Facing winter elements like rain, sleet, and snow make having a warm, waterproof, and comfortable set of boots a must. Finding stylish galoshes, however, can be tricky. But as designers look to incorporate premium materials like suede, leather, fleece, and fur into their constructions, your feet and fashion-sense will be thanking you by the end of a snowy day.
Even though ankle boots are still in style, a taller (calf or knee length), more complex boot is preferable in order to endure severe weather conditions and high snowdrifts. Boots designed for walking through the elements usually contain leather, rubber, or similar waterproof materials and can be insulated for warmth. While boots first became popular in the fashion industry in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to the likes of Nancy Sinatra, today’s frigid footwear have become a staple in fall-winter fashion lines.
To stomp with style Ugg boots are sure to guarantee comfort and functionality. Ugg boots originated in Australia in the 1920s and became popular in the 1960s when surfers often wore them to warm their feet after exiting the surf. Since migrating to the U.S. in the 1970s, Uggs have become common winter footwear. While sheepskin covers the boot and naturally whisks away moisture, rubber composes the sole to provide additional waterproofing. Fleece generates warmth from within while the foam insole provides effortless coziness. Ugg Australia offers a wide variety of laced up or buttoned boots, yet the Classic Tall Boot – the company’s most popular design – can be worn tall or cuffed. The Classic Tall Boot costs $180 at uggaustralia.com.
If the style from the land down under doesn’t suit your fancy, take a look north. Mukluks, traditional Inuit footwear crafted to fight the Arctic cold, are gaining popularity as a distinctive cold-weather boots. The Mukluk Store, founded by Jaimie Cooke in 2003, carries Mukluk boots inspired by her native Canadian heritage and the seventies bohemian rock era. Soft suede and rabbit fur make up the boots’ exterior while breathable wool coats the interior. Transformed from tradition into high fashion, the present versions feature crisscrossed studded straps, pom-pom drawstring closures, and diamond-shaped beading. You’ll walk a little taller in the new wedge Mukluks, while decorative studs blended artfully with the fur give these shoes a runway appeal. The line’s rich color palette—a blending of mocha, tan, deep blue, and chic black—bring warmth into any ensemble.
If style is your primary focus, slip on Tory Burch’s winter boots for size. Known for her preppy-boho tunics and flats, fashion designer Tory Burch offers boots that fall in line with her unique style. The items are often reminiscent of the preppy-chic silhouette of the Ugg boots, like her Shearling Buckle Boot ($250, toryburch.com), with the beadwork detail of the Mukluks as seen on her Embellished Tall Shearling Boot ($325). Burch’s rabbit fur boots also reflect the classic Muk, yet she adds leather buckles and thick rubber soles for secure foot and calf support.
The search for the perfect winter boot can be stormy, but today there are many fashionable options. While padded insoles make your step more comfortable than usual, the additional touches, like beads, straps, and studs help incorporate a little festivity in your stride. Be it a boot for light or harsh winters, the assortment and variety of current designer boots will certainly let you walk in a winter wonderland.
