Best Boots for European Winter
Europe in winter is a varied landscape. The temperatures and activities that you can enjoy across the continent are very unique and diverse.
For the purpose of this article, we will be sharing boot options for cities/places where there is a distinct winter season – temperatures around 5 degrees or lower, with or without snow. This won’t include many warm islands or countries in the Mediterranean where it is fairly warm throughout the year.
Here is Detail Guide:
WINTER IN EUROPE
Western Europe: High C 7 (42 F); Low -1 C (30 F)
Northern Europe: High -6 C (20 F); Low -17 C (6 F)
Eastern Europe: High 0 C (32 F); Low -5 C (21 F)
Southern Europe: High 15 C (58 F); Low 6 C (40 F)
- Cities in Western Europe like Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, etc. experiences mild winters (as compared to winters in northern Europe, or even back home in Canada). Winters set in November, and last till the early weeks of February.
- Depending on the month of travel and the amount of time you plan to spend outdoors – an ankle-length, mid-calf to tall boots, which can withstand up to – 10 degrees are a good idea. Of course, everyone’s cold threshold is different, so wearing thick warm socks or long johns is essential. For the most part, rely on the shoe label – if it says withstand up to “XX” degrees – it is true. If the temperatures drop or feel cooler to you, layer on – that’s what I normally do (and this gal has walked/braved up to – 45 degrees in Canada. And the places we have visited in Europe so far, we have not experienced such extreme temperatures – at least not yet).
- Popular cities in Eastern and Northern Europe are much colder as compared to their western counterparts. Whether you are on a winter hike or skiing, or not, wear proper winter boots, those that can withstand up to -25 degrees. My preference is taller boots to keep warm, but mid-calf boots are also great. Just layer on!
Types of Boots for European Winters
- Ankle length boots – Ankle length boots are perfect for winter cross-over months like early November or January – February. They are easy to wear and to take off. Most ankle-length boots that I own don’t have any zipper details – so it is easy to take off and on. They also look super chic. Perfect to wear indoors and outdoors.
- Mid-calf length boots – Mid-calf length is the MOST popular, as it is not too short nor tall. It provides warmth to your legs, even in extreme winters. Mid-calf boots are also great for those who have larger calf muscles. Because the boots are not tall, ladies who are blessed with calves will find it comfortable to wear these types of boots. The only limitation of mid-length boots is that some boots may not be versatile to wear indoors or style with other outfits. For example, if you are wearing a sweater dress, ankle-length or tall boots are better than casual/sporty mid-length boots.
- Tall boots – Tall boots are great for crossover as well as extreme winter months. On one hand, you will find fashionable gorgeous pair of black suede tall boots that can go very well with a pretty dress. But they are not for outdoors, nor for extreme winters. Faux leather or synthetic material tall boots lined with fleece/warm material are perfect for that. They provide warmth, and their outsoles have a strong grip to walk on slippery-snowy surfaces – those are great for wandering outside.
