Winter boots are in high demand thanks to the cold weather, so Fitness Footwear rates the top 5 winter boots for wet weather, cold conditions and après ski.

Choosing the right winter boots is never easy. Obviously you will want your winter boots to be waterproof, but when you’re looking for the perfect combination of style with value for money, a well recognised brand and all the latest innovations to support your feet whether you’re walking to work in the rain, out hiking or taking the dog for an evening stroll.

So to help you find the perfect winter boots, Fitness Footwear has picked 5 of its best boots for overcoming the elements while staying comfortably cosy during the colder times of the year.

2009 has begun with sleet, snow and now heavy rain, so we can safely say that winter has arrived. A good winter boot will provide waterproof protection, insulation, breathability and excellent grip to stop you from slipping over. At the same time, the perfect winter boot will look good when the weather’s bad while being rugged and hard wearing for real outdoor use.

Which Winter Boots are Best?

Merrell Radius Mid Waterproof – Cocoa
Fashioned from waterproof Nubuck leather, these stylish Merrell Radius boots embody everything that makes Merrell an excellent footwear brand, providing comfort, warmth, stability and traction in cold, wet and icy weather conditions. While the top of the boot is incredibly eye catching, the support comes from beneath thanks to a long list of innovative technologies from the Compression Moulded EVA foot frame and Air Cushion Midsole to the External Heal Counter, Arch Shank, Rubber Toe Bumper and Vibram Multi-Grip Sole to provide stability and support with every step.

Caterpillar Colorado – Dark Beige
These darkly designed Caterpillar Colorado boots are super choice for the traditional hiker combining rugged design with traditional looks and an instantly recognisable Caterpillar logo. Fashioned from nubuck leather, they’re breathable, tough and provide great underfoot support while a nylon mesh wicks away moisture and the industry renowned Goodyear Welt ensures long life through regular use. Caterpillar boots have been the favourite walking shoe for many years with the Caterpillar Colorado as a leading example of their fine quality outdoor footwear.

Salomon Revo SCS GTX Thyme and Autobahn Boot
Designed for hardcore trekkers, the Salomon Revo SCS GTX Thyme and Autobahn Boot is feather lightweight by using seamless technology to keep out the elements and insulate the foot in the coldest weather conditions while wicking excess heat and moisture away from the skin with its Gore-Tex membrane and Gusseted tongue. Great for trekking on moderate to rugged terrain, the Salomon Revo SCS GTX boots provides underfoot support by cradling the foot in its Autofit foam with 3D fit padding which naturally moulds to your foot shape overtime. Meanwhile the Protective TPC toe cap, Mud guard and Mountain Contagrip outsole provide stability, grip and a firmer footing on all manner of terrain from footpaths to muddy fields.

Brasher Azuma GTX – Brown
Smartly styled for walking to work, these Brasher Azuma GTX boots are ideal for city life during the winter while providing excellent ankle support. Designed for hill trekking and walking on well defined paths, this classic leather hill walking boot is fashioned from rich full grain leather and features a Gore-Tex lining to keep out the wind and rain while wicking moisture away for the foot, providing a cool, dry and comfortable feeling.

Hi-Tec St Moritz 200
Top of the ladies winter boots, the Hi-Tec St Moritz was massively popular in 2008 thanks to its warm and furry design. Built to be lightweight, waterproof and breathable, this ladies snow boot is perfectly crafted for apes ski or fashionable activities in cold weather conditions. On a practical side it provides a soft feeling underfoot thanks to its cushioned midsole and carbon rubber outsole.

And The Winners Are!
All of these boots are an excellent choice of winter boot from a variety of brands whether it’s looking good while working to work or going for a hardcore hike. It’s impossible to pick 1 winner when all of these winter boots are aimed at different audiences and activities.

Best Value for Money: Caterpillar Colorado – Dark Beige
For such a well known brand, Caterpillar boots are quite affordable, offering good looks, tough design and comfort, all while being light, breathable and waterproof. All the essentials are there and thanks to the Goodyear Welt you know that they are built to last.

Best Performance: Salomon Revo SCS GTX Thyme and Autobahn Boot
Built to last, good looking and featuring countless innovations from Gore-Tex waterproof protection and breathable comfort to a tough seamless construction and lightweight design. For winter there’s no better boot for overcoming the elements and while it may not be the best looking of the men’s winter boots (unlike the Brasher Azuma GTX) its reasonably fashionable and incredibly functions, giving your feet the stability, comfort and grip on any surface from footpaths to mountains.

Best Looking: Hi-Tec St Moritz
Exceptionally stylish, the Hi-Tec St Moritz is not only instantly eye catching, but incredibly warm while being lightweight, waterproof and breathable. It’s light, casual, entirely functional and a hot choice for well dressed women seeking snow boots for some après ski this season or just warm winter comfort. However, the Brasher Azuma GTX was a close runner up for smart city worker boots.

So if you’re setting the fashion trends, embracing the outdoors or just looking to stay safe and warm this winter, there are perfect winter boots for everyone from top of the range sports performance to value for money and head turning fashion.

For a huge selection out outdoor footwear and winter boots check out FitnessFootwear.com, the web’s widest choice of sports and outdoor footwear.

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