With the last couple of winters in mind, it is little surprise that this year there is expected to be increased demand for winter boots and shoes. However, there are many on the market so those wanting to buy some should bear certain things in mind. Footwear truly suitable for extreme winter weather needs to have the combined effect of having a sole that is not slippy on indoor surfaces but is also able to dig into snow and ice while outside preventing slipping accidents.

It should also be waterproof. That isn’t guaranteed so it is definitely worth checking and only going for those which are waterproof as the boots have to keep the feet dry. They should also be warm, while the boot should preferably be lined both in the leg and around the toes. Snowshoes are also becoming more popular, with outdoor equipment stores now selling more of them than ever before.

However, the snow accessories are not limited to humans. Cars are catered for too and some national chains are now selling snow socks for tyres to give them a better grip in the winter weather driving. They are designed to be of most help on side roads which often aren’t gritted and so can, in the worst of the weather be full of snow. The driver can slip the socks onto the front set of tyres, providing extra traction to increase grip on snow and ice and can then easily take them off when returning to a main road which is clear. They can just be put in the boot so that they are easily available when the driver is next in need of them.

Costing around £50 for a pair, they are easier to use than snow chains and obviously less hassle than buying a whole new set of winter tyres. They were fully tested last year and this year will be on sale alongside other products specifically for a cold snap.

Snow shovels were almost impossible to find on sale during the height of last winter while tow ropes are also increasingly popular and motorists are advised to have such items in their car should they get stuck. However, some will go further and install winter tyres to improve their grip during the winter months. It is standard practice in some European countries but, up until the last couple of years, was a rarity in the UK.

They are more of a benefit because they have a different rubber composition from standard tyres with more natural rubber and silica to increase flexibility. They also have smaller tread areas which allows water to escape from the tyre more easily and which therefore, again provides the car with better traction.

Though they are not a guarantee against slipping and skidding on snow and ice, the chances of doing so using a winter tyre compared to a standard, all-season tyre is significantly reduced. With stopping distances in snow and ice being so much longer than in normal conditions, the better grip of a winter tyre does allow the driver to stop the vehicle in a much shorter space of time. Another reason why this winter may well mean more winter tyres on UK roads than ever before and, if the run of severe winters continues, more of the population will be forced to look at ways of keeping the car moving safely in cold weather.