Winter & Autumn Insoles: No New Boots

What Best Insoles for Winter and Autumn?

Best Insoles for Winter and Autumn? As an old geezer living in England, every October my feet start their annual protest. Cold toes. Numb heels. That particular British misery of damp socks in decent leather shoes. Here's what nobody tells you: you don't need new boots. You need better insoles.

Warm insoles won't do you much good if your leather is letting the rain in, so before you head out into the drizzle, make sure you follow my routine on how to waterproof your shoes for autumn and winter.

Why Your Feet Feel Like Ice Blocks Every British Winter

When the temperature drops your blood vessels constrict. Your body rations warmth for your vital organs and your feet get the short straw. It's normal. But if your toes turn white or blue or stay cold indoors, you should see your GP. Raynaud's phenomenon is surprisingly common in the UK and no insole will fix that.

For the rest of us the fix is insulation and moisture control. Wool and sheepskin trap heat while wicking sweat. Leather breathes. Cheap foam does neither and just makes your shoes smell like a forgotten gym bag.

The Best Insoles for Winter

• Collonil Winter Insoles (Polar) is genuine lambskin with wool-soft padding. If you already trust Collonil for polish this is the natural next step. I wore these through a frosty December and my feet stayed toasty without overheating.
• Pedag Pascha Sheepskin Insole is the one I'd pick for long walks. The sheepskin sits on a natural cork layer that moulds to your foot and absorbs shock. Warmth and support in one package. My knees noticed the difference.
• Dasco Winter Wool Insole Ladies is the sensible entry point. Real lambswool with foam underneath so it doesn't slide about. Yes this is for women.
• Solos Polar and Thermal Insoles are trim-to-fit so one pair covers multiple shoes. Handy if you're indecisive or own too many shoes. Like me.

The Best Insoles for Autumn

Autumn is trickier. Too warm and your feet sweat. Too thin and you're back to ice blocks.

• Saphir Semelle Leather on Cork and Charcoal is Sheep leather that's warm enough for October but breathable enough for a heated office. The charcoal version handles odour. Your loafers will thank you.
• Cherry Blossom Deluxe Leather Comfort Insoles combine genuine leather with activated carbon and latex foam. If your feet get hot and bothered in autumn these are the answer.

Looking After Your Insoles

Remove them after wear and let them dry naturally. Condition leather insoles every few months with a proper leather lotion. Never wax the inside of your shoes. Your feet need to breathe.

My Honest Verdict

For deep winter choose sheepskin or wool. For autumn choose leather. Your shoes stay drier and last longer. And you can put the boots money towards something sensible. Like whisky.