Mongolian boots, also known as Mongol gutals, are one of the most iconic footwear ever designed. These leather boots sport unique features intended to enhance their aesthetic appeal and longevity while paying fair tribute to their native country.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Mongolian boots is their quirky upturned toes, an ingenious adaptation to Mongolia’s terrain and weather. The footwear also comes in elaborate ornaments, a striking contrast to Western boots.
Considering that Mongolia is one of the coldest places on the planet, it’s unsurprising that Mongolian boots are also engineered to brave frigid conditions. This post looks at the various adaptations of Mongol boots that make them ideal for winter weather.
Mongolian Boots – Blend of Elegance and Efficiency
Mongolian boots aren’t just strikingly beautiful. They’re also designed with efficiency in mind.
For years, Mongol gutals have been used to brave the country’s harsh weather. Mongolia is the third-coldest country on earth, with winter temperatures averaging slightly above the freezing point.
Winter in Mongolia runs from November through February. During this period, temperatures can plummet to -10 degrees to -30 degrees Celsius (14 degrees to 22 degrees Fahrenheit). While summer temperatures may hit +10 ° to +27 ° C (50 ° to 80 ° F), the nights remain relatively chilly throughout most of the year.
With such unforgiving weather, it’s understandable why Mongol boots are a staple footwear in Mongolia.
That said, Mongolian boots are engineered to be tough enough to withstand winter’s frigid conditions. The boots are constructed from thick cattle leather to keep your feet warm while treading icy landscapes. Besides, their superior traction allows Mongols to safely navigate the country’s treacherous mountainous terrains.
What Makes Mongol Boots Ideal for Winter Weather?
1. Upturned Toes for Improved Comfort
Numerous explanations have been advanced to demystify the unique, upturned design of Mongol boots.
According to one theory, the boots’ curved shape was meant to ensure less of the boot covers the ground below. This allowed the wearer to move around without accidentally trampling over bugs and worms, a testament to Mongolians’ high regard for life.
Another theory suggests that the upturned toes were meant to ease navigation through Mongolia’s rough, mountainous landscape. Curving the front tip of the boots upwards ostensibly minimizes tripping hazards, especially for wearers in long gowns.
As far as cold weather goes, the slightly upturned design of Mongol gutals ensures the wearer’s feet are partially in contact with the ground at all times. This can improve warmth and comfort while treading icy terrains.
2. Natural Leather for Enhanced Thermoregulation
Leather is also a signature feature of Mongol gutals. The boots are fashioned from natural cattle leather, which is renowned for its superior strength and durability.
If properly processed, cattle leather can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including hot and frigid weather. The material is also remarkably resistant to tears, scratches, and mechanical pressure.
Moreover, leather is incredibly thermoregulating. This property allows Mongolian boots to maintain stable temperatures around the wearer’s feet even if the ambient conditions plummet to subzero degrees.
3. Lightweight Design for Easy Navigation
Mongolian boots can be deceptively large and bulky. The boots’ rugged appearance is compounded by their leather construction.
However, Mongol gutals aren’t as heavy as they look. In fact, gutals are relatively lighter than most winter boots, making them ideal for different wearers. That explains why they’re a favorite footwear for many traditional Mongolian wrestlers.
Note that heavy boots can impede your progress while navigating frozen landscapes. It’s worse if the boots have limited traction, as a misstep could send you sliding dangerously down a steep slope.
With Mongolian boots, you can effortlessly navigate icy terrains without the feeling of extra baggage weighing you down.
4. Extra Air Pockets for Additional Comfort
The upturned toes in Mongolian boots create a vacuum that can be filled with extra air.
As your feet radiate warm air, much of the warmth fills up the air pockets rather than escape to the ambient environment. The extra warmth can provide additional comfort to your feet even as the prevailing conditions become more frigid.
Similarly, the air pockets allow Mongol gutals to remain cool during summer, making the boots ideal for all weather.
5. Long Socks for Optimal Protection
Mongol gutals comprise two parts – the actual boots and specially designed long socks.
Much of the actual boots – including the soles – are mostly leather, quilt, and felt. But while the socks can feature a composite of materials, wool felt is the most popular choice.
Felt is thicker than knitted or woven wool. When used in winter boots, the material preserves warmth by providing solid insulation against chillier conditions outside.
Besides, felt is more robust than knitted wool. It’s an excellent material choice for durable winter boots. And although not as thermoregulating as leather, felt is reasonably breathable. That property allows you to wear Mongolian boots for several hours without developing skin itchiness.
Besides the felt socks, Mongolian boots feature a piece of clothing in their backseats to reinforce the footwear and stabilize the temperature.
The Bottom Line
Mongolian boots boast all the features you’d want in cold-weather boots. From their upturned toes that minimize contact with the ground to their thermoregulating leather design, Mongol gutals are unquestionably the ideal winter footwear.
It’s also exciting to know that Mongol gutals come in different sizes and heights, despite their general similarities. You can find a pair of boots that delivers maximum comfort while maintaining stable temperature conditions.