Ask Belle: Boots for Inclement Weather

Sep 29, 2015

Hi Belle,

I just moved to the Northeast from Galveston, Texas.  My coworkers keep telling me how slushy and snowy it gets and I am worried.  My supervisor encouraged me to buy a pair of rain boots and a pair of snow boots but I don’t know what makes a good pair.  Whatever options you can suggest would be so appreciated.

Cheers, Jo

Whether you commute long distances on foot or only need to be outside for a short time, keeping your feet warm and dry is important.  Here are some suggestions for both rain boots and snow boots.

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Dirty Laundry Rain Boots ($59) // Hunter Original Rainboots ($150) // Tommy Hilfiger Ankle Boots ($80)

Rain boots can be expensive.  These super chic Burberry boots come in at $325, but if you live in a place where it’s very wet, they may be worth it.  These Dirty Laundry boots are a serviceable knock off.  I also like these simple black boots from Armani Jeans.

Hunter boots are a great option.  They have decent traction and a good fit.  They also come in dozens of colors and styles.  I also like these Helly Hansen boots in a lovely teal-green hue.  If you want your boots to be a bit cozier, they also make a fleece sock to keep your tootsies toasty.

Tall boots are great for women like myself who only wear tights in the winter (down with pants!).  If you prefer an ankle-height boot, these Hilfiger’s come in black or a deep, bottle green.  A girlfriend of mine who lives in Philly swears by these Sperry lace-up boots.

Need a rain shoe?  Try these Ruby rain loafers that come in a variety of colors.  You can also buy a shoe cover, but they’re not the chicest things in the world.

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Sorel Caribou Rainboots ($150)

In my opinion, there is only one pair of snow boots to buy: Sorels.  They’re warm, they have great traction, and look as stylish as any snow boot is ever going to.

The Caribous are my favorite, the come in the khaki and a few other colors.  I also like these taller lined Tivoli boots.  Their Joan of the Arctic boots are lined with fur for a high-fashion look (well, for a snow boot).

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  1. Kristina says:

    Bean Boots are also a great option! they are only about $100 and are a great buy! I love mine!

    • Kelly says:

      Seconded! I got the all black pair two years ago and it was the best decision. After settling for a few winters wearing snow boots I didn’t like (color, comfort, traction) the Bean Boots are way better. I wear them a lot more willingly and don’t destroy all my other shoes in the process.

  2. Meghan says:

    Merrell boots are great, too. I have the Decora (https://www.merrell.com/US/en/decora-prelude-waterproof/16716W.html?dwvar_16716W_color=J42706); they’re tall, waterproof, warm, and pretty cute for a snow boot! Plus, they got me through Boston’s last couple hellacious winters.

  3. Jessica says:

    Last year, I bought a pair of Dav rainboots (https://www.davrain.com/) with fleece on the inside of the boot. The boots worked perfect for rain and snow/slush/ice. Plus they look professional enough that I can wear them to committee meetings. I love mine!

  4. A pure rainboot it that gets my approval is Aigle Miss Juliette
    A winter boot I love is Sorel or any cheap boys hunting boot
    A general all purpose boot that doesn’t look hideous is Aquatalia but they’re $600.. However they’re waterproof and can go in winter without a problem. I’d suggest those of it doesn’t get down to frigid Canadian temps

  5. Angie says:

    You want Bogs. They are winter boot and rain boot in one.

  6. Lindsay says:

    Hunter boots are pretty much a Fall/Winter staple for everyone in the Northwest/Seattle area. Love mine!

  7. kc says:

    I have the Sperry boots and they are so slippery!

  8. Sarah says:

    I have had the same Lands End snowboots for 6 years and they are phenom. Got me through three horrible Michigan winters, and I’ve needed them a few times here in NOVA. My feet stay dry and warm, even my toes!

  9. Megan says:

    I really like Ilse Jacobsen boots for the combination weather we get 9 months of the year here in Illinois. Most of the pairs I’ve seen come lined with fleece. I’m fairly tall with skinny calves, so the laces on the Rub 1 boots help keep any moisture out. A friend of mine loves her Rub 33s, if laces aren’t your thing.

    I’d recommend Kamik if you’re on a budget. They’re not lined, but that’s easily fixed with inserts. After 2+ years of commuting in these things, they’ve yet to leak or show much sign of wear.

  10. Sarah says:

    Second the Sorels. Those things are waterproof. I wore them in snow al the time last winter to totally dry feet! They were worth every penny and come in so many cute colors. It was almost hard to even find a pair!

  11. Allison says:

    If you want something that looks chic like a riding boot but is really warm and waterproof like a snowboot, get the slimbpack sorrells. I live in Colorado, they hold up really well and look nice. https://www.sorel.com/womens-slimpack-riding-tall-boot-NL2007.html

  12. Jennifer D says:

    You might want to consider Michael Kors boots. I purchased the Stockard Rain Boots last year for something serviceable but chic.

  13. Jill says:

    I have waterproof, tall Merrell boots that I use in snow and on cold rainy days. They have thinsulate. Really warm. Can commute in them while wearing dress clothes very easily. Got them at Nordstrom a few seasons back.

  14. Peggy says:

    I found Columbia brand snow boots for $35 at the Leesburg VA Outlet mall! Work for snow, dog walks in the woods and will be using to commute.

  15. Lori says:

    What about for short girls? The Hunter Boots (only in size 8, size 7 was fine) are too tall. They come above my knees and I’m finding a lot of other boots are like that. I also tried the kid sizes, but they were too short. I’m 5’3, which I didn’t think was that short, but it’s beginning to be a problem…

  16. tanja says:

    Try nice Aigle boots!

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