Cold boots are typically made of neoprene, a type of rubber that is versatile, washable, and incredibly adept at handling wear and tear. Packets of freezable chemicals are incorporated into neoprene sheets and shaped to fit the size and scope of the foot itself. These can be placed directly onto the skin without the application of a protective towel or sock layer.

Most cold therapy boots are thin enough to be put under a fashionable sock or fabric wrap. Others are designed to provide arch support and compression of the Achilles heel for further comfort. If the injured patient needs to travel, they need to be light enough to be worn discreetly with crutches or in a wheelchair.

Some cold boots cover the foot from the ankle joint to the ball of the foot, while others cover the entire foot, ankle, and lower calf area. Full-cover boots can be found in addition to those designed with the toe and heel open to the elements. For the top of the foot (a traditionally difficult area to apply cold therapy to) some boots have built-in pads placed specifically for that purpose.