How to Wear Cold Weather Boots

Boots may seem like an easy enough garment to figure out, but when you're dealing with sub-freezing temperatures, there's a lot to consider. If you are out in the wilderness with the wrong boot, you could quickly find yourself in a crisis situation that could lead to frostbite, hypothermia or even death. Even if you have good cold weather boots, you need to make sure you wear them the right way and protect yourself from danger.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Wear thick socks with your boots--the warmer, the better. You don't want to rely solely upon your boots to keep you warm. They will get colder than you think, and if you develop a hole or worn area, you'll be in real trouble.

Step 2

Make sure the leg openings are firm but not too tight. You need to keep the cold air out and the warm air in without cutting off circulation to your foot. If your blood has trouble getting to your feet, they will get colder and put you at risk for frostbite.

Step 3

Insert a separate insulation liner for particularly cold weather. Avoid light leather boots or cowboy boots, which don't have the insulation to protect you in extreme cold.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure your boots are waterproof. Wet feet are the most dangerous kind of hazard--they will accelerate freezing and hypothermia. If you don't have waterproof boots steer clear of ice, snow or water.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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