A shoemaker with 20 years of experience debunks myths about winter boots: What really keeps your feet warm.

According to ТСН: Selecting winter boots is a difficult task that requires a careful approach. Shoemaker Mykola Fokin, who has nearly 20 years of experience, emphasizes that a high price does not always guarantee warmth. Sometimes, cheaper options can be more effective than expensive brands.

The 'multiple pairs' strategy and the battle against moisture

The master notes that feet don't freeze due to thin fur, but because they overheat. If you spend the entire day in a warm room, your feet sweat, the shoes become damp, and in the cold, the moisture cools down quickly.

Therefore, the expert recommends having at least two pairs of shoes, especially for the damp season. If your budget is limited (less than 5000-7000 Hryvnias per pair), it is better to buy two or three cheaper pairs instead of one expensive one.

Change pairs daily to give the shoes time to dry. This not only protects the feet from cold but also significantly extends the lifespan of the shoes.

How to choose the upper parts and soles of shoes

When selecting boots, it's important to pay attention to two key factors: the upper material and the sole.

The upper material should be made of genuine leather. Unlike synthetic materials, leather can be qualitatively repaired and can last decades with proper care.

The optimal thickness for the sole profile is 5-7 mm. A proper sole consists of three layers: the bottom - hard, abrasion-resistant against asphalt, the middle - soft, for cushioning while walking, and the top (edge), which ensures abrasion resistance and an aesthetic appearance.

A massive thick sole does not always guarantee warmth. If made of polyurethane, there can be voids inside with thin walls, and upon the slightest damage, this material starts to absorb moisture, making the shoes 'cold'.

What is the best material for soles: rubber or polyurethane

Fokin is convinced that the best sole for winter is rubber. It is flexible, durable, and provides reliable grip on surfaces without slipping.

Polyurethane, on the other hand, although good against wear, can often become slippery in cold weather, making it more suitable for summer models.

In more expensive trekking models, a mixture of polyurethane and rubber is usually used. According to the expert, Ukrainian manufacturers today produce soles that are on par with Turkish or Chinese ones. It is also worth noting that Soviet-made rubber and materials from the Baltic states are of high quality. However, one must remember that any material ages and can break if a pair sits in storage for a long time.

How to check the authenticity of leather: three simple tests

To avoid mistakes when selecting, the shoemaker advises conducting a few simple checks at the point of purchase:

• First method: Try pressing the material. Genuine leather feels noticeably soft and elastic, while artificial material is stiff.

• Second check: Place your warm hand on the shoe. Genuine leather warms quickly, while a fake remains cold.

• Third method: Drop water on the surface. Genuine leather will absorb it into the pores, while synthetic leather will stay on the surface.

Insulation, 'eco-materials' and second-hand

• Regarding insulation, the master believes that the choice between genuine fur and synthetic is not straightforward. Genuine fur retains warmth better, but can lead to overheating of the feet. Synthetic insulations can be a good option if used correctly and regularly dried.

• Eco-shoes are often made from recycled plastic. Although their price is tempting, such shoes lose their appearance faster and negatively affect the environment when disposed of.

• It is also worth considering second-hand shoes. Buying used pairs from well-known brands can be a good solution, but it is important to take the age of the product into account - glue loses its properties over time.

As for repairs, professional gluing or sewing makes sense only for high-quality pairs. A full sole replacement costs 800-1200 Hryvnias but does not always guarantee longevity, especially when cheap materials are used. Usually, mass-market shoes are designed for one season, and cases with long lifespans are rare.