A few readers have written in asking for winter boot suggestions. The only boot you’ll ever need is the Sorel Caribou Boot ($150). They’re warm, and their classic style is perfect for bringing a bit of chic to your winter attire. If you want something in this style that’s a bit less expensive, I recommend the Kamik Quest Pac Boots ($59).
I have multiple pairs of Sorels and I won’t wear any other brand of winter boot. My first pair I got four years ago and they still look brand new, even with hard WI winters. I’ve converted many a friend from Uggs to Sorels and they all have thanked me.
Last year I bought a pair of Sorels (the “Joan of Arctic” style) during a Nordstrom sale and I love them. DC had only one big snowstorm last year, so they haven’t gotten a ton of use, but I do try to wear them whenever it’s freezing cold and rainy and my rubber wellie boots don’t cut it. I was reluctant to buy them because of the price, but I’ve noticed they tend to go on sale from several online retailers throughout the year.
@Bethany, I’m glad you converted your friends- UGGs aren’t even waterproof, which I discovered the hard way trying to walk home during the DC Snowpocalypse a while back.
Love my Sorels, especially if it is wet. If it is REALLY COLD, though, I always opt for function over style and go with my old super heavy duty but remarkably light made-in-Canada Baffins. And my kids, who are stylish Minnesotans, all have Will Steger Mukluks, made in Ely Minnesota. search for Mukluks dot com.
Traditional Uggs are not waterproof but I highly recommend Ugg snow boots. sooo warm, comfortable and waterproof. I think they will last a while too. https://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ugg-cold-weather-boots-adirondack-2?ID=1568641&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Women%27s%20Shoes-WomensShoesCoop-_-Ugg-_-889830201203USA&CAWELAID=120156070004056391&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=35637446592&CATCI=pla-270945727101&catargetid=120156070004437151&cadevice=c
New Englander here, so firmly committed to L.L. Bean Duck boots. I like that they are a heritage brand hand-made in America and they come lined with Thinsulate or shearling. My Thinsulate version held up remarkably well even in -15C during a winter trip to Russia. I find them a bit more elegant and stylish than other brands.
I own the Sorel boots, and they’re great for heavy snow and cold. I absolutely love them when I’m in Colorado. So they may be the only boot you’ll need in regions with hard winters, but I find them less useful living in DC. They come in super handy for the once-every-five-years snowpocalypse conditions of last winter, but they’re just too heavy for DC’s normal winter conditions. I always end up with sore ankles (and once, actual bruises) from carrying the weight of the boot when I wear them. (And I’m not super petite or anything like that.) I second the suggestion of Bean boots above. I’ve found that my Bean boots (the unlined ones!) are way more versatile for daily life and, with heavy boot socks, actually keep my toes pretty toasty even when the temps drop really low.
Fellow Washingtonian here–I agree with Jess! The Sorels are probably overkill for a typical DC winter. Bean boots are surprisingly light and should do the trick when paired with the right socks.
I just considered the heaviness a leg workout, but I take your point. You can take the girl out of MT…
I live in Maryland and REALLY REGRET my unlined beat boots. Waaaayy too cold even with big wool socks. Just throwing another perspective out there for anyone who’s debating what boots to buy!
I just moved to North Dakota this year. I’m loving Sorels. I’ve basically got my casual life covered. But how about something a bit dresser? I work in a pretty casual office, at a college. I feel like these are too casual, but changing seems to high maintenance. Any thoughts? And any other advice is welcome – the best coat? Something to wear to work other than Black. Leggings. Every. Day.?
Love the blog!
This may seem dramatic, but Sorels changed my winter life. I live in Minnesota and spent years having cold feet until I finally bit the bullet and bought a pair. Life-changing. I have the Toffino II (not the Joan of Arc) and I don’t think they are heavy. But they are warm and even relatively cute. I can’t recommend enough if you live in a cold climate.