In cold climates all user requirements for footwear (insulation, waterproof, vapour permeability, drying etc.) can’t be met easily due to their conflicting nature. Defining user conditions is important. Cold may be roughly divided into the three ranges (>+5; +5 to 10; < 10 °C). The choice of proper footwear may be based on this approach. It also reduces some of the conflicting user requirements. Under any defined user condition it is important to take proper care of the feet and the footwear. The best performance can be achieved when considering already at the design stage that not only the materials in footwear but also the whole foot-sock-footwear system should work together.