Winter is coming.
Ahem, actually, it’s here. And when it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry well, admit it, often function trumps fashion. The angel on your right shoulder says wear the boots that would satisfy a hearty Arctic explorer. You know those chunky, clunky jobs—good, big, warm, water resistant (at least), and well, not necessarily uber-chic. But the devil on your other shoulder says keep it sexy, sleek, and fashionable, weather be damned.
So we compiled a bit of both: wooly and warm (and rather cute too) along with some of the wild ones for stepping out—not into snow banks, mind you—but more for feet that go directly from car to party. In a few rarified cases, some actually straddle the winter and fashion worlds.
But before you slip into either, think about keeping your tootsies toasty inside your boots. That means no cotton socks. They get wet when feet sweat, and stay wet, leaving you cold and miserable. Beth Henkes, a sales associate from the outdoorsy REI in Washington, who herself is an avid hiker and runner, recommends wool. “Since wool is a hollow fiber, it takes away your heat vapor when you overheat but retains your heat when you need it, so wool is a natural temperature retainer,” she said.
The store sells these in a variety of thicknesses, and since boots should fit somewhat snugly, consider the thinner cushion weights. Whether you’re slogging through slush or simply taking a walk on the wild side, there’s something for everyone.
