Winter Shoes | Designer's favorites & tips
Our footwear collection includes a variety of styles for different weather conditions and uses around the year. In this guide our Footwear Designer, Hanna Tuomanen will share her favorite styles and give tips and useful advice on picking gifts and finding the perfect pair for yourself.
What are your favorites from the collection & why?
"The Ahma Low DrymaxX Spike Shoes are great for active outdoor activities when it's not super cold. but when there is ice on the streets. They are light and sporty, and of course waterproof! The Ahma styles are available for women and men.
If there is cold & icy slush on the ground, my choice is the Jura shoes with the Michelin friction sole or the Nanook spike shoes.
Our Rorvik shoes, for women and men, have a nice, higher shaft and they are great for walking and trekking around the year!
When the temperature drops and snowy winter holidays are ahead, my choice is the Tornio winter boots. These waterproof, suede leather boots have a Thinsulate wadding which makes them super warm, and the outsole is optimal for snowy conditions."
What is important to consider when buying winter shoes?
"Make sure the size is big enough! The toes need space the move and air is great insulation. Choose the outsole according to where you'll be using the shoes, if you're going to use the shoe mainly in nature spike shoes are great, but friction sole shoes are easier for example in the city if you need to use them indoors as well, like when shopping.
Remember to not use wool socks with waterproof shoes with the DrymaxX membrane - wool is so absorbent that it may leave your toes feeling wet because the membrane won't work properly!"
Any pro tips for getting shoes as a gift?
"If possible, try the shoes on always before buying, but if it's not possible keep the receipt so it's possible to return them & change the size or model if needed! In our online store, you can also use the SizeMe feature to help figure out the right size. Our gift card is also a great option so you can leave the decision to the recipient of the gift!"
How do I choose the right size?
"The best would be to always try on shoes to make sure the size is correct. When shopping for shoes in online stores you can check the length of the shoe (usually in cm) from the size charts. The length means how long the shoe is on the inside, so you can compare it to the length of your foot and other shoes you have that fit well. This measurement is more accurate than the general size. It may vary a bit between different models, but it is a good and informative average length.
The shape of the last also has a big impact on the fit as well as the amount of space around the instep, materials, and the structure of the shoe. The last in Halti's footwear collection is considered a fair size, and the sizing matches general European sizing quite well. Shoes with a membrane may feel a bit tighter in size compared to styles without it."
How should I care for my shoes?
Care instructions for shoes can be found on our website and on individual product pages. Our professional staff at Halti stores are also happy to answer any questions. It is important to remember that shoes should not be dried in a sauna or other places with very high temperatures. Protective sprays can also help keep shoes clean.
Use the right footwear for the right conditions. Between uses, allow shoes to dry properly, clean them regularly and store them indoors in a dry place. Following these care instructions can help maintain the comfort, fit and performance of your footwear.
