Are Insulated Work Boots Too Hot in the Summer?

Making a great choice of a stylish and sturdy work boot and cracking a fair deal is quite an easy job, isn’t it? 

But the tough job is taking a certain feature into considering and wondering whether to go for it or to avoid it! And if the confusion is whether to go for the insulated work boots or choice the non-insulated ones; it’s even a tougher job I know!

After all, insulated boots a lot more pros than cons to it! It not only keeps your feet warm, but also provides a cushioning to all sides of the feet thus lessening the chances of cuts and blisters from the rubbing of the sides of the feet against the walls of the boots. Above all, the insulated boots provide that added comfort to your feet!

But the question is; whether that added comfort should be prioritized over the heat that the insulated boots would produce in a hot weather?

Summer months normally gives way to sweaty feet because of the intense atmosphere heat. Wearing insulated boots in the summer will only overheat your feet, and lead to even more sweating of the feet. But the insulated boots with a breathable lining and breathable membranes can serve the purpose because in that case your feet would be able to breathe and remain dry! My suggestion would be the Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus IV Winter Boot, Omni-Heat

Well, this article will answer all your questions regarding wearing insulated boots in the summers: are they too hot for the summers or not, should you go for them in the summers or not and if not, what should be your alternative options and our experts tips to wear them in the summers too and the 4 insulated boots that you can wear in the summers too!

Excited right?

Well then, let’s start without any further delay….

Can you wear Insulated boots during the summer?

Though insulated boots are actually made for keeping your feet warm in the cold winter seasons, yet any work boot with up to 200 grams of insulating layers would be good to go for the summers as well.

Also, it depends from person to person; some people’s feet sweat a lot while it’s not the same with the others. If your feet tend to become too hot in the summers and sweat a lot, you should definitely avoid the insulated boots!

Another important feature to consider in the insulated work boots is the breathability. If the boots have got breathable lining with a little amount of insulation, they can serve well in the summers too!

Ways to wear Insulated boots in the summers

If you find insulated boots more comfortable over the non-insulated ones, then here are some tips to wear them even in the summers without much discomfort of heating up:

1.) Try wearing them with socks that keeps the feet cool:

The Timberland CoolMax socks are a great option to consider with the insulated boots. It keeps the feet cool despite the heat produced by the insulation of the boots.

2.) Wear them with moisture wicking socks:

There are a number of moisture wicking socks available in the market that is meant to soak up the sweat produced by the feet. Wearing one of them with your insulated boots will make it easier for you to tackle the effects of the heat produced by the insulation.

3.) You can also give a try to the moisture wicking liners:

Insert a moisture wicking liner into your boots will not only absorb the sweat, but will also give way to air flow within the boots.

4.) Go for the pull-on boots:

If you are choosing insulated boots for the summers, try considering the pull-on models rather the lace-up ones. Pull-on boots give way to air flow within the boots, thus keeping your feet dry and breathable despite the insulation.

Essential features for insulated work boots in summers:

If you are thinking of buying an insulated work boot for the summers, your boots must definitely have the following features:

• • • They should be between 200 grams to 400 grams of insulation
    • They should be waterproof and breathable to allow air flow within the boots and to keep your feet dry
    • They should be lightweight
    • They should have breathable linings

Insulated work boots that can be worn in the summers too

1.) Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus IV Winter Boot, Omni-Heat

These omni-heat boots from Columbia are just apt for the summer months too as the omni-tech technology provides air-permeable protection besides being 200 gram insulated and waterproof too.

The lightweight techlite midsole add superior cushioning and long-lasting comfort. You will also get a great traction with the omni-grip non-marking outsoles.

Features:

• • • Waterproof, Breathable
    • 200g insulation, Seam-sealed construction
    • Techlite midsole, Omni-grip outsole

2.) Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot

These boots are a complete package in itself! They are built with the storm defender waterproof breathable protection along with 1000 litefire insulation.

The 1000 litefire is an aluminum based membrane that is waterproof and breathable at the same time and reflects the body heat equivalent to 1000 grams of traditional insulation; but subtracting the bulk and weight of the insulating material.

Also the boots have got an EH rating of 18000 volts and meets ASTM F2413-18 EH Standards. These boots have got heel guards to provide ankle protection and side impact protection too.

Features:

• • • Waterproof, Breathable
    • 1000 litefire insulation, EH rated
    • Heel, ankle and side protection
    • Composite safety toe

3.) KEEN Utility Men’s Davenport 6″ 400g Ct Waterproof Work Boot

These 400 grams keen warm insulated boots are designed with keen dry waterproof breathable membrane that lets air flow without letting in water in the boots. The boots have a liner that actually integrates with the waterproof membrane.

The rubber outsoles combine with the keen polar traction micro-glass fiber technology for increased traction in the snow besides bring oil and slip resistant.

The boots are also EH rated and meets ASTM F2412 and F2413 EH Standards. They also have 90 degree heel protection.

Features:

• • • Breathable, Waterproof
    • 400 grams insulation, EH Rated
    • Oil, slip and snow resistant outsoles
    • 90 degree heel support

4.) Carhartt Men’s 11″ Wellington Waterproof Steel Toe Leather Pull-On Work Boot CMP1259

Besides built with the 400 grams 3M thinsulate, the boots also have the storm defender waterproof breathable protection that allows air flow within the boots so you won’t feel the heat trapped inside the boots.

They are made with the fast drying technology lining that wicks away sweat for your comfort. The welt construction ensures durability and the PU Carhartt CORE outsoles ensures tight grip on any slippery terrains.

Features:

• • • Waterproof, Breathable
    • 400 grams 3M thinsulate insulation
    • Heel guard for ankle stability
    • Fast drying technology lining

Difference between Insulated and Non-insulated Boots

Now let me explain to you the difference between insulated and non-insulated boots so that you actually know which one to choose according to your preferences:

1.) Insulated boots are way warmer than non-insulated boots:

This is no great revelation that wasn’t known to you before. Obviously, the layer of insulation inside the insulated boots is meant to keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures. Non- insulated boots do not have any such insulation in them and thus are better for the summer weather.

2.) Insulated boots are heavier than non-insulated boots:

This also can be explained under the same reason that insulated boots have that extra layer of insulating material in them which makes them not only heavier but bulky as well. Therefore, it is much more comfortable to wear non-insulated boots in the summer.

3.) Non-insulated boots are waterproof while the insulated ones are not:

There is no denying the fact that non-insulated boots easily come in waterproof options and are a great choice for the summer rains or the rainy season. But it is hard to find a waterproof option in the insulated boots.

4.) Non-insulated boots are breathable while the insulated ones are not:

The insulating layer inside the insulated boots makes the boots non-breathable which isn’t a great thing for the summers. When your feet can’t breathe in the summer months, they will produce sweat and it will make you feel irritated to work in them for the entire day. 

Why wear insulated boots in the summer?

To be very true, there is absolutely no reason to wear insulated boots in the summer. But if you think the other way, there is no harm in wearing them in the summer months as well if they are breathable and waterproof like the ones given in our suggestion list below.

Also, insulated boots with 200g insulation won’t be that hot for the summers if you wear them with moisture wicking socks. Another point why you should be wearing them in the summers is that there is nothing like the comfort that an insulated boot can offer you and save your feet from getting those blisters and cuts that are generated due to the friction inside the boots.

Are insulated boots breathable?

In general, insulated boots are not supposed to be breathable, but with the advancement in technology, the footwear industry too made its advancement in developing technologies where now there are available options in the insulated boots that are breathable. I have listed below some such pairs in the section above.

Is 400g thinsulate too warm for summer?

Yes, 400g insulation would be a little too much for the summer months though they would be great for light winters or the fall season. For summer months, I suggest not to go ahead of the 200g insulated which are considered the decent ones for the summers as they are not too hot.

400g insulation will make your feet heated up too much and sweat profusely in the summer months.

Does thinsulate keep you cool?

No, thinsulate is not supposed to keep you cool. 

What thinsulate actually does is, they trap the air molecules inside the boots and does not let either the heat from the feet to escape or the cold air to get inside the boots.

Therefore, if the temperature around is hotter, it will also not allow the heat to get inside the boots, thus saving your feet from the external heat. But the heat that is already generated by the feet in the hot days will be trapped inside the boots, making your feet sweat.

200g insulation boots temperature rating:

The temperature rating for 200g insulation boots would be 30 to 40 degree Fahrenheit. 

That is to say you can wear a 200g insulation boot up to 30 to 40 degree F temperature without sweating.

In general, 200g insulation will keep your feet warm in temperatures up to -20 degree F that is 20 degree zero degree F.

It’s time to bid Adieu!

I hope the article was helpful to you and you know that wearing the right insulated work boots is the key for your comfort in the summer months!

That’s all for today!

Take care, stay healthy and have a great day ahead!

Happy insulated summer work boots shopping to you!