5 Simple Methods To Keep Snow & Moisture Out Of Your Boots!

If you have ever experienced the bone-chilling effects from snow making its way inside your boot I can totally relate, same goes for millions of other people from around the world. I guess you could say it is like an epidemic for anybody who desires to experience the pleasures of playing out in the snow.

I think you will agree with me when I say: simply the thought of snow falling inside my boots gives me chills. Not to mention the fact that once a decent amount of snow makes its way inside your boot there is no going back… Unless you want to deal with the annoyance of having to quickly, yet carefully take off your boot in a last ditch effort to remove it without the infection spreading.

Which in many cases leads an extension of the current issues, that being having to now put the boot back on. Which can take many minutes to do…

The bottom line is:

We need to find a solution to this issue that is long lasting and has a success rate of over 99.99%! 

I’m proud to say, I believe I have found a solution for you, and 1 that could potentially relive this issue for good. Well, given that there are many different ways to which snow can enter ones boots, I may have come up with a multitude of options you can take and run with! But I’m certain at least one of the below answers will relive you from ever having to experience the chilling effect of snow falling inside your boots again! At least that’s the goal!

But it gets even better! 

You see, we also will be going over the different areas on boots that typically experience the most vulnerability when up against the penetrating power of snow! But here’s the kicker, by the end of this reading you should have a battle plan set and ready to go for the next time you find yourself out having fun in the snow! 

How To Keep Snow Out Of Your Boots?

Given the fact that there are so many different ways snow can enter one’s boots, it is difficult to specifically say one solution that would diminish the possibility of snow ever making it’s way into your boots again. Though there is 1 major point on a snow boot, or really any boot for that proves to be most vulnerable.

That point being, the cuff of nearly any boot ever made. Let me explain, the cuff of a boot is typically located somewhere between the user’s ankle, and the mid-calf. Basically the cuff of a boot is the opening where you initially begin to slide your foot into as you put the boot on. (Check diagram below)

But of course, in most situations when people are dealing with snow making its way inside their boot, it is simply due to the cuff of the boot being exposed and vulnerable. Meaning, you have no clothing protecting this part of the boot, which essentially means all snow needs is a little bit of gravity and it makes its way down inside your boot and becomes a nuisance.

Though that is the major point where people experience snow and moisture finding its way inside their boot. Some also experienced this, due to improper choice of gear, as well as low quality gear. Of course the first defense you can take is having yourself good equipment, that is specifically designed for what you intend to use it for. In our case, get yourself a good quality, waterproof snow boot. Then you can look into some of the other options you have in terms of added gear that can better assist in the defense up against snow. 

Anyway let’s get started on the top 5 simple tips to keep snow out of your boots! 

Top 5 Methods To Keep Snow Out Of Your Boots (For Good)

• Opt For A Waterproof Boot (When purchasing snow boots always get waterproof!)
• Go With A Mid Calf Boot
• Ensure Your Boots Have A Good Lacing System
• Use Longer Snow Pants
• Use Gaiters! (Snow Defense from the Gods!)

Below we will be discussing specific points on a boot. Here Is an Image that will serve as a reference as we discuss specific areas of the boot:

Opt For A Waterproof Boot!

No doubt, the most important thing to look for when selecting a pair of snow boots is to ensure that they are waterproof. Be sure that they are labeled as such, as well be sure to check reviews on the boots to ensure that they are actually waterproof. But for the most part, as long as you are buying a pair of boots from a reputable manufacturer then you can most likely trust they’re advertising.

Now, do keep in mind that’s some boots are marketed as waterproof. However, in some instances they aren’t one hundred percent waterproof. Meaning, nearest to the sole of the boot, the boot is most likely going to be waterproof. Though, if you were to test the boot by submerging it in water you likely will come to find that above the soul it’s not waterproof, or at least water-resistant for a period of time. (But this is highly dependent on the quality of boot you go with in most instances)

For this reason, it is very important that you check the reviews of current owners of the product. Now I know I have kind of blabbed on a lot here about how to find a good waterproof boot. But this is because I do not want you to get out there just to find your new set of boots are allowing moisture to seep through the sidewalls of the boot. Especially if you intend on spending an extended period of time out in the backcountry. Because it is at these times when shelter and warmth is scarce. Which means, the potential dangers when snow gets underneath your clothing can be quite high if you haven’t got the proper equipment.

So, just a quick recap. A waterproof boot is vital if you intend on spending an extended amount of time out in the snow. That is why I have put “Opt for a waterproofed boot” at the top of this list.

If you currently don’t have a waterproofed boot, I strongly suggest you get a pair. As they will pay for them selve 10X in terms of comfort far greater than that of non-waterproof or worn out boots. My current boots are listed HERE on Amazon. I have had these boots for the past 4 years (I think) and I have loved them! Their comfortable to the max, and feel drastically better built than my last couple pairs of snow boots!

Go With A Mid Calf (Tall) Boot

Now, I’m sure you remember how we discussed the biggest vulnerability of really any boot is the cuff of the boot. The opening of the boot, right there where your foot initially enters as you go to put the boot on.

Well, the good news is there is a way to reduce this vulnerability. You can do this by simply going with a boot where the cuff extends upwards near your mid-calf. As an example, I’m sure you have likely seen a hiking boot. If you can recall, notice how the cuff of the boot, or the shaft of the boot makes its way only slightly above the ankle point on the user’s foot.

Well, given that the cuff of the boot is so much nearer to the ground than that of a mid-calf boot, this makes it much easier for snow to fall inside the user’s boot. Simply for the fact that the opening of the boot is so close to the ground it makes the issue of snow falling inside the boot that much greater of a problem, especially when the snow gets as deep as, or deeper then the user’s ankle. 

Now of course, you could definitely use a pair of boots with a cuff that is nearer to the ankle if you intend on pairing it with a set of gaiters. We will be going more in-depth on gaiters later, but for now just know that you can still make a pair of boots with a lower cuff work well. You just need to include gaiters. 

I feel as if I’ve made the addition of gaiters sound as if it is a bad thing. But I can assure you, gaiters are a magnificent piece of equipment that I think everyone should add to their snow defense arsenal! 

Quick recap, go with a pair of mid calf boots, as this will lessen the opportunity snow to find its way inside your boots. Though, mid calf boots do tend to be a little bit more restrictive to the ankle, in terms of movement.

But, ankle high boots are not a problem, they just require the added implementation of gaiters as well. 

Ensure your Boots Have A Good Lacing System

Nothing is worse than your shoes coming untied. Especially when you are out in the snow, because this opens up another vulnerability to wear snow can find its way inside your boot. Think about it, if your boots come untied, you have now expanded the vulnerability from simply the cuff of your boot, to now down the entire front of the boot (Tongue), as well as added spacing around the cuff where a greater amount of snow is now able to find its way inside your boot.

Essentially, if your boots have a weak lacing system, and they are to come untied,you basically turn your boots into a bucket that will then catch any snow that finds its way near the cuff of your boot, as well as any snow that finds its way on the front of your boot / up the tongue of your boot. 

Simply put, a good lacing system is defined by simply being reliable. You don’t want to constantly be looking down, and each time noticing your boots are untied.

But also, a good lacing system can be defined as one that tightly weaves the laces and ensures a good seal all the way up the tongue of the boot. Because in many cases, another major vulnerability boots have when in snow, is the area where the shaft of the boot and the tongue of the boot collide. 

Use Longer Snow Pants

Have you ever worn a pair of pants that were too short in length, and any time you sat down in a chair the cuff of your pants would raise way above your ankle, likely reaching the midsection of your calf? Well I definitely have and it is no doubt an uncomfortable experience for me, mainly because that is not my style. I prefer the cuff of my pants to stay below my ankles when I sit down.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why I brought this up. Well, because this is a major issue for really anyone who is walking through the snow, and dislikes when snow falls inside their boots / shoes. You see, if your pants are not long enough, they will not be able to protect the cuff of your boots, which is the most vulnerable section on a boot to snow seepage. 

Simply put, if you don’t like snow getting inside your boots, I would suggest you wear a pair of snow pants that is greater in length then you originally need. This will act as a barrier between the snow and the opening of your boot (the cuff of your boot). 

Gaiters!

I have saved the best for last! If you still experience snow finding its way inside your boots, which odds you will, every now and then, simply because you are only about 92% of the way two 99.99% Of the way there in terms of relief from snow getting inside your boots. 

If you want to nearly completely remove the possibility of snow making its way inside your boots, at least through the cuff of the boot then you should get yourself a pair of gaiters. 

You see, gaiters are essentially like wearing a pair of pants that have been extended down to about the sole of the boot, but also their equipped with a strap that wraps around the arch of the users boot. Not to mention they typically fit quite snug meaning there isn’t much space at all for snow to make its way up the shaft of the gaiter, then down the shaft of your boot.

Simply put, gaiters will basically act as a barrier on the exterior of your boot, as well as the exterior of your snow pants. Plus given the fact that it fits quite snug it essentially removes any possibility of snow making its way into your boot through the cuff and down the shaft of your boot. 

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time out in the snow I suggest you get yourself a pair of gaiters. Gaiters are literally probably the best option you have in terms of footwear snow protection. 

For example, probably a year-and-a-half to two years ago my uncle and I went up the canyon looking for deer sheds. The snow didn’t seem that deep at the bottom of the mountain but as we worked our way up, the snow began to get quite deep, and every now and then I had a little bit of snow fall inside of one or the other of my boots. But I didn’t want to take them off and get the snow out because that would require me to completely undo the arrangement of clothing I had over my boots, which ironically enough, was my effortful attempt at trying to avoid the exact scenario I was in…).

It got to the point that I had to seriously manipulate my hiking patterns in order to try and prevent some of the snow from getting inside my boots. Keep in mind I WAS NOT USING GAITERS. 

Now, my uncle on the other hand had a pair of gaiters on, and things seem to be going just fine for him. I mean, I would completely change the direction that I was hiking in an effort to try and avoid snow that was deep so it didn’t fall inside my boots.

Whereas my uncle would just trek right through it. It was later when I asked him if he had any snow make its way inside of his boots. Of course, he said No. This no doubt gave me the inkling to go get a pair of gaiters!

Since then I have never looked back!

I strongly recommend gaiters, especially if you intend on walking in deep snow, whether your snowshoeing, or not… Now of course the quality of gaiter is going to make a large difference as well. That is why myself, along with many others involved in snowshoeing prefer These Ones (Listed On Amazon). Simply because they do a great job at keeping the snow out! Plus they are made using Gore-tex! (A High quality waterproofing material)

How Snow Finds Its Way Inside Your Boots

Now If your currently experiencing a lot of snow and moisture making its way into your boots when your out in the snow, I think it’s a good idea that we now cover the areas on a boot that are most vulnerable to snow, and moisture seepage.

Typically you will be able to see moisture or snow entry points by simply looking for wet spots on your socks when you take off each boot (This will give you a good indication as to where you should begin searching for vulnerabilities in your boots). But in most situations you will feel the chill of the snow, or the slow soak of coldness at different points on your feet and up your leg where moisture has made its way inside.

Below are some of the typical problem spots located on boots, where snow and moisture find its way inside:

Problem Spots (Where Boots Typically Leak)

• Under The Tongue
• Over The Cuff
• Seepage Near Toe Box
• Through Damaged, and Manufacturer Defective Areas

What You Should Do Now!

Depending on the circumstances of your current snow boot setup, you could either add to it, and continue using it. Or go with a completely new snow boot setup that will work much better. Its totally up to the vulnerabilities you find in your current boot system and whether or not you will be able to fix the issue at a reasonable cost.

Based on the conclusion you come to after this, I am hoping you will have identified the problem spots on your boots (where snow and moisture are entering) and will easily be able to come to a conclusion as to what will best help you solve the problem points on your boots. But before you take action. I want to list out a few scenarios that you could take. Maybe one will prove to be a better option then what you may have originally decided.

Once you have completely evaluated your current snow boot setup, You could:

• Simply Wear A Longer Pair Of Pants
• Get A Pair Of Gaiters
• Look For Methods To Seal Damaged Areas
• Get A New Pair Of Boots
• Get A New Pair Of Boots With Gaiters

Conclusion

Simply the best way to go about keeping snow out of your boot is by initially finding the problem points on your boots. Then go about searching for ways to solve those issues. Such as, by taking one of the ideas listed above.

Given that the major issue typically lies in the opening of the boot (the cuff) my best suggestion for you would be to get a pair of Gaiters. Especially if you intend on doing a lot of deep snow snowshoeing, hiking, cross country skiing…Etc. But of course keep in mind the most important piece of equipment is your snow boots themselves.

The wrong pair of snow boots can drastically affect your comfort level, or your defensive structure when put up against the possibility of snow entering your boot. Think of it kind of like a security system, the better the security system you have, the safer yourself as well as your belongings are. But in terms of snow footwear, the better your defense system against the snow, the more comfortable you are going to be and the better your experience will be!

I hope you were able to find some value Here! If you have any further questions or concerns regarding Snow equipment, or Snowshoeing then be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge! Otherwise, I wish you luck on your endeavor to prevent snow from entering your boots from here on out!

This Is Colt Signing Off!