Ask Belle: Stylish Snow Boots
Nov 10, 2014
Hi Belle,
It pains me to say it, but the snow is about to fly. Ugh. Rain boots won’t cut it where I live, can you recommend some stylish snow boots? Do they even make stylish snow boots?
Sincerely, My Toes Are Freezing
Style doesn’t really play a role here, snow boots are about utility. As a result, snow boots come in two flavors: basic and hideous. When those are my options, I choose basic.
No garish colors or strange styles, just a warm, simple snow boot. I own these and I think they’re quite warm. I also like Sorel’s Carnival boot in grey.
Looking for something under-$100? Kamik makes a similar boot, and Land’s End offers a black and grey option. If you need something under-$50, Merona makes a knock-off winter boot that looks like the Sorels, though I can’t vouch for their warmth.
Greetings MTAF – I (slightly) disagree with Belle as even basic boots are hideous. But as with full-length down puffers, when it’s that cold out, I tend to care a lot less what the boots or coat looks like and appreciate that it keeps me warm. You might also try Athleta – they have several options at various price points. Good luck! Jennifer
I can vouch for the Target Merona shoes – best purchase I made last year! I wore them last year through a DC winter, including walking my dog in the snow, ice and cold. Very warm and has enough room to layer multiple socks for those below zero days. The only thing is that they may not last more than one or two seasons – I wore them every day last year and looking at them think I can squeeze another season out of them, but that’s it. Very comfy!
LL Bean.
I went through this last year when I moved back to New England after leaving D.C. I opted for fleece-lined rain boots off of Zappos and I was extremely happy with them. THey kept me nice and warm … I can’t remember the brand, but I made sure that the tread was n on-slip, and they held up pretty well even on icy sidewalks.
Wow – I thought about asking this yesterday! Do you have recommendations for boots for DC weather. I’ve been here 1 winter and the boots above seem like too much for our winters (and I would feel silly walking into my super corporat office wearing them). I also I don’t want to wear non-waterproof boots. Is there a middle ground? So far I have only found these (Teva de La Vina at Nordstroms)
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/teva-de-la-vina-boot-women/3727900?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black%2F+Grey&resultback=300&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_B
If you want something better looking and are prepared to invest, La Canadienne makes gorgeous, warm, waterproof boots that last forever. Or get Uggs that don’t look like Uggs – I have a pair of Brooks, but if I had a spare $200 lying around, I’d buy the Chaneys.
Last winter I wore a pair of Sperry boots from December through February. They were quilted and black with a rubber bottom, weather-appropriate but also subtle enough to make it to my desk to change shoes without calling too much attention to themselves. There’s a similar pair at L&T for under $100: https://bit.ly/1GIxMiJ
I second the recommendation for investing in La Canadienne boots. They are crazy expensive, but I’ve had my current pair for 4 years, and they still look great. They are also the most comfortable shoe I own, in addition to being totally waterproof and warm.
I have a pair of Timberland snow boots (the Duck Boots I believe they’re called) that have gotten me through several Chicago winters. They’re easy on the eyes too.
I’ve found the Sorel Slimpack Riding Tall Boot works well in almost any situation. They are great for walking to work in DC or stomping around in Colorado during the holidays.
I have these Patagonia boots and I LOVE them. I wore them just about every day last winter and they’re still in great shape. They’re really warm, and totally waterproof. I didn’t change out of them when I got to work ever, but I work in a super casual office. They’re cute enough, but they are amazing boots.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AY8ZWB0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a similar pair of Sorel boots. They are definitely very warm and cozy for snowier climates but I find that they are heavy/clunky, my calves are sore for days after wearing them. Luckily, DC weather isn’t that frosty so I can usually get away without actual snow boots. When I used to live in Boston I had LL Bean boots and think I prefer those.
I swear by Hunter wellies + thick SmartWool socks. Wellies keep you dry, SmartWool keeps you toasty.
Here to also sing praises for La Canadienne. 100 percent worth the initial investment.