When it gets colder, wetter, and more uncomfortable outside, shoes are subjected to significantly more wear and tear. Rain, slush, road salt, and fluctuating temperatures demand a lot from the upper material, lining, and sole.
However, with the right preparation and care, shoes can be well-prepared for autumn and winter. Three things are particularly crucial: protection from wetness, sufficient warmth, and a sole suitable for the intended use.
What makes a good winter shoe?
A good winter shoe should suit your daily life. Those who spend a lot of time outdoors need different characteristics than someone who primarily wears the shoes for short distances or in the office.
Particularly important are:
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weather-appropriate wetness protection,
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a suitable lining,
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a profiled outsole,
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a good fit,
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and proper care.
You can also find out which points are particularly important when buying in our magazine article [8 tips for buying shoes in winter].
Rule 1: Protect shoes properly from wetness
In the German winter, moisture is often a greater challenge than extreme cold. Rain, slush, and wet roads can severely stress leather and textile upper materials.
An impregnation suitable for the material can help reduce water absorption and protect the upper material from dirt.
Important: An impregnation does not automatically make a shoe waterproof. However, it supports wetness protection and can facilitate later cleaning.
Detailed information can be found under [Impregnating shoes].
For particularly wet days, models with a corresponding membrane can also be useful. You can find out more under [Sioux-TEX].
Rule 2: Pay attention to the right lining
Not every winter shoe needs to be equally heavily lined. The crucial factor is at what temperatures and for how long the shoe will be worn.
Basically, different types of lining can be distinguished:
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Light leather or textile lining
Suitable for the transitional period and mild winter days. -
Warm lining
Warming materials such as textile, wool, or other special lining materials can provide more thermal comfort on cooler days. -
Lambskin
Genuine lambskin is primarily used in shoes intended for cold temperatures. Due to its natural structure, it can retain heat and at the same time support a comfortable shoe climate.
You can find out which lining materials Sioux uses and how they differ under [Shoe lining].
Rule 3: Don't underestimate the sole and tread
In winter weather, it's worth taking a look under the shoe.
A profiled outsole can offer more grip on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces than a very smooth sole. How pronounced the tread should be depends on the respective area of application.
In addition to the tread, the material, flexibility, and construction of the sole also play a role in the walking sensation.
However, it is important: Even a heavily profiled sole cannot guarantee a secure grip on ice or extremely slippery surfaces.
Learn more about different sole types and their properties under [Shoe soles].
How to care for shoes properly in winter?
Winter shoes regularly come into contact with moisture, dirt, and sometimes even road salt. Therefore, it is worthwhile to remove dirt as soon as possible.
Depending on the material, the following procedure is recommended:
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first let coarse dirt dry and carefully brush it off,
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treat smooth leather with a suitable care product,
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care for suede with a special suede brush,
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re-impregnate shoes regularly,
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and always let damp shoes dry slowly.
You can find more information under [Shoe care], [How to clean shoes properly], and [Suede care].
If light residues have already formed, our guide [Removing salt stains from shoes] will help you.
Drying wet shoes properly
After a walk through rain or slush, shoes should not be placed directly on the heater or dried with a hairdryer.
Too much heat can dry out leather, harden it, or impair its shape, especially.
It is better to let the shoes dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated place.
A suitable shoe tree helps to maintain the shape. For very damp shoes, absorbent, uncolored paper can also be loosely placed inside the shoe.
You can find out more about proper shape care under [Shoe trees].
Why are breaks from wearing shoes particularly important in winter?
Especially in winter, shoes need time to dry completely.
If a pair is worn every day, moisture can remain inside the shoe. This applies not only to external wetness but also to moisture generated during wear.
Therefore, give your shoes enough time to air out and dry before wearing them again.
You can find out why regular breaks are useful under [Wearing breaks for shoes].
What should be considered when storing summer shoes?
If summer models are stored in the wardrobe for several months, they should be cleaned and dried before storage.
The best way to do this is step by step:
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Clean shoes thoroughly.
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Treat smooth leather with a suitable care product if necessary.
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Let shoes dry completely.
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Insert shoe trees to maintain the shape.
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Store shoes in a dry, dust-protected place away from direct sunlight.
Shoe boxes or breathable fabric bags are suitable, for example. Airtight plastic containers, on the other hand, are not ideal for leather.
This way, the shoes are well prepared for the next season when spring begins.
Making shoes winter-ready: The most important things at a glance
Those who want their shoes to last well through winter should primarily pay attention to impregnation, lining, sole, regular care, and sufficient drying time.
A suitable winter shoe does not only protect against bad weather through its appearance. The interaction of material, construction, fit, and care is decisive.
This way, your shoes will remain well-maintained and comfortable to wear for as long as possible, even in rain, slush, and cold temperatures.