What is the best insulation for winter boots?

Megan Smith
 min read

What is the best insulation for winter boots? Both natural and synthetic materials work well as linings in winter boots.

What is the best insulation for winter boots?Both sheepskin and wool woven on canvas are great natural material choices as insulation for your winter boots.

On the synthetic side, we have neoprene and microfibers like polyester and nylon that serve as good insulators in your winter boots.

Below, we go over these materials in detail.

After that, it may be worth your while to also check the best plus-size rain boots wide calf for women.

What is the best insulation for winter boots? Natural materials

Sheepskin for the most chilly among you

Sheepskin is a very insulating natural material that allows the foot to breathe.

It is also suitable for exposure to intense cold and is a good match for those people who often feel cold.

Many people wear their sheepskin boots barefoot.

Because of its composition, sheepskin does not retain odors and will absorb a lot of perspiration before becoming damp to the touch.

However, be sure to wear these boots only outdoors in cold temperatures.

Indeed, if a large amount of moisture were to settle in the boot, the drying time could be rather long.

Very durable, sheepskin winter boots are more expensive to buy, but they will last for many years.

Several models of women’s winter boot collections are lined with sheepskin.

Wool woven on canvas as an accessible natural material

In this type of insulation, sheep’s wool is woven on a textile canvas.

The denser the wool, the greater the degree of warmth.

A light wool lining will be perfect for short exposure to the cold, while a very dense wool lining will be almost as warm as a sheepskin!

Since it is a renewable resource, wool is less expensive than sheepskin.

However, its durability is not as great because repetitive rubbing eventually wears down the wool fibers over the years.

Many women’s winter boot selections feature numerous wool-lined boot styles of varying densities to suit different needs.

Regarding the exterior materials for your winter boots, read our other article What material are winter boots made of? Insights

What is the best insulation for winter boots? Synthetic materials

These are particularly interesting for sports activities.

Often mistakenly considered to be of lesser quality than natural fibers, synthetic fibers do offer significant advantages.

It is important to know that technologies are evolving rapidly these days, and that synthetic materials are now much more efficient and durable than in the past.

In general, synthetic insulation is also slightly less expensive than natural materials.

So maybe they can be an interesting choice for people who prefer not to invest in sheepskin winter boots, for example.

Mainly used in sports products, synthetic insulation is designed to provide maximum warmth while taking up the least amount of space and being as light as possible.

Many women’s winter boots are lined with synthetic materials.

The degree of insulation

The degree of insulation of the synthetic materials is usually written on the inside of the boots or on their box.

Here are the most common insulation levels on the market:

  • Lightweight insulation, often used for fall boots or some of the more delicate winter dress boots.
  • Medium insulation, sufficient for most daily winter activities (short walks, trips, outings, etc.)
  • Highly insulated for long-term outdoor activities or on very cold days.

Other types of synthetic materials are also used in the manufacture of women’s winter boots, see below.

Microfiber: warmth and look

Microfiber linings are quite thin and are therefore widely used in the composition of delicate and more formal winter boots.

The microfiber creates an instant warmth effect and also allows the foot to breathe well.

Would you like to have winter boots that you can wear with your smarter outfits without compromising on warmth?

Then you’ll love the look and comfort offered by microfiber-lined boots, like many women’s winter boots.

Neoprene: versatile and useful

Neoprene is a material commonly used in the manufacture of diving suits.

Well known for its insulating properties, it has the ability to create a barrier between the outside temperature and the body.

Since it is a material that does not absorb moisture, the choice of socks worn in waterproof neoprene winter boots is crucial.

Be sure to wear a pair of socks that absorbs moisture well to prevent build-up and preserve heat.

One of the great advantages of neoprene boots is that they are very practical for our winters with changing temperatures.

They can be worn in the snow as well as on freezing rainy days when you get wet!

Although neoprene acts as a barrier against the cold, it does not create heat.

People who are basically very warm will appreciate this type of boot all winter long.

But those who are chilly and always cold might find that they are not warm enough during very cold temperatures.

Still, they will definitely appreciate them during the change of seasons or rainy winter days.

What is the best insulation for winter boots? Conclusion

What is the best insulation for winter boots? Both natural and synthetic materials can serve as good insulation for your winter boots.

Among the natural materials are sheepskin and woven wool on canvas, synthetic materials include neoprene and microfiber like nylon and polyester.

Related: How to shop for wide calf boots: Tips and advice for women

About Megan Smith

Megan has been fighting overweight and her plus size since her teenage years. After trying all types of remedies without success, she started doing her own research. Megan founded Plus Size Zeal to share her findings. She also developed various detailed buying guides for plus-size people in order to make their lives easier and more comfortable. Read More