as long as possible. Which products are suitable depends on the respective upper material.

Basically, it is recommended to:

• regularly remove dirt,

• let wet shoes dry slowly at room temperature,

• treat leather with suitable care products,

• brush suede regularly,

• and renew moisture protection as needed.

All essential information can be found in our [Shoe Care] section.

If light residues have already formed in winter, our guide [Removing salt stains from shoes] will also help you.

What makes a good winter shoe?

The ideal winter shoe must suit your foot and your daily life. The right size and width form the basis. Material, lining, moisture protection, and sole tread then decide whether the shoe also meets the demands of winter.

Therefore, don't just pay attention to color and shape. A winter shoe that fits well, protects adequately, and is suitable for its intended use will accompany you much more comfortably through the cold season.

And of course, it can still look good.