A Winter Shoe Guide: What to Wear When It’s Cold, and What to Avoid When It’s Really Snowy

In cold weather, we not only want to wear warm clothes, but we also desire to wrap ourselves in a warm blanket and not go anywhere at all. Of course, we still have to go to the store, attend meetings, and have a social life.

However, women want to look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time. And the most important thing in winter is to keep your feet nice and warm. This is why we decided to look at several types of shoes that are good for cold weather.

Ugg boots

Originally, Ugg boots were designed for surfers to warm their feet on the beach or indoors. For example, Australians, where surfing is very popular, wear them like slippers.

Today, many manufacturers make Ugg boots. But street salt can be seen on them, and the feet might get wet. It’s not a good idea to wear them when it’s snowy. Instead, you can buy Ugg-like boots, which are waterproof and made of suede to keep you warm.

Timberland-style boots

Such shoes are made from waterproof materials, and they are warm.

Initially, these boots were considered only appropriate for men, especially for those working in factories or in construction. But today, they are also for women, and there are many ways to wear them, like with light dresses or with skinny jeans in fall and winter. Such boots look great with leggings and winter coats.

Ankle boots

There are many varieties of ankle boots: classic, stilettos, block heel, and more. The most popular ones today are cowboy-style and Chelsea. And they are probably best worn with dresses, jeans, and skirts.

They look best with jeans, and experts recommend cuffing straight-leg jeans once or twice to show off more boot, or leaving the hems as they are.

In order for such boots to look good with dresses, you need to take several things into account, like the dress style and the ankle boot type, as these are defining factors. Tight, sleek ankle boots will work with any midi dress. A heel will help elongate your look. Avoid midi dresses that end at the largest part of the calf with ankle boots, as they can make your legs look short.

Below-the-knee boots

Below-the-knee boots became popular back in 2019. They can be worn from fall to spring and styled for any occasion.

Leggings are a great option if you’re not sure what to wear with these boots. They can be combined with different styles of such boots and used both for the office and an evening out. If you want to experiment a little, you can choose below-the-knee boots with shorts and a long coat.

When it’s cold, it’s great to wear these boots with a flowy maxi dress or a longer sweater dress. You’re good to go with a cute jacket or coat and an added scarf!

It’s important to make sure a long or 3-quarter-length dress is ample enough to house the boots. Otherwise, these will add unsightly bulk under your dresses. Tighter knee boots are a great workaround.

Over-the-knee boots

They are very attractive and so universal that your options are unlimited. No matter whether you choose leather or suede, flat heels or massive ones, such shoes are a must-have.

For more contrast, you can wear light boots with dark clothes. Or you can take a black mini dress and combine it with a black midi coat. To spice things up, put on tights with a pattern.

Sock boots

The top part, imitating a sock, works like a second skin for the calves, making these shoes great for long-distance walks. Make sure the clothes you’re wearing only reach the middle of the calf to keep the shoes visible.

Black sock boots are a good choice for anyone who wants a slim silhouette. Combine them with 7/8 wool pants or slim or straight-cut jeans, try to find a cut that ends above your ankle. Depending on the weather, you can create a lot of variants. In winter, you can style your sock boots with a leather jacket and a flower-print dress for a rock chic look, or opt for a long coat or trench coat for a more classic outfit.

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots are classic winter shoes, varying in designs and styles. They can be made from suede, calf leather, or even sheepskin. They are meant to be worn over wool socks.

The boots with a low heel and a rounded tip are more comfortable and practical for snow and ice. Make sure the pair is actually warm. You can combine them with practically anything, like narrow jeans and leggings or a coat for a classic look — or even a dress or a skirt for a more feminine style.

Snow boots

Snow boots are winter-ready boots that are great for walking in the snow, they are waterproof and warm. Some styles even have a temperature rating to tell you how cold you can go in the boots. Snow boots have great outsole traction to prevent slipping on ice and snow. Some even have sole grips and spikes to help you walk in extreme conditions.

Most city styles are ankle length, but many come to heights a few inches under the knees. You can easily combine them with skinny jeans and add a coat or a sweater. Another option is leggings. If you have loose jeans, don’t tuck them in. Put your jeans and your boots on, then roll your jeans up once, so they sit on top of your boots. Remember, a large cuff can make you look shorter.

What’s your favorite type of winter shoe?