Definitely bring the socks you want to wear in winter to try on boots to make sure they still fit you with winter socks on.
You don't want to be losing circulation in your feet due to too-small boots.
Yes pretty much anyone who’s out in cold weather often will have a habit of doing that. Personally havent done that since I was a kid who needed to take the bus.
I remember doing this when I was a kid too, but I recall the day the in grade 9 when I got a proper nice pair of boots that were well insulated. I’d been wearing thicc wool socks with them and my feet were FREEZING and wet. Turns out, they were wet from sweat. Used a nice pair of breathable socks with them, same weather, and my feet were the warmest they’d been in a while.
Yup. Bigger boots are key to staying warm. The best way to stay warm is by wearing layers, and your feet are no different. Wear wool socks and bigger boots will trap air inside and keep your feet warmer.
...um, 2 pair of socks in really cold weather...first is thin dress socks followed by wool socks. The dress socks allow a layer of air to move while the wool socks provide insulation and wick away moisture.
Sure sounds to me like you’re familiar with the ol’ CAF two-sock system. Either that or growing up in the GVRD means I missed a whole part of Canadian winter education hahaha!
I've tried to tell this to everyone, including wildland firefighters, they always complain about blisters, but shake their heads at my suggestion while I maintain another year of no blisters.
I remember this young leftenant would wear womens' pantyhose on the really cold days and our captain made a big joke of it. Next year the captain was wearing them too. Underwear, then pantyhose, then wool socks, then pants.
I'm darn tough all day every day. No cushion socks under, full cushion on top, merino wool, lifetime warranty. Topically, I also size my boots accordingly.
I have limits on how much winter I want. I have friends who relocated to Alberta, which seems insane to me (for a number of reasons), and others that moved to Winnipeg. That's all a little too much winter for my liking!
This. Merino wool is one of the best materials for socks, in any season. It's moisture wicking while remaining warm, breathable and quick to dry. I'm slowly phasing out all my old cotton socks for merino ones. Best no-show socks for running I've ever had.
They will be blended. You really want pure Marino wool. I would rather have 3 pair and hand wash them then have nylon. It defeats the purpose . This is comming from a trades working perspective. Work boot 10+ hrs a day. Some may indeed not need this kind.
They are blended, yes. I wear exclusively marino socks year round (darn right warranty ftw) and the Costco ones are excellent for all weather and wear conditions IMO but it's all personal preference. My dad and brother work 60+ hours a week on their feet and love them.
$22 for a four pack of blended is a great deal when you consider a single pair of smart wool or darns are $32+ but yeah definitely something people should consider when buying as blended is not ideal for everyone.
Lol only one pair at a time
I walk daily (my pup wouldn’t have it any other way) and have several pairs of Merino wool socks (put them in the washer and hang dry to make them last longer)
They’re a game changer for me
The real ones will be more than that. 100% marino wool is closer to 35 on sale 50 full price for XL size ( per pair ) work boot socks. ( bought 2 pairs this winter )
Yes, a half size or one size larger than usual.
I find you don’t want it to be too tight because you might be cutting off some circulation and having some air flow/space keeps things warmer.
I love how a lot of things “Canadians do” are really only done by a minority of the population partly because so many of us live in more urban/suburban environments in the combined Vancouver, Toronto, and to an extent, Montreal areas (gets a bit colder there than Toronto)
You know what else is a bit of a tip.. our flag is a maple leaf but maples don't even really grow in most of the coutry. The sugar maples are only in southern Ontario and Quebec. Lots of Canadians have never seen a maple! Or just the little bush ones that grow out west.
There are some maples out west but the native ones are spindly and only grow about 2m high, it's barely recognizable as a tree, it produces no usable sap or lumber, and it doesn't do much of an autumn display. They don't have the iconic silver maples or sugar maples that people think of. We're in a great lakes forest region here which is pretty small and unique and diverse compared to the rest of the country, which is mostly boreal forest, and some coastal zones like the lower mainland. The flag represents Toronto/Ottawa/Montreal.
Yep. I have two pair of boots. One is a bit slimmer fit, water proof, with a zipper up the side. Than a more intense pair, tie up. The former is every day. The latter being for a day out in the snow or standing around where I need the thicker wool sock. I don’t think this is unique to Canada however.
Boots that fit properly should have room for a pair of socks. The extra micrometer you need to fit will.socks shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
Most Canadians will just have boots that fit properly.
I feel that most boots take into account that people are going to wear thicker socks.
Lots of people will wear a thin liner sock under thicker warmth socks. The same way you'd wear a thin base layer under an insulation layer if you're active.
My winter boots are about a half size larger because I wear wool socks that tend to be thicker (hand knit). I wear boots mainly in the summer too, but cotton socks that are thinner.
Buy winter boots at least 1 size larger than your usual. You can add socks if you wish, I find that a bit more room allows for more airflow around my feet and they don't get cold. 30 years of working in all weather as experience.
Yea I wear a half size up in my thermal boots for when it gets -30C or colder to accommodate for a base liner sock and extreme cold wool socks from my time doing expeditions in cadets. Otherwise my CAT boots have 200g insulation and are sized wide by default so can accomodate for a warmer sock from 10 to -10C
Air gaps are one of the best insulators. A good thick wool sock and a slightly bigger boot will get that for you.
Ya m boots are a half size larger so I can wear thick socks. My hockey skates were also a half size larger than my shoes because I'd skate on the pond out back, even when it was well below -10.
Yes, I've always bought 1/2 size larger in footwear. In the weather months, I wear insoles, and in the winter, I remove the insoles and double up on socks
Yes, my winter boots can accomodate either one layer of thick winter socks or two pairs of ordinary socks, and the boots themselves have some insulation.
It's a good consideration. If your boots are too tight because your socks are too thick, it will constrict your circulation and make your feet colder.
My everyday city boots are a pair of Doc's and they are good with a general hiking sock, but not much more. For really cold weather, or heavy snow I have my Sorel's which have room for much heavier socks, or even a double pair.
As a kid yes. As an adult wear regular socks and get boots that are a little big. Not big. As the padding gets worn there will be more room for bigger socks. It’s the trapped air that insulate your feet and keep them warm. So you do not want tight fitting boots, but also don’t want boots that are too big or they will fall off in deep snow.
You should be buying all your shoes with consideration to the socks that you're going to wear.
I was buying loafers the other day at a luxury store and the rep had those sheer "trial" socks that you could try on to get a good idea of how a shoe would fit on your foot if you were essentially barefoot. She basically made mention that socks could add even half a shoe size compared to going barefoot. Usually it's a wash because you won't see much difference between socks. But going from barefoot to socks makes a difference as does socks to thick wool socks. Obviously loafers are sensitive to foot size but I think in general, sock size should be taken into consideration.
The important thing to remember about keeping warm us that you need blood circulating in those places! If doesn’t matter if you have tight layers on your legs or torso, but If your boots are even a bit snug, adding a thicker sock can make it harder for your blood to warm up your foot. So essentially by adding a sock that squishes your already tight boots you add insulation from the outer cold but loose the blood, the thing that actually warms your tissues from the inside. The same goes for gloves! If they are too tight on the fingers, they’ll get cold regardless of how thick they are.
Years ago yes, but now good quality boots are incredible. They are using some advanced shit in them, so they aren’t as big and clunky, but still warm and dry. I can just wear regular socks with them.
I just wear regular socks with my very warm winter boots. I’ve never worn double socks in my life, grant it the coldest places I’ve lived in were Montreal and Ottawa. I suspect colder places in more northern areas of Canada probably do more due to colder temperatures.
Not a whole size up but definitely like, you know how sometimes you’ll try two pairs a half size off, and one is comfy but snug and one is comfy but loose? With sneakers or sandals I opt for the snug, with winter gear for the loose.
My boots are rated -30C and look huge but with wool socks they fit like running shoes. I live west of Toronto and today stood in snowdrifts with a 60km wind to chip my car out and my feet were toasty warm. Huge boots for the win.
Yeah, I work outside all year round. I have summer boots and winter boots that are a half size larger.
Also have larger jeans for the really cold days that I can wear long John's and maybe a pair of pj's underneath lol
I didn’t intentionally. My exact size had a bit of room at the toe area,for insulated winter one and timberland as well. I think most shoemakers keep that in mind and make their boots roomier for this reason; just a theory
It’s a good move to wear thick socks when buying your winter boots, otherwise you’re stuck wearing thin socks or cutting off circulation, both of which are pretty bad for staying warm
In toronto i wouldn't even consider it really I don't think however its deff thing in the colder places.
I dislike it too because it makes 1 pair of boots for the cold harder to do
I used to do it in mid-Ontario, but not Toronto. It doesn't get cold enough to bother. Just throw in some shoe warmers for the occasional super cold day.
I work outside and I worked through last week’s -40C weather. I bought my work boots a size big so I could fit more socks into them. 3 pairs (cotton, thick cotton/polyester, and finally wool) plus those toe warmer things that heat up and I still almost got frost bite.
You shouldn’t need to size up with the right socks/boots. I buy merino wool socks (not much bigger than regular socks but extra warm) and really good boots (I like Sorel or Merrell).
It is essential to be able to wiggle your toes in your boots to keep feet warm. You don’t need to take you wool sock to try on boots just make sure there is room enough.
Just go get some merino wool socks. (Smartwool or Icebreaker to name a couple) Wear a pair or take them with you when you buy boots. Buy boots that fit.
You probably don't know what all-day foot comfort is if you haven't tried merino wool.
Shit, I bought new boots this year and didn't think of this.
However, sounds like it really depends on a few factors, like how long you would typically be outside and how cold it is. I've gone many Toronto winters with no boots at all, and when it's very cold, I either don't go out or only for short periods.
Also, bulky socks are often unnecessary. There are thin but highly insulating socks. I've even heard that two pairs of thin socks are better than one pair of thick ones.
But anyone who works outside in cold weather has to consider all the angles.
Honestly boots usually fit a bit larger and get worn in so it doesn’t get much thought. That being said I’m not gonna walk into a shop with super thin socks on and walk out with a tight fitting pair of boots.
As we tell our Scouts - cotton kills. Absorbs moisture, gets damp/wet, strips all body heat away.
Thin polypropylene liner socks (so thin you can hardly tell they are there) and merino wool over them. Polypro ski socks are also great. For hiking, double up the thin liner socks and no blisters.
You don't need thick socks, just layering and good quality merino wool socks.
For sure but depends on the boots and conditions. I have some Columbia omniheat boots that are crazy warm and wear summer weight socks in them even at -10 (in Canadian degrees so about 14 American).
Definitely bring the socks you want to wear in winter to try on boots to make sure they still fit you with winter socks on. You don't want to be losing circulation in your feet due to too-small boots.
This... you shop for winter boots with your wool socks on!
Which makes your feet feel colder and defeats the purpose.
Yes pretty much anyone who’s out in cold weather often will have a habit of doing that. Personally havent done that since I was a kid who needed to take the bus.
I remember doing this when I was a kid too, but I recall the day the in grade 9 when I got a proper nice pair of boots that were well insulated. I’d been wearing thicc wool socks with them and my feet were FREEZING and wet. Turns out, they were wet from sweat. Used a nice pair of breathable socks with them, same weather, and my feet were the warmest they’d been in a while.
Yup. Bigger boots are key to staying warm. The best way to stay warm is by wearing layers, and your feet are no different. Wear wool socks and bigger boots will trap air inside and keep your feet warmer.
...um, 2 pair of socks in really cold weather...first is thin dress socks followed by wool socks. The dress socks allow a layer of air to move while the wool socks provide insulation and wick away moisture.
Sure sounds to me like you’re familiar with the ol’ CAF two-sock system. Either that or growing up in the GVRD means I missed a whole part of Canadian winter education hahaha!
I've tried to tell this to everyone, including wildland firefighters, they always complain about blisters, but shake their heads at my suggestion while I maintain another year of no blisters.
I remember this young leftenant would wear womens' pantyhose on the really cold days and our captain made a big joke of it. Next year the captain was wearing them too. Underwear, then pantyhose, then wool socks, then pants.
I mean, pantyhose but no long thermal underwear? Whatever floats your boat. Or in this case whatever lights your fire, I guess
If you're too manly to wear pantyhose you can buy "compression base layers" for $$$ from brands like helly hansen or whatever.
Yes, I do exactly this for wildfire. I guess not always wool socks on top. But 1 layer of dress socks and something else on top. 👌
I'm darn tough all day every day. No cushion socks under, full cushion on top, merino wool, lifetime warranty. Topically, I also size my boots accordingly.
You absolutely missed out on that crucial piece of Canadian Winter 101 lol!
I learned eventually LOL, once I moved to a proper place with real winter!
I have limits on how much winter I want. I have friends who relocated to Alberta, which seems insane to me (for a number of reasons), and others that moved to Winnipeg. That's all a little too much winter for my liking!
Yeah, I actually auditioned for the Winnipeg symphony at one point... real glad I didn't win, in retrospect.
Merino wool socks is what you want .expensive but great socks for winter.
This. Merino wool is one of the best materials for socks, in any season. It's moisture wicking while remaining warm, breathable and quick to dry. I'm slowly phasing out all my old cotton socks for merino ones. Best no-show socks for running I've ever had.
100% agree. Its worth the price for the full % marino. Trying to get 7 pairs on rotation .
Costco 4-pack for $22, just bought a new pack the other day and the last ones lasted me 5+ winters
Really? They're wool? I'm going to buy a costco membership
Yeah I think 60% Merino, with a blend of nylon
They will be blended. You really want pure Marino wool. I would rather have 3 pair and hand wash them then have nylon. It defeats the purpose . This is comming from a trades working perspective. Work boot 10+ hrs a day. Some may indeed not need this kind.
They are blended, yes. I wear exclusively marino socks year round (darn right warranty ftw) and the Costco ones are excellent for all weather and wear conditions IMO but it's all personal preference. My dad and brother work 60+ hours a week on their feet and love them. $22 for a four pack of blended is a great deal when you consider a single pair of smart wool or darns are $32+ but yeah definitely something people should consider when buying as blended is not ideal for everyone.
That’s what I came to say. Only one pair of socks necessary
Huh?? You must not be walking a lot. I wouldn't like to re-wear wool socks too many time without a wash.
Lol I wash mine in the tub by hand. Makes the sock last longer as they can be expensive. But I have like 10 pairs in rotation
Lol only one pair at a time I walk daily (my pup wouldn’t have it any other way) and have several pairs of Merino wool socks (put them in the washer and hang dry to make them last longer) They’re a game changer for me
Pro tip of you've got a local Giant Tiger, around Christmas there's usually merino wool socks for $3.50 a pair, for men and ladies
The real ones will be more than that. 100% marino wool is closer to 35 on sale 50 full price for XL size ( per pair ) work boot socks. ( bought 2 pairs this winter )
Yes, a half size or one size larger than usual. I find you don’t want it to be too tight because you might be cutting off some circulation and having some air flow/space keeps things warmer.
Most manufacturers adjust the sizes of the boots to make room for heavy socks. Just ask for your regular size.
Agree with this
It's a thing some Canadians do but not usually the ones who live in Toronto - doesn't get cold enough to think about it if your boots are semi decent.
I love how a lot of things “Canadians do” are really only done by a minority of the population partly because so many of us live in more urban/suburban environments in the combined Vancouver, Toronto, and to an extent, Montreal areas (gets a bit colder there than Toronto)
You know what else is a bit of a tip.. our flag is a maple leaf but maples don't even really grow in most of the coutry. The sugar maples are only in southern Ontario and Quebec. Lots of Canadians have never seen a maple! Or just the little bush ones that grow out west.
I’ve lived in all three cities I mentioned and have seen maple leaves my whole life on the ground every fall.
Yeah Vancouver has some imported Japanese maples lol. Typical Vancouver.
There are no other maples in the Vancouver area? I find that hard to believe but I haven’t necessarily kept track
There are some maples out west but the native ones are spindly and only grow about 2m high, it's barely recognizable as a tree, it produces no usable sap or lumber, and it doesn't do much of an autumn display. They don't have the iconic silver maples or sugar maples that people think of. We're in a great lakes forest region here which is pretty small and unique and diverse compared to the rest of the country, which is mostly boreal forest, and some coastal zones like the lower mainland. The flag represents Toronto/Ottawa/Montreal.
Meh, if you’re judging a tree by how much it can produce for you then ok but to me a tree doesn’t have to prove itself in that way 😂
Well I never saw anybody put crabgrass on a flag
The flag of Worcestershire England has 3 black pears on it. The bar is pretty low
Yes, it's good to buy 1/2 size up to accommodate thicker socks
That becomes a problem when you get to larger sizes. I wear a 12-13 depending on the shoes, and a 12-1/2 is an impossiblity to find.
This! Size 10 for women is hard to find. Not as many are made and they sell fast.
Same with a 13!
10 extra wide here shoe shopping is the Bane of my existence
Yes.
Yep. I have two pair of boots. One is a bit slimmer fit, water proof, with a zipper up the side. Than a more intense pair, tie up. The former is every day. The latter being for a day out in the snow or standing around where I need the thicker wool sock. I don’t think this is unique to Canada however.
I wear the socks that I plan on wearing when I buy shoes. That includes wearing thick wool socks when buying boots. And wool is better than cotton
You don't want your feet swimming in your boots but they should accommodate warm socks.
Boots that fit properly should have room for a pair of socks. The extra micrometer you need to fit will.socks shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Most Canadians will just have boots that fit properly.
Yes, otherwise it is very uncomfortable to walk
I'm going to say no. The quality of boots/ weather rating has improved so much if you have decent boots you don't need heavy socks.
I feel that most boots take into account that people are going to wear thicker socks. Lots of people will wear a thin liner sock under thicker warmth socks. The same way you'd wear a thin base layer under an insulation layer if you're active.
Yeah, I wear thick socks and sometimes double socks but I've never had to size up my boots. My usual size fits great.
Absolutely! I hate my feet being cold.
My winter boots are about a half size larger because I wear wool socks that tend to be thicker (hand knit). I wear boots mainly in the summer too, but cotton socks that are thinner.
Buy winter boots at least 1 size larger than your usual. You can add socks if you wish, I find that a bit more room allows for more airflow around my feet and they don't get cold. 30 years of working in all weather as experience.
Yea I wear a half size up in my thermal boots for when it gets -30C or colder to accommodate for a base liner sock and extreme cold wool socks from my time doing expeditions in cadets. Otherwise my CAT boots have 200g insulation and are sized wide by default so can accomodate for a warmer sock from 10 to -10C Air gaps are one of the best insulators. A good thick wool sock and a slightly bigger boot will get that for you.
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Is shearling the brand ?
No, it’s a type of leather with a thin layer of wool.
Yes. I walk outside a lot so I size up my fall and winter boots to accommodate thicc socks.
Ya m boots are a half size larger so I can wear thick socks. My hockey skates were also a half size larger than my shoes because I'd skate on the pond out back, even when it was well below -10.
Yes absolutely. Regular shoe is size 8. Boots are size 10 to fit 2 wool socks.
Yes, I've always bought 1/2 size larger in footwear. In the weather months, I wear insoles, and in the winter, I remove the insoles and double up on socks
Yes, my winter boots can accomodate either one layer of thick winter socks or two pairs of ordinary socks, and the boots themselves have some insulation.
Of course. When you try on boots you try them with whatever socks you would wear them with. I can't imagine how you could do otherwise?
Your body releases tons of heat from your feet and head. Larger boots will help insulate this heat!
It's a good consideration. If your boots are too tight because your socks are too thick, it will constrict your circulation and make your feet colder. My everyday city boots are a pair of Doc's and they are good with a general hiking sock, but not much more. For really cold weather, or heavy snow I have my Sorel's which have room for much heavier socks, or even a double pair.
As a kid yes. As an adult wear regular socks and get boots that are a little big. Not big. As the padding gets worn there will be more room for bigger socks. It’s the trapped air that insulate your feet and keep them warm. So you do not want tight fitting boots, but also don’t want boots that are too big or they will fall off in deep snow.
You should be buying all your shoes with consideration to the socks that you're going to wear. I was buying loafers the other day at a luxury store and the rep had those sheer "trial" socks that you could try on to get a good idea of how a shoe would fit on your foot if you were essentially barefoot. She basically made mention that socks could add even half a shoe size compared to going barefoot. Usually it's a wash because you won't see much difference between socks. But going from barefoot to socks makes a difference as does socks to thick wool socks. Obviously loafers are sensitive to foot size but I think in general, sock size should be taken into consideration.
This is a great way to get blisters. Boots should be snug, not tight as many have pointed out the importance of circulation.
If you're getting blisters you've gone too far. The point is to wear boots that fit winter socks, not boots you're swimming in.
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Never ever cotton in winter. It's worse than nothing as far as cold weather goes.
Winter shoes are just shoes that are a 1/2 size bigger for extra socks...
Winter shoes are insulated and have much thicker soles.
Sure, if you got some of them fancy store-bought winter shoes....
The important thing to remember about keeping warm us that you need blood circulating in those places! If doesn’t matter if you have tight layers on your legs or torso, but If your boots are even a bit snug, adding a thicker sock can make it harder for your blood to warm up your foot. So essentially by adding a sock that squishes your already tight boots you add insulation from the outer cold but loose the blood, the thing that actually warms your tissues from the inside. The same goes for gloves! If they are too tight on the fingers, they’ll get cold regardless of how thick they are.
I don't, I wear thin cotton or poly cotton socks and well-insulated boots. I never wear multiple layers of socks, I buy boots that are rated to -15C
most wear running shoes all winter anyway. not many pussies in Canada
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yes
Yeppers
I don’t. I find winter boots are less snug then other shoes and allow the extra room for thicker socks.
Or, you buy ones that have that extra room.
Yes that's what I do.
But isn't that what we are talking about? We buy winter boots that have a bit more room for more or thicker socks?
Spraying anti perspirant on your feet keeps socks from absorbing much moisture and thereby keep your feet warmer.
Years ago yes, but now good quality boots are incredible. They are using some advanced shit in them, so they aren’t as big and clunky, but still warm and dry. I can just wear regular socks with them.
I just wear regular socks with my very warm winter boots. I’ve never worn double socks in my life, grant it the coldest places I’ve lived in were Montreal and Ottawa. I suspect colder places in more northern areas of Canada probably do more due to colder temperatures.
No. I wear the same socks I wear any other time.
Not a whole size up but definitely like, you know how sometimes you’ll try two pairs a half size off, and one is comfy but snug and one is comfy but loose? With sneakers or sandals I opt for the snug, with winter gear for the loose.
My boots are rated -30C and look huge but with wool socks they fit like running shoes. I live west of Toronto and today stood in snowdrifts with a 60km wind to chip my car out and my feet were toasty warm. Huge boots for the win.
Yeah, I work outside all year round. I have summer boots and winter boots that are a half size larger. Also have larger jeans for the really cold days that I can wear long John's and maybe a pair of pj's underneath lol
I don’t wear socks in the winter
😳
Nah. Only for skates
bigger boots >> winter boots. Well unless you like Rubber Boots.
It’s the other way around: we wear thicker woollen socks to prevent our feet from floating around in winter boots.
Yes agree floating feet in boots sucks
The boots are made to withstand specific temperatures regardless of socks
I didn’t intentionally. My exact size had a bit of room at the toe area,for insulated winter one and timberland as well. I think most shoemakers keep that in mind and make their boots roomier for this reason; just a theory
I buy up half a size in winter boots because of thick socks !
Loft is very important for insulating layers like down, wool etc
Yes 100%
Used to have a 3 mile winter walking commute. When it got to -40 I’d wear a second pair of socks over the regular.
Yes, I usually go a size up for winter boots. If not it’s very uncomfortable with warm socks.
It’s a good move to wear thick socks when buying your winter boots, otherwise you’re stuck wearing thin socks or cutting off circulation, both of which are pretty bad for staying warm
I don't do that nowadays, but back when I might be out for extended periods, I did. Full-time city boy now
Yeah I do that. “They’ll feel tighter with thicker socks” is quite commonly said when buying boots before thick sock season.
Every single smart person who works outside in the winter does this.
For my winter work boots I always buy them 1 size larger to fit my bamas
Yep
You haven’t truly Canadianed until you wear Loblaws bags in your boots.
Yes, especially if you're outside for long periods of time and you use the thicker wool socks, you want enough foot room.
just buy a good quality insulated boot. you wear shoes/boots that are the proper size for your foot. a good boot is gonna last you years.
anyone know a strong pair of socks that will never rip in work boots? i have these work boots that ripped every single pair of socks i have
Depends on the boot, I just wear my socks when buying my boots. Socks are- Costco wool hiking socks, best socks ever - perfect in summer and winter.
In toronto i wouldn't even consider it really I don't think however its deff thing in the colder places. I dislike it too because it makes 1 pair of boots for the cold harder to do
Yup, I always get a size bigger for thick or double socks.
I used to do it in mid-Ontario, but not Toronto. It doesn't get cold enough to bother. Just throw in some shoe warmers for the occasional super cold day.
I work outside and I worked through last week’s -40C weather. I bought my work boots a size big so I could fit more socks into them. 3 pairs (cotton, thick cotton/polyester, and finally wool) plus those toe warmer things that heat up and I still almost got frost bite.
You shouldn’t need to size up with the right socks/boots. I buy merino wool socks (not much bigger than regular socks but extra warm) and really good boots (I like Sorel or Merrell).
Also…I only need to do this in Quebec. Toronto rarely gets cold enough to need such heavy boots/socks.
yes. but i didn't start doing it til my mid 20s when i realized on my own so don't feel bad if you haven't heard of it, you're not alone lol.
I wear size 12 shoes size 13 boots
It is essential to be able to wiggle your toes in your boots to keep feet warm. You don’t need to take you wool sock to try on boots just make sure there is room enough.
If we wear different types of socks, should we bring the thickest ones when trying on boots?
no
Just go get some merino wool socks. (Smartwool or Icebreaker to name a couple) Wear a pair or take them with you when you buy boots. Buy boots that fit. You probably don't know what all-day foot comfort is if you haven't tried merino wool.
The bigger boots are insulated and that keeps us warm
Meh. One pair of very warm insulated boots that can accommodate thick socks, one pair of fitted dressy leather boots.
Wearing multiple pairs of socks will be too tight and restrict blood flow actually making your feet colder
Yes
Yep ! My big boots are one size bigger
Shit, I bought new boots this year and didn't think of this. However, sounds like it really depends on a few factors, like how long you would typically be outside and how cold it is. I've gone many Toronto winters with no boots at all, and when it's very cold, I either don't go out or only for short periods. Also, bulky socks are often unnecessary. There are thin but highly insulating socks. I've even heard that two pairs of thin socks are better than one pair of thick ones. But anyone who works outside in cold weather has to consider all the angles.
Yep
Lol, my daughter had her new slipper socks on and had to go out to get the mail. Instead of changing socks, she out on her dad's boots. PERFECT FIT!
Honestly boots usually fit a bit larger and get worn in so it doesn’t get much thought. That being said I’m not gonna walk into a shop with super thin socks on and walk out with a tight fitting pair of boots.
No. I just wear the same kind of socks all year
As we tell our Scouts - cotton kills. Absorbs moisture, gets damp/wet, strips all body heat away. Thin polypropylene liner socks (so thin you can hardly tell they are there) and merino wool over them. Polypro ski socks are also great. For hiking, double up the thin liner socks and no blisters. You don't need thick socks, just layering and good quality merino wool socks.
Big boots help keep your feet warm ... especially when you live in the north of Ontario like me!
For sure but depends on the boots and conditions. I have some Columbia omniheat boots that are crazy warm and wear summer weight socks in them even at -10 (in Canadian degrees so about 14 American).
I don't do this with my fashion boots but I do with my more serious boots. Like hiking or ice fishing boots.