Winter boots can be a tricky buy. On the one hand of course you want to wear something stylish and fashionable, but unlike your summer slip-ons or party heels, they actually need to be practical. Winter can be cold, wet and icy and there’s nothing worse than splashing out on a great new pair of boots only to find they make you walk like Bambi on ice and never wear them again. At the same time, that old pair of wellies may get the job done but they really don’t leave you feeling your best. It doesn’t have to be this way though – there are plenty of boots out there that look great and will leave you prepared for whatever the winter can throw at you!
Let’s start with the obvious. Ugg boots may be ubiquitous but in terms of comfortable winter footwear there are few equals. In the unlikely event you don’t know what they are and have never owned a pair, these sheepskin boots have a luxurious fleece lining that makes them incredibly comfortable to walk on. Their iconic, chunky look may be like marmite to some (you either love them or you hate them) but they’re heaven for your feet, particularly in the cold winter months. Unfortunately the classic Ugg boots, though warm and comfortable, don’t tend to handle water too well unless you’ve used a protector spray and even then, they probably won’t last too long in the rain. Thankfully if you are after something a little more hard wearing, but still just as cozy, Ugg do a variety of styles (like their Lilyan and Adiroundack boots) that are far more suited to the worst of winter.
Of course it’s not all about UGGs though and plenty or brands like Fly London, Anna Field and Gabor make great winter boots that strike that difficult balance between fashion and practicality. One brand that’s really come into its own lately is Sorel who specialise in making brilliant winter boots that will actually last the winter and look great while doing it. Some of their designs, like ‘Conquest Carly Short’ and the aptly named ‘Joan Of Arctic’, look fantastic and will survive just about anything. Merrell and Camel Active also specialise in trendy winter boots that could probably endure an actual ice age.
If you’re expecting more rain than snow this winter, or are just looking to splash around in style, a pair of Hunter’s iconic wellington boots are always a good idea. They come in plenty of colors, as well as pearlescent shades and even Union Jack designs meaning that, yes; it is possible to find wellies that match your outfit.
Practicality is all well and good but what if you don’t plan on spending much time trudging through rain and snow this winter? Sometimes all you want is in-season footwear that looks great. If that sounds like you, then you might want to check out some stylish, yet affordable, winter boots from Marco Tozzi or Lotus.
Winter doesn’t have to be a time to begrudgingly wear ugly, but practical, footwear. Even if you want the thickest, toughest, warmest boots around, hopefully this article has shown you that there are still plenty of attractive options available so you can remain warm, dry and oh-so-stylish all winter long.
