Why Thermal Protection Matters
Winter creates serious challenges for workers. Slippery surfaces, sharp winds, and cold temperatures are not just uncomfortable, they increase safety risks.
At ROYER®, we design and manufacture winter safety footwear built for real winter conditions, from insulated work shoes to 10-inch extreme cold safety boots. Developed by our teams and in collaboration with premium partners, our insulated models leverage advanced cold-weather technologies to address the demands of a wide range of winter work environments.
What are Thermal Comfort Ratings
Thermal comfort ratings provide a clear and practical way to understand the cold weather performance of winter footwear. Rather than focusing only on materials, these ratings reflect how an insulated boot performs when exposed to cold under controlled conditions.
At their core, thermal comfort ratings are based on two key factors: insulation mass, which refers to the amount of insulating material used in the boot, and thermal testing, which measures how effectively the boot retains heat.
Insulation mass alone does not tell the full story. Insulation technologies differ in materials, construction, and application, which means two boots with the same insulation weight can perform very differently in cold environments.
To provide a consistent and reliable point of comparison, ROYER® applies thermal comfort ratings established through laboratory testing using the CTT/PCT-1 method. These results are then further validated through real Canadian winter work conditions to confirm performance in the field.
3M™ Thinsulate™
Light Insulation
3M Thinsulate™ insulation provides reliable warmth for milder winter conditions, with thermal comfort ratings down to −20 °C. Its fine microfibers trap warm air while allowing moisture to escape, helping keep the inside of the boot dry during active work.
- 200 g of Thinsulate™: thermal comfort rating down to −10 °C
- 400 g of Thinsulate™: thermal comfort rating down to −20 °C
PrimaLoft®
Light to Heavy Insulation
PrimaLoft insulation covers a broader temperature range, with thermal comfort ratings down to −40 °C. Known for its high warmth-to-weight ratio, it delivers effective insulation while remaining lightweight, breathable, and compressible. It is also made with 90% recycled fibers.
- 200 g of PrimaLoft®: thermal comfort rating down to −20 °C
- 400 g of PrimaLoft®: thermal comfort rating down to −30 °C
- 600 g of PrimaLoft®: thermal comfort rating down to −40 °C
R-THERM™
Extreme Insulation
Developed by ROYER®, R-THERM™ is an advanced, fully integrated thermal system combining a cold-resistant outer shell, an insulated inner liner, and an insulated insole, delivering protection down to −60 °C.
Unlike traditional lofted insulation that can compress over time and lose thermal effectiveness, R-THERM™ is engineered to resist compression and maintain its thermal effectiveness over prolonged use in demanding conditions.
Choosing the Right Winter Footwear
A lower thermal comfort rating does not automatically mean better protection. What matters is selecting a thermal comfort level that matches your real working conditions.
Thermal comfort ratings are established under controlled conditions where body heat is maintained at a stable level. In real-world use, factors such as activity level, work environment, and exposure time directly influence the level of thermal protection required.
Prolonged standing or limited movement in frigid conditions generates less body heat and typically requires higher thermal protection. Highly active work generates more body heat and may require less insulation.
Selecting the appropriate winter safety footwear starts with understanding how you work and the conditions to which you are exposed.