Everything You Need to Know About Boot Liners

The secret to keeping your feet warm

Working outside in the winter is hard. Working with cold feet is even harder. One of the easy ways to keep your feet warm all winter long is by wearing a “pac” boot.

Ranger Pingo Pac Boots

What is a pac boot?

A pac boot is a general term for a boot with a removable liner. The term comes from a pac, a moccasin-type soft shoe worn inside an outer shoe or boot. Pac boots come in many different styles in order to meet your specific needs.

Regardless of which boot you choose, the secret to keeping your feet warm is that boot's removable liner. Working outside in the winter is hard. Working with cold feet is even harder. One of the easy ways to keep your feet warm all winter long is by wearing a “pac” boot.

Top 5 things to consider when looking at boot liners

Insulation

Whether natural or man-made materials, the quality and thickness acts as an insulator and cushion for your feet.

Thermal Properties

Wool/Felt has been around for decades and is an effective, lightweight insulator. The warmth level is determined by the thickness of the liner: The thicker the liner, the warmer the boot.

Wicking

A quality boot liner will wick moisture away from your feet to keep them dry and warm.

Moisture Funnel

Once moisture is wicked away, it has to go somewhere. A hollow fiber layer funnels moisture and water vapor away from the foot for maximum warmth and comfort.

Cushion

A quality liner should also provide cushioning to minimize foot fatigue and stress.

Popular boot liner materials

Thinsulate

Thinsulate is a synthetic insulator trademarked by 3M™. Thinsulate fibers are smaller than traditional synthetic insulation so more insulation can be used in the same amount of space. Additionally, Thinsulate doesn't get packed down over time, keeping its heat-retaining and moisture-wicking properties.

Wool/Felt

Wool/Felt has been around for decades and is an effective, lightweight insulator. The warmth level is determined by the thickness of the liner: The thicker the liner, the warmer the boot.

Multi-Layer Foam

Multi-Layer Foam. Each layer has its own purpose. From insulation to wicking to cushioning, the warmer the boot needs to be, the more layers the liner will have.

Zylex

Zylex is a liner designed by Kamik. Multiple layers of polyester felt act to wick moisture and retain heat, while a layer of thermal foil deflects cold away from the foot.

Care and cleaning of boot liners

Like anything else, you need to take care of your boot liners so they don't wear out prematurely or develop odors.

Before cleaning your liners, make sure to read the manufacturer's label for any specific instructions.

If there are no specific cleaning instructions, here’s an easy way to clean most boot liners.

  • Fill a sink or tub with cool water and mix in 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid soap.
  • Swirl the liners in the water for about a minute, and then allow them to soak for about 10 minutes.
  • Rinse well.
  • Use a towel to blot excess water, and then place the damp liners in a well-ventilated area, away from extreme or direct heat.

Taking care of your liners will add years of life to them and keep your feet more comfortable when the temps plummet.