The strongest men's shoes. Men's boots from Clarks

Girls will always find a reason to buy a pair of new shoes. Some fashionistas would rather fast for a few days than miss the chance to show off a new product from their favorite brand. We tell you which famous manufacturers of women's shoes drive the fair half of humanity crazy and force them to make sacrifices in the name of fashion.

Christian Louboutin

History of creation

Frenchman Christian Louboutin has been interested in women's shoes since childhood. He studied with world-famous masters, and opened his first boutique when he was not even 30 years old.

What kind of shoes are produced?

Although the most famous “Louboutins” are stilettos, you can buy ballet flats, sneakers, and sandals from Christian Louboutin. This brand also produces elegant wedding shoes.

Peculiarities

A distinctive feature of Christian Louboutin is the bright red shiny sole. The shoes come with high heels, but despite this, they are very comfortable to wear.

Christian Louboutin brand shoes are one of the most coveted among fashionistas all over the planet. Christian created a collection of shoes for Barbie dolls.

How to spot a fake

The sole of real Louboutins is glossy (not matte!) and the only possible color is bright scarlet. The shoes, including the soles, are made of genuine leather, so check them for softness.

Price

You will be asked to pay at least 650 euros for the stilettos.

Christian Louboutin himself.

arrow_left Christian Louboutin himself.

The famous red sole.

arrow_left The famous red sole.

Barbie knows a lot about luxury shoes.

arrow_left Barbie knows a lot about luxury shoes.

Jimmy Choo

History of creation

Jimmy Choo was born in Malaysia to a shoemaker and made his first pair of shoes at the age of 11. He studied and took his first steps in the profession in Foggy Albion. In 1996, Jimmy Choo co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd with Tamara Mellon, a British designer and businesswoman.

What kind of shoes are produced?

Now the company is a manufacturer of almost all types of luxury women's shoes: stilettos, high-heeled and wedge sandals, boots and ankle boots with shafts of various lengths with or without heels, summer and mid-season shoes with flat soles and even sneakers.

Peculiarities

The company specializes in natural materials. Shoes from Jimmy Choo delight customers with a wide palette of colors and a variety of decor.

Fans of the American TV series “Sex and the City” learned about elegant Jimmy Choo shoes from the lips of the heroine Sarah Jessica Parker, when one day she lost one of her shoes.

It is said that this shoe brand was Princess Diana's favorite.

Price

You can buy summer shoes with flat soles for 350 euros, and for stilettos you can pay up to several thousand euros.

The exciting lines of Jimmy Choo sandals.

arrow_left The exciting lines of Jimmy Choo sandals.

A sophisticated model from the wedding collection.

arrow_left A sophisticated model from the wedding collection.

Manolo Blahnik

History of creation

The son of a Spanish woman and a Czech, Manolo Blahnik studied design in Paris. His first creations related to shoes for men. But he soon realized that his creativity had little place in men’s fashion and decided to please the fair half of humanity with his designs.

At the age of 37, he opened his own boutique in New York and began collaborating with famous designers. The founder of the brand is personally involved in the development of the design of new shoes and controls the process of their creation.

What kind of shoes are produced?

The boutiques of the Manolo Blahnik brand are home to elegant high-heeled shoes of different lengths, brightly colored ballet flats, laconic ankle boots, slippers and loafers, mules and sandals with extraordinary decoration.

Peculiarities

The brand is known for high-quality materials and hand-tailoring. Manolo Blahnik shoes are distinguished by their original design and comfort.

The company produces only 80 pairs of shoes per day, which confirms its exclusivity.

Like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik shoes and sandals also got a role in the TV series Sex and the City, but not a cameo. American fashionista Carrie Bradshaw almost never takes off shoes from this manufacturer and considers them almost the most valuable exhibit of her stylish wardrobe.

In addition to Sarah Jessica Parker, celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Winona Ryder are in love with Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Price

You can buy slippers for 600 euros, and for stilettos you will be asked for more than 1000 euros.

Don Manolo with his creation.

arrow_left Don Manolo with his creation.

The Spanish designer is conquering the world.

arrow_left The Spanish designer is conquering the world.

Sarah Jessica Parker, like her heroine, cannot go past Manolo Blahnik.

arrow_left Sarah Jessica Parker, like her heroine, cannot go past Manolo Blahnik.

Louis Vuitton

History of creation

The Louis Vuitton trading house was opened in 1854 in France, and produced primarily suitcases and traveling bags. It was a family business that is now part of the LVMH conglomerate. The French fashion house began producing a line of shoes in 1998, when the collection included exclusively women's shoes.

What kind of shoes are produced?

In the luxurious Louis Vuitton boutique you can try on elegant stilettos, seductive ankle boots, sophisticated high- and low-heeled sandals, glamorous sneakers, as well as boots and shoes.

Peculiarities

Many Louis Vuitton models have a pattern in the form of the famous brand logo. The color scheme is mostly basic - brown and black. But there are also models of other colors, primarily pink.

There is an interesting position in the company. The employee must check the shoes for comfort: just walk in new shoes for 10 days. Dream job…

Price

Sports shoes and mules will cost you at least 500 euros, and the average price for shoes will be 700-800 euros.

The elegance of French shoe design.

arrow_left The elegance of French shoe design.

Stylish decor.

arrow_left Stylish decor.

Miu Miu

History of creation

The brand appeared in 1993 as a new project of the famous Prada brand. The founder is the same Miuccia Prada, an Italian fashion designer. The Miu Miu brand produces women's clothing and accessories.

What kind of shoes are produced?

Miu Miu offers a wide range of types of shoes: shoes and sandals in bright colors with or without heels of different heights, glamorous slippers and sneakers, playful ballet flats and ankle boots.

Peculiarities

Young designers, often avant-garde artists, collaborate with the Miu Miu brand.

Price

For 400 euros you can please yourself with sandals, but you will have to spend more on shoes.

Pink, bows and rhinestones - everything a woman’s foot needs.

arrow_left Pink, bows and rhinestones - everything a woman’s foot needs.

The elegant brightness of Miu Miu.

arrow_left The elegant brightness of Miu Miu.

Walter Steiger

History of creation

Walter Steiger Sr. opened the first boutique in Geneva in 1932. His son, also Walter, made the company world famous. He opened boutiques in Paris, London, and then in New York.

The brand's philosophy is to search for the most harmonious proportions in shoes.

What kind of shoes are produced?

The Walter Steiger brand primarily offers shoes and sandals with high and medium heels, but you can also look at laconic low shoes, loafers, and ballet flats.

Peculiarities

Some models of this brand are easily recognized by the famous curved heel. The creations created by this brand are considered classics in the history of fashion.

Walter Steiger is known for his passion for innovation and originality. Despite this, fashion critics characterize this style as a desire for minimalism, purity and lightness of lines. Models of this brand are distinguished by an almost complete absence of decor.

The founder of the brand himself stated that his research consists of searching for new proportions and shapes, and decoration has never been his “trick.”

Price

The cost of shoes ranges from 350 to 700 euros per pair.

Famous heel.

arrow_left Famous heel.

Black and gold - stylish sophistication.

arrow_left Black and gold - stylish sophistication.

Gucci

History of creation

Italian waiter Guccio Gucci, at the age of 40, used his saved money to open a workshop in Florence for the production of bags and suitcases. With the development of the company, clothing, shoes and accessories appeared.

What kind of shoes are produced?

The choice of elegant shoes is huge: stilettos, ballet flats, moccasins, loafers, mules, boots and shoes, sneakers.

Peculiarities

Gucci shoes are primarily valued for their high quality and ease of wear.

Many models are made of leather with a repeating embossed brand logo.

In the magnificent film “Roman Holiday,” the heroine of American star Audrey Hepburn appears with a Gucci scarf and dances in moccasins by the great Italian designer.

First Lady Jackie Kennedy was a fan of this brand's handbags.

Grace Kelly, an American actress and later Princess of Monaco, was the advertising face of the brand for a long time, and later made the company the official supplier of the princely court.

Price

The cheapest slippers will cost you 550 euros.

Gucci has taken over the fashion world.

arrow_left Gucci has taken over the fashion world.

JLo in shoes from the catwalk.

arrow_left JLo in shoes from the catwalk.

Stuart Weitzman

History of creation

American Stuart Weitzman began drawing models for his father's shoe company, and then created his own international luxury brand. Stewart is known for creating many of the world's most expensive pairs of shoes.

The fact that comfortable and stylish shoes plays a decisive role in building an individual image and is of great importance in the everyday life of any man is beyond any doubt.

Today it is simply necessary to be able to understand the types of men's shoes, select shoes for different clothing options and properly care for this integral part of the wardrobe. It is equally important to understand why you should strive to buy the best men's shoes, which brands deserve respect in principle, and whether price guarantees quality.

I'm not rich enough to buy cheap things.

The relevance of this wise saying cannot be overestimated. However, most people stubbornly continue to wear cheaper and often lower quality shoes, thereby not only compromising their style, but to some extent endangering their own health.

LOAKE

One of the most affordable brands of English men's shoes of good quality. The Loake brand has been operating since 1880 and since then there have been 5 generations of manufacturers of prestigious handmade shoes. According to the company, it takes about eight weeks to produce each exclusive pair of shoes. To date, the brand has produced up to 50 million pairs of shoes, which are exported to more than 50 countries. Loake are very comfortable and practical men's shoes for a wide range of consumers.

A country - England

Price of men's Loake shoes - from 175 euros

Wear comfortable and high-quality shoes, complement your look with expensive men's watches and other important accessories. This will definitely give you self-confidence, increase self-esteem and guarantee attention from women. Use a good men's perfume, take care of yourself, play sports and achieve success.

Winter is coming soon. Even now, the autumn weather regularly reminds us of the imminent arrival of cold weather with chilly winds and persistently dropping temperatures. And it's time to take your feet out of your favorite lightweight sneakers and move them into a warmer and more comfortable pair of shoes.

Choosing shoes for the winter is not an easy and responsible task. If the appearance and design of the boots will depend on your taste, general style and lifestyle, then the heat-saving properties of the shoes must be taken seriously. You know that hypothermia of the feet, in addition to discomfort, can provoke many diseases, ranging from a common runny nose to more serious colds. And if your feet are cold, then your whole body will be cold, despite warm outerwear.

At the same time, you should not buy super warm boots for every day if severe frosts are very rare in your region of residence. Or you usually travel by car and work in a well-heated room.

Criteria for choosing men's boots for the winter

When choosing high-quality boots for the winter, you should take into account several postulates that will make the choice easier.

• Style preferences. No matter how cool the boots are in terms of all sorts of characteristics, there is one thing: “whether the soul lies or not.” Therefore, if you really like the shoes, read the following selection criteria.

• Temperature of your winters. The weather sometimes brings surprises, but in general you know roughly what kind of winters you'll experience. Therefore, if your winter means rare frosts and frequent slush, then you should focus on waterproof models with thick leather, high soles and cool insulation. Well, if you live in a region with severe frosts, and -20 0 C is the usual temperature for you in winter, and you have seen stronger ones - in this case you cannot do without insulation made of fluffy sheepskin.
• Where are you going to wear your boots? Do you agree that shoes for recreation and extreme sports combined with insulated sportswear, or boots for every day with insulated jeans, and so on, differ from each other in style, design and materials? Therefore, it is hardly worth purchasing fancy functional boots for extreme recreation if you plan to wear them within the “home-car-work-home” radius. In this case, classic boots that are warm but not hot are suitable.

Slightly larger than size

Of course, everyone knows their shoe size. However, when buying winter shoes, it is better to purchase a model that is at least half a size larger, avoiding the fit of your feet. If the model is insulated with natural fur, then there should be at least a centimeter of space left from the big toe to the toe of the shoe for fluffy insulating fibers.

And if the boots are insulated with flannel or fleece, an extra half size will also come in handy - you can add comfort to your feet with woolen socks or a fluffy insole.

Types of shoe insulation

Note: insulation does not heat, but retains heat!

It is important to choose the right shoe insulation that suits your climate. They come in several types:

• Beaver lamb. We always want our winter boots to be as warm as possible, and sheepskin will make your wish come true! Humanity has long known the best qualities of natural insulation, and still uses its experience, keeping feet warm with natural fur.

Sheep fur - This is the most common natural heat retainer. Ask your grandmother and mother - they will tell you that there is nothing warmer than sheep fur for shoes.

Zigeyka is popular as a warming element due to special wool structure, creating an air layer that retains heat in the boots. In addition, sheepskin is affordable and has remarkable qualities: it is hygroscopic and dries quickly.

Of course, wedge shoes are an excellent option for persistent cold winters. But it’s not at all suitable for winter slush and above-zero temperatures. If your feet get wet and sweat, then the sheep's wool will quickly smooth out and roll up, and this will soon affect its heat-saving properties.

• Wool fur(often called “sheepskin”) is a combination of natural sheep wool and artificial fiber. The percentage of natural fiber to synthetics can be different: 50/50; 80/70 and other options. The base of the insulation is fabric.

Wool fur is cheaper than tsigeika. However, it includes the qualities of natural fur: it “breathes” and retains heat well. However, you can’t convince our man: natural 100% wool is better!

• Flange insulation Ideal for shoes at temperatures down to -5 0 C, but beyond that it will be cold. Fleece is a natural fluffy fabric that is made from cotton, wool or a mix of both. The good thing about the bike is that it is natural, environmentally friendly, dries quickly and retains heat well.

Boots with flannelette insulation are demanding when it comes to socks: they must be cotton and clean. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the bike to transfer heat to your feet through synthetics, and it will quickly absorb the smell of stale socks.

• Fleece insulation for shoes can be called an analogue of flannelette insulation. That is, fleece is suitable for late autumn and warm winters with slight frosts. Fleece is a fluffy polyester fabric that has a number of advantages: it is lightweight, breathes well, and retains thermal insulation even when wet.

• Thinsulate- a modern insulation material that can compete with the insulating properties of tsigeika. It is also called artificial swan down - it is so light and warm. It is compared to down due to its airy and weightless fiber structure.

Thinsulate (can be translated as subtle warmth) was developed for astronaut uniforms, and after a series of tests began to be successfully used as insulation for everyday clothing. The peculiarity of Thinsulate in thermal insulation is its ability to maintain body temperature.

And this is where the fun begins. After all, the temperature varies. If you are not a cold person and you are warm, then Thinsulate will adequately hold this moment; many even complain that it is really hot in clothes with Thinsulate. Well, if you put boots on cold feet, then Thinsulate will keep the cold out.

Types of materials for boots

Most often, winter shoes are made from leather and its substitute.

• Genuine Leather has been considered an ideal material for shoes for many years. It takes the shape of the leg (stretches), is comfortable to wear, does not get wet (especially in combination with special care products) and retains heat well.

Leather comes in different types (pork, calf, and exotic animals) and different finishes, and of course the quality of the leather will affect the design and appearance of your boots. And different treatments: smooth, suede, nubuck, washed, aged.

The more unusual the skin, the more delicate care it requires. For example, suede and nubuck do not like moisture and cannot look attractive without special brushes and caring sprays.

• Faux leather sometimes it looks exactly like natural. Shoes made from artificial leather are cheaper than shoes made from natural materials. However, shoes made of such material can allow water to pass through, crack in the cold and quickly become unusable.

GORE-TEX shoes (waterproof)

And this is just a pleasant exception to the rule. Shoes with this technology can be made of artificial materials. However, thanks to the special Gore-Tex laminate that covers the boot on all sides, moisture will not seep into your feet.

This technology is used in shoes for various purposes, both everyday and for recreation (tourism). Rest assured: in shoes with Gore-Tex technology you will not get your feet wet in the winter and autumn slush, and you will be comfortable: dry, warm, not hot. And you will know about the presence of this function by the sign sewn on the shoe or the inscription on the characteristics label: “Gore-Tex”.

Pay attention to the sole

This part of the boots comes into contact with the ground when walking, so special attention must be paid to it, starting from thickness, material, and ending with relief.

• The thickness of the winter sole should be more than one centimeter (a thin layer of the sole will radiate cold to the feet).
• It is better to choose a material for the sole that is flexible and waterproof (rubber, polyurethane).
• The relief on the sole will protect you from slipping and falling in icy conditions. Therefore, the more textured the sole, the better. It’s good if the pattern on the sole is directed in different directions - this gives stability on ice.

Fighting slippery soles

It is this lack of footwear (slipperiness) that is to blame for falls and ice injuries. Therefore, if, due to inexperience, you purchased shoes with slippery soles for the winter, this can be corrected with special “anti-ice” overlays or using folk remedies that make the soles rough.

This is a patch glued to the sole, stuffed or glued pieces of felt and sandpaper.

Here's another tip. Apply Moment glue to the sole in a zigzag pattern, wait until it hardens, and then sand the sole with sandpaper (or you can sprinkle the glue with sand). This method will give the sole unevenness and prevent slipping.

It turns out that choosing high-quality and comfortable boots is not so easy. There are so many things to consider. We hope that our article will help you decide on the choice of boots for this winter. And the slippery and cold weather will pass for you in comfort: steady and warm.

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As you know, shoes can say a lot about a person. In particular, to show status, standard of living, character. It’s difficult to find a pair that suits you today. The stores provide a huge assortment, which is easy to get lost in.

1. Material. It must be natural. For example, leather or nubuck. Dermantin is unreliable and cold. Recently, well-known brands have been using new technologies in production, producing thermal materials.
2. Insoles. Warm ones are usually made from sheepskin, felt or fleece. They are soft. Today you can find special thermal insoles.
3. The sole should be thick, rubber and with tread. The latter will slow down the sliding.
4. Inner material. It is desirable that it be natural, but faux fur will also work. It also heats well. The main thing is that it is not very thick.
5. Fastening. The way the upper is connected to the sole determines how warm the boots will be, how well they will protect from moisture and how long they will last. Here we give preference to stitched models rather than glued ones.
6. Brand authority. Time-tested manufacturers continue to be popular even in times of rapidly developing new brands. The quality of products from “old” companies has long been known to customers.

Top 10 Best Winter Boot Brands for Men

10 Patrol

Best value
A country: Sweden (produced in Russia)
Rating (2018): 4.5

The Patrol company produces high-top lace-up shoes. People call these shoes “boot boots.” Patrol models are in great demand among buyers. The range allows you to choose from sports, youth or classic shoes. The ranking of the best could not do without a manufacturer that is ideally suited to the conditions of the Russian winter. A special water-repellent coating on the outer material keeps your feet dry. The internal processing of the models is fur, wool and lint. They protect your feet from the cold.

The peculiarity of the Patrol brand is its inexpensive price. It allows people with low incomes to buy high-quality warm shoes. Some males complain that boots quickly lose their original appearance. But we must not forget that Patrol produces models in the low-cost segment. Therefore, we cannot make demands on it as a “luxury” brand. Overall, the company is moving forward with great strides, gaining credibility among customers.

9 SALAMANDER

The best fur insoles
Country: Germany
Rating (2018): 4.6

Salamander creates original high quality shoes. Natural materials are used to produce most models. Boots made of genuine leather, nubuck, and suede are very popular. The sole is made of durable rubber that does not stiffen in severe frost. Stainless steel is used for fasteners. The color scheme is classic: black, gray, dark blue, brown shades. The characteristic of the brand is the use of different textured materials in one model. This gives a pair of shoes a special touch. The models are decorated with decorative stitching, lacing, embossed and perforated leather.

Salamander men's winter boots of classic style do not have thick soles. But users are not at all upset by the thin sole. It perfectly protects your feet from the cold. Inside, the boots contain a thick fur insole that reliably retains heat. The locks on the boots are made of iron and perform well throughout the entire period of use. Customer reviews note several other useful criteria: stitched sole, even stitching, reinforced hard heel. Thanks to positive consumer opinions, Salamander ranks among the best.

8 Merrell

Best Design
Country: USA
Rating (2018): 4.6

Merrell men's boots are popular because they are suitable for wearing even in extreme conditions. A warm fur lining provides warmth in severe frost. The treaded outsole provides perfect grip on the surface. Additional protection is provided by the reinforced toe and heel of the boots. The durable leather used to make the upper creates an attractive look and durable use. These characteristics have allowed Merrell to take a place in the ranking of the best manufacturers of winter boots for men.

Inside, the shoes undergo special treatment, which increases the service life of the product. The price for one pair is quite high. But she's worth it. The most common model is Merrell Atmost. Insulated boots for hiking purposes. The top is covered with a waterproof membrane. At the same time, the surface remains breathable. This is an ideal option not only for city streets, but also for fishing trips. Reviews about the brand are mostly positive. They feature modern style and reliability. Merrell is a brand worth checking out.

7 Ecco

Best anatomical shape
Country: Denmark
Rating (2018): 4.7

The Ecco brand quickly gained popularity among customers due to its high-quality approach to shoe manufacturing. The company produces anatomically correct shoes, so even the first minutes of walking in a pair of Ecco shoes gives you a feeling of comfort. This was the reason for including the brand in the ranking of the best. The range includes both classic and sports winter shoes, so choosing the right option for yourself is not difficult. Almost all models of winter boots are made from natural materials. Thanks to them, the feet breathe and are always warm. A special feature of the brand is the thick sole. It does not let the cold inside the shoes.

Another distinctive feature of Ecco is the anatomical toe. Thanks to it, the foot is not compressed and calluses are not rubbed. The color scheme of Ecco winter boots also has a highlight - Expression olive. Classic models are the most popular; they can be combined with a business suit. The boots have a thin fur layer, so they look neat. Ecco shoes are the choice of millions of customers. The brand is loved for its unrivaled convenience.

6 RALF RINGER

The warmest shoes
Country Russia
Rating (2018): 4.8

Ralf Ringer personifies the domestic footwear industry market. In Russia this is one of the leading brands. Ralf Ringer shoes are made mainly from natural materials. At the same time, it has a fairly high price. It is worth noting that the expensive cost is completely justified. With proper care, a pair of shoes can last for many years. The favorite model of buyers is high boots with laces and grooved soles. For winter this is the most suitable option. Ralf Ringer produces insulated boots for “sporty” men.

The company has been recognized as the best since its inception. Positive customer reviews highlight the ability of Ralf Ringer shoes to keep you warm even in the most severe frost. The width of the models eliminates rubbing of the foot. Thanks to these characteristics, the company was included in our rating. The pleasant appearance of the products is also noted. Constant updating of the assortment makes it possible for different segments of consumers to purchase Ralf Ringer products. The company is famous not only for high-quality shoes, but also for its friendly attitude towards customers. Official stores often hold promotions, and discounts allow you to buy expensive models at a significant discount.

5 Columbia

Better functionality. Best heating technology
Country: USA
Rating (2018): 4.9

The American brand Columbia creates wear-resistant shoes that fit perfectly on the foot. All insulation and materials undergo multi-level testing of humidity and temperature. The peculiarity of the brand lies in the innovative technology used in the manufacture of the sole. Thanks to the unusual rubber composition, the sole does not slip on ice and is very stable on uneven surfaces. The range of men's winter boots is varied in design, structural components, cut and purpose. For obvious reasons, we could not help but include Columbia in the top of the best.

The main models that are most popular among buyers are heated boots, fur-lined and insulated boots. The first ones are equipped with a unique Bugathermo system, which allows you to control the level of heating of the shoes. The latter are suitable for everyday wear; they are insulated with natural wool. The interior finishing of the third is a special Omni-Heat insulation. Columbia winter boots are always of unsurpassed quality.

4 Rieker

Best quality at an affordable price. Best quality tailoring
Country: Switzerland
Rating (2018): 4.9

The famous company Rieker has gained fame all over the world thanks to its development of Antistress. It allows you to create very light shoes with a unique flexible sole. Feet in Rieker shoes do not get tired even after a long walk. It is suitable for people who prioritize comfort over beauty. These shoes are especially recommended for those with full legs. The company was included in the ranking of the best thanks to this technology. The main concept of the brand is high quality at an affordable price. Characteristic features of Rieker are high-quality tailoring, high wear resistance and a comfortable last.

Men's winter boots have especially durable soles. It prevents freezing and also has excellent adhesion to the surface. You don't have to worry about slipping in boots from Rieker. The shoes are equipped with light cushioning. With its help, the load on the feet is significantly reduced. Buyers consider the style of the models to be very banal. It is a fact. Rieker does not focus on design. What buyers have a common opinion on is excellent wear resistance and convenience.

3 Caterpillar

The most durable shoes
Country: USA
Rating (2018): 5.0

Caterpillar winter boots are suitable for practical men with high criteria for choosing winter shoes and good style. Caterpillar is distinguished from other similar brands by its reasonable pricing policy. At the same time, the appearance and quality of the models are at their best. The upper material of the boots is genuine leather or suede. In addition, it is impregnated with a water-repellent agent. Winter boots with fur lining have an additional sheepskin lining. It is located under the insole. This ensures ideal heat retention inside the shoe.

The main concept of Caterpillar is to create durable shoes with a steel toe and thick soles. Double stitching, which attaches the upper to the sole, reliably protects your feet from getting wet. Men who once bought Caterpillar winter boots return to this brand constantly. Of course, not everyone is satisfied with the laconic design of the models, but it is compensated by extraordinary comfort. For any weather conditions, the Caterpillar brand is irreplaceable.

2 TIMBERLAND

The most reliable shoes
Country: USA
Rating (2018): 5.0

Once upon a time, Timberland managed to make a real revolution in the industry. More than 50 years ago, the company began producing high-quality waterproof men's boots. To do this, she used innovative technologies. Now boots of this brand are popular among men of any age in all corners of the world. Any Timberland winter pair is distinguished by a proprietary membrane, which is responsible for reliability and durability, and a special grooved sole, which provides excellent traction on uneven surfaces.

Timberland shoes also feature dirt- and water-repellent silicone coating and clever sealed seam technology. Thanks to them, winter boots retain their perfect spring look for a long time. The insoles deserve special attention. An exclusive “anti-fatigue” recipe is used to make them. All these advantages allowed us to include the brand in the top of the best. The Timberland range comes in a variety of styles. Classic boot models are the most popular among men. The brand's shoes are preferred by many show business stars. Customers note that Timberland creates the warmest and most practical winter boots.

1 Salomon

Better shock absorption
Country: France
Rating (2018): 5.0

In the usual sense, Salomon winter boots are about quality and durability. The use of Gore-Tex technology allows you to create breathable shoes that are resistant to water. A distinctive feature of the company is excellent depreciation. It provides ideal comfort when traveling off-road. Another important quality is good adhesion to the surface. This is essential for winter boots. Salomon shoes can withstand forty-degree frosts.

High-quality materials and numerous advanced technologies are used in the production of models. Particularly significant ones:

1. AEROTHERM T° - level of comfort in accordance with the air temperature.
2. SENSIFIT™ - comfortable fit of the foot.
3. QUICKLACE™ - makes it easy to take off and put on.
4. THINSULATE™ 200GR – minimum weight, thickness and durability.

These are not all technologies used in production. The main thing is that they are all aimed at ensuring dryness, comfort and warmth. Customers are very satisfied with Salomon winter boots. You can winter in them for more than one year.

It is not an exaggeration to say that your health, and sometimes your life, depends on whether you know how to choose winter shoes. Frost, slush, ice, reagents that are generously sprinkled on the roads - all these are real tests for boots and boots, and not every pair can cope with them. Therefore, to feel warm and comfortable, choose your shoes responsibly. To help you, we have collected basic tips for choosing winter shoes.

Upper materials

The answer to the question of how to choose high-quality shoes for winter lies, first of all, in the correct choice of material from which the upper is made. Despite the development of technology, the shelves of most stores are still divided into two parts: more expensive shoes made from natural materials and budget options made from artificial ones. Genuine leather can be smooth and fleecy - this variety includes suede, velor, and nubuck, beloved by many. Let's look at the pros and cons of each type of shoe.

Smooth natural leather retains heat well, restores its shape after deformation, withstands low temperatures, repels moisture, and prevents the foot from sweating. In addition, genuine leather can adapt to the shape of your foot when worn, making it more comfortable.

Fuzzy types of leather - suede, velor or nubuck - have most of these properties. The only exception is that they allow moisture to pass through and, moreover, under the influence of water and dirt they can lose their neat appearance. Special sprays can be a salvation, but they cannot be called a panacea. Therefore, it is better not to wear such shoes in bad weather. But it has a beautiful appearance and is suitable for festive occasions.

Modern industry has invented hundreds of synthetic materials for making shoes, but no matter how good they are, they cannot keep up with natural leather in quality. Leatherette shoes are less durable - as a rule, they last for one season. It is not as warm and less comfortable. The biggest advantage of shoes made from non-natural materials is their low price.

Sports shoes should be placed in a separate category. Synthetic materials and insulation like foam rubber are often used for it. As a rule, they do a good job of maintaining heat. But you will agree that wearing such shoes with business-style clothes will not work.

How to choose quality shoes

1. To determine whether a shoe is made of genuine or artificial leather, gently touch it with a needle. Genuine leather will bend elastically and then restore its shape; unnatural leather will remain marked with a puncture.
2. Examine the pair carefully and look for places where you can see the underside of the material. If a fabric base is found there, it is leatherette.
3. Evaluate the quality of the seams - the manufacturer of good shoes will not skimp on their processing.
4. Inspect the heel pad adjacent to the heel - it should be firm but flexible to support the foot. The inside should be covered with flannel or leather. There is no point in making the backdrop fur - the pile will be wiped off instantly.
5. The sole must be firmly and neatly fastened - without glue smudges or knocked down protruding threads if the shoes are stitched.

Interior decoration

It is clear that one of the best options for the interior finishing of winter shoes is natural fur. It maintains heat well and prevents your feet from sweating. In addition, it does not fall off for a long time, which means that there is an air layer between its fibers, thanks to which the foot does not freeze.

To distinguish natural insulation from artificial insulation, you need to move the fibers apart and examine the base of the lining. If you see a fabric base there, then the insulation is not natural.

Please note that manufacturers often use different linings for the top and bottom of shoes. In hard-to-reach places adjacent to the foot, low-quality material may suddenly appear.

The insoles of winter shoes should be soft enough. It’s good if they have a Seitz roll - a special thickening under the forefoot.

Sole

The minimum sole thickness for winter shoes is one centimeter. Keep in mind that the thinner it is, the faster your foot will cool. Optimal materials are polyurethane, rubber, polyvinyl chloride. Good “adhesion” to the surface is provided by the corrugated pattern, but sometimes this is not enough. If the shoes turn out to be slippery, you can ask the workshop to glue special pads on them. However, this will require additional costs.

Heel

Modern doctors are gradually moving away from the idea that comfortable and safe shoes must have a heel. We will not interfere in the discussions of orthopedists and will only note one thing: high-heeled winter boots are not an option for every day, and you need to move with the utmost caution in them.

A more or less safe heel height for hiking on snow and ice is up to five centimeters. It is better that the heel is wide and stable.

Make sure that the heel does not move back under load, and that the toe, even without your weight, does not rise above the floor by more than one centimeter. If these requirements are not met, it will be very difficult for you to stay on your feet in icy conditions, and in general it will be uncomfortable.

Lightning

Immediately appreciate how neatly and competently the zipper is sewn. There should be a flap adjacent to it on the inside, which will prevent your socks and tights from tearing when fastening and not damaging the zipper itself. However, it should not reach the bottom of the shoe, otherwise water will constantly get inside through the fastener.

How to choose winter shoe size

1. Come to the shoe store in the afternoon, when your feet are already a little swollen.
2. If you plan to wear shoes with a sock, put it on immediately when trying them on.
3. Put on your new shoes and measure how far your big toe is from the edge of the shoe. Experts say that it is optimal if it is one centimeter. In any case, make sure that nothing is squeezing all your fingers inside so that they can straighten out. In places where shoes restrict your feet, there is a high risk of frostbite in winter.
4. Leather shoes should fit comfortably, but at the same time fit snugly (remember that leather can take the shape of your foot over time).
5. Keep in mind that if leather shoes are worn in, then only in width. If your big toe is not free in it when trying it on, even prolonged wear will not change anything - it will always be so.

1. Shoes made of natural smooth leather with heels no more than five centimeters are the most practical and safe.
2. When assessing the material from which the lining is made, inspect not only the upper, but also the part where the foot directly fits. Manufacturers often skimp on unnoticed parts of their products.
3. Press down on the instep of the boot in the middle - the heel should not move back.
4. Winter shoes should not be tight - in places where they squeeze your feet, you risk frostbite.
5. The sole of high-quality winter shoes cannot be thinner than one centimeter.