As a mail carrier, you spend a lot of time on your feet. It is one of the things that many people do not appreciate about this demanding job. This is made even worse during the cold winter months when things become even more challenging. You need a pair of boots or shoes that are going to be comfortable, waterproof, and have excellent traction; but surely you can’t have everything in one pair of shoes?
The good news is that you can; there are many fantastic pairs of boots and shoes that boast all three of these qualities and many more.
In this guide, we will be looking at everything you need to know when purchasing a pair of winter boots for mail carriers as well as showing you our top picks.
Our Top Picks
You would be amazed at how many winter boots out there claim to be perfect for mail carriers, so you can imagine how long it would take to look through them all.
To save you the hassle, we have put together a list of six of the best winter boots for mail carriers. All of these have the comfort, durability, and traction that you would expect from this type of shoe.
1. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot lll
If you are looking for the ultimate winter boot then these are definitely in the running for being at the top stop. Not only are they an incredibly stylish pair of boots that come in a choice of three colors (all of which are suitable for mail carrier uniforms), but they also provide some of the greatest warmth and comfort we have ever seen in a winter boot.
These are full-height winter boots, they are designed to be used out in mountainous terrains, for hiking, climbing, and other demanding activities. Now, while we appreciate that your mail route may be challenging, we are certain that it won’t require climbing to the top of a peak, so these shoes are more than fit for purpose!
They have a heat retention system called OMNI-HEAT which both retains and regulates heat inside the boots. This will keep your feet toasty no matter what the weather. In fact, they are so adept at keeping your tootsies warm in the snow that they can withstand temperatures down to as low as 25ºf.
They offer superior support to the feet thanks to the high design but comfort is also an important factor and the cushioning inside these shoes is second to none. Every step will feel like walking on air, so even if your mail route is seriously long, your feet won’t suffer.
The sizes come in both regular and wide fit so if you need something with a little more room, you’re covered. They are fully waterproof thanks to the seamlessly stitched leather upper and have a lightweight midsole for that added bit of comfort.
2. Merrell Women’s Moab 2
For the ladies, these lightweight and trendy shoes are ideal for when you are on the job. They come in a choice of seven colors, although we would hazard a guess that you might go for something a little more neutral when you’re working; but who said you couldn’t buy a brighter pair for when you’re off duty and enjoying the trails?
MOAB means Mother Of All Boots and this certainly is not merely a sales gimmick; they easily earn this title.
The boots are fashioned from 100% suede leather and feature a breathable mesh lining to keep your feet comfortable. This M SelectDRY lining keeps water out making these ideal for those rainy winter days when the weather just doesn’t seem to be on your side.
Where comfort is concerned, you won’t find anything much better than this thanks to a variety of features made to cradle and support your feet. There is a removable insole and an air cushion in the feel for superior padding. Furthermore, you are getting a rubber toe cap that adds a greater level of protection for your feet as you go about your day.
They are durable, stylish, comfortable, and waterproof; there isn’t much else you could ask for in a winter shoe.
3. Scarpa Men’s Zodiac Plus
One of the first things that you will notice when looking at these shoes is the incredible design; it immediately jumps out at you and makes you shout ‘I want those shoes!’ Of course, looks aren’t everything but it certainly helps to have a pair of shoes that make you feel good.
Moving on to the practicalities of these shoes, you will notice that they are made from 100% suede which is both soft and durable, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and durability.
They feature a Gore-Tex lining which is extremely adept at keeping water out while allowing good airflow around the shoe to release moisture. This is essential in winter shoes since the last thing you want is soggy feet after a long day, this could cause your shoes to rub and result in blisters and sores.
You get a lot of support from these shoes and this is thanks to the 6-inch shaft which holds the foot in place as you move around. What’s more, they are incredibly comfortable. They feature a Sock-Fit DV construction which allows them to fit snugly to your foot, cradling it and giving you the ultimate in comfort.
4. Salomon Men’s Quest 4D
Salomon is one of the most trusted names in walking shoes and boots so when you are looking for something that will give you everything you need, this is one of the first brands you should turn to. Since 1947, they have been crafting top-quality shoes and they show no sign of stopping yet.
The Quest boots have a lot of features that make them ideal for mail carriers. Primarily because of their durability. When you are working, you need a pair of boots that will stand up to the challenge and you can feel confident that these will see you through even the harshest winter and beyond.
They have a solid rubber sole that has maximum traction so even on icy days, you can feel confident that you will keep your footing.
The 4D chassis has been designed to give you full support of the foot, guiding it as you move. In turn, this reduces foot fatigue which is important when you are walking over longer distances.
They are cushioned beyond belief, slipping your foot into these is like sliding it into a piece of heaven. If you have been wearing boots that haven’t given you the most comfortable experience and you are looking for something that will; these would make an excellent choice. On top of the interior cushioning, you will also get superior ankle support for even greater comfort when walking.
The elastic laces give you a little more freedom on how to wear the boots and they are easy to use, meaning you can get the boots on and get on with your day.
5. Vasque Men’s St Elias
One of the things that really stands out about these boots is that they do not require a break-in period; you can wear them, comfortably, right out of the box. This is not common in walking boots but when you need something for work, you don’t always have time to break them in.
Everything about these boots shows that they have been made with long-distance walking in mind. The comfort level of these shoes is excellent and they are fully cushioned so that even when you are on your feet all day, you won’t feel any pain. This is largely thanks to the dual-density EVA midsole which absorbs shock and cushions the feet.
They feature a robust rubber sole which is essential for durability and of course when you are a mail carrier, you are going to need something that will stand up to the demands of your work.
They are crafted from high-grade full-grain leather that is entirely waterproof; you won’t need separate shoes when the heavens decide to open. But just for that additional peace of mind, they are lined with a GoreTex material that offers exceptional breathability and waterproofing.
6. KEEN Men’s Anchorage
If you want a pair of winter boots that you can simply pull on and go then these are a great choice. They come in two colors, earth or black which makes them perfect for mail carriers who need something a little more conservative for work.
These are pull-on boots that have a wealth of features aside from being highly convenient. They are made from 100% and don’t have any fancy designs or patterns that take away from the ultimate functionality of these shoes.
There is also a leather lining that is both breathable and waterproof and makes the boots perfect for use in cold, wet weather.
The boots have a rubber sole with amazing traction. On icy days, when the walkways may be slippery and dangerous, you can feel confident that these soles will keep you on your feet.
What To Look For In Winter Boots For Mail Carriers
Before you choose your favorite pair of winter boots from our list, it is important to think about what your shoes should look like. There are certain aspects of a boot that make them ideal for people who are going to be spending long hours on their feet, particularly in cold weather.
The best way to avoid ending up with uncomfortable shoes is to look at the features carefully before parting with any of your hard-earned cash. Let’s talk about what you should be looking for.
Waterproof
One of the most crucial things to look at when purchasing winter boots for mail carriers is whether the boots will be able to match the unpredictable weather in winter.
Unless you live in the tropics, in which case, you wouldn’t be looking for winter boots, there is a good chance that you may encounter snow or rainfall frequently on your winter mail runs.
Most modern hiking boots offer some sort of water protection but it is vital to look at whether this is water-resistance or whether they are waterproof. Water-resistant means that the material will repel water but it might not keep it out.
A pair of waterproof winter boots will prevent water from getting in, even when the rain is lashing down. In most cases, the boots will boast some sort of interior lining such as GoreTex which will also be breathable to stop the feet from getting too hot and sweating.
Traction
Good traction is always a key feature of a quality pair of walking boots but this is even more critical when thinking about using the boots in winter.
The main reason for this is that there is a good chance that the ground will be slippery. This might be from snow, water, or when it is very cold, ice.
To determine the traction of the shoe, you should look at the soles. Some boots will have a greater lug depth and others might have a specially designed sole with a superior grip. But most importantly, the sole of a winter boot should always be made from rubber, if it is not, then it will likely be inferior where grip is concerned.
There are also some boots whose rubber sole extends past the base of the shoe for added grip.
Thermal
There is no way to get away from the fact that it gets cold in winter. Depending on where you are, it could fall way below freezing and the last thing you will want when you are outside for most of the day is cold feet. Not only is this incredibly uncomfortable but it can also endanger the health of your feet.
Fortunately, a lot of winter boots come with a thermal lining that will keep your feet warm at all times. Many boots feature a Thinsulate lining which is known to be one of the most effective at retaining heat. It is said that Thinsulate is one and a half times warmer than down and twice as warm as the insulation you have in your attic! What’s more, it is incredibly thin, therefore ideal for use in boots.
Durable
As a mail carrier, you will know that this job can be very demanding and a flimsy pair of shoes just won’t cut it. You need something that is going to stand the test of time and not let you down in the middle of a shift.
We talked earlier about the importance of a rubber sole for traction but this is not the only reason that this material is ideal for the bottom of your shoe. Rubber is incredibly durable and even when you put your boots through their paces, they will go the distance.
You should also look at what material the upper is made from, in most cases, this will be leather or some synthetic version of this. This material is used because of its durability but also because it is comfortable.
You must take a look at how the boots have been put together, you can tell excellent craftsmanship by looking at the seams and the feel of the boots. This will go a long way in telling you how long they will last.
Comfort
Since you are going to be on your feet for a lot of the day, you do not want to waste money on boots that are going to be uncomfortable, or at worst, painful.
Many winter boots will feature cushioning on the inside and this is great for two reasons. It will mold to the shape of your foot, giving you excellent support and a great degree of comfort but it will also act as a shock absorber.
Every time your foot hits the floor, energy is sent into your body. Repeating this action over and over can cause problems like knee pain, ankle pain, and foot problems like plantar fasciitis.
Conclusion
Mail carriers work hard and spend a lot of time on their feet. This is why it is vital that they have adequate footwear and this becomes even more important when they are working through the winter months.
The change in weather coupled with walking long distances can take its toll on the feet so wearing suitable winter boots is essential.
It is important to look at each aspect of the boot to make sure that it will be fit for purpose but once you know what you are looking for, our top picks for winter boots for mail carriers will leave you spoilt for choice.
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