Boots – they’re the staple of any winter wardrobe. They can make or break an outfit, making tights and a tunic look like a well thought out ensemble or a complete fashion fail. In addition to making a style statement on your behalf, the best boots are functional as well, keeping your feet toasty warm and dry no matter what kind of weather you’re enjoying. And while you’re not going to find a stylish and functional pair of boots at bargain basement prices, if you choose right, you will get a great pair of boots that will give you several winters worth of use.
Choosing the right pair of boots seems like a daunting task, but rest assured, I’v done the leg-work for you. Having tried and failed with several styles and brands over the years, I’ve had freezing toes at a football game, a heel break off at a work dinner and blisters from the wrong shoe selection while on vacation. Trust me when I say that a great pair of boots, while a necessary part of winter, can be one of the best parts of winter.
To start off my winter wear picks, I decided to choose a few styles from one of my favorite brands and one that has never left my feet freezing, uncomfortable or unattractive – Sorel. They’ve been around since 1962, so it’s no surprise that over the past five decades they’ve mastered the art of boot making. They originated in Canada where cold weather deems it necessary to wear warm protective boots nearly year round. And just as importantly, they work with some of the best designers in the business, making boots that are at home on any snow capped mountain while equally at home in any fashion mag.
Sorel Joan of Arctic Premium
To give you the broadest range of what Sorel has to offer I decided to choose three very distinct winter boots for three very different looks. The Joan of Arctic Premium is a classic style from Sorel, but every year they update it with new details and different colors and materials. Even with the changes, however, Sorel has never lost sight of what made it an iconic boot in the first place. Why the Sorel Joan of Arctic Premium? It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about puddles and melting snow. It’s really warm, thanks to a felt lining that keep your feet at a comfortable temperature without getting sweaty. And lastly, they look great, with the perfect blend of ruggedness and style.
Sorel Conquest Carly Short
The second pair of boots (and the ones that could become my favorite go to boots of the season) are the Conquest Carly Short Boots. In a couple of days, these boots will look very familiar to you, as their taller sibling is featured on Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games Catching Fire movie that’s about to hit theaters. Like the taller version, they’re lightweight, meaning when you’re trecking through the snow, you won’t be the slow one that’s stomping around like you have weights around your ankles. And thanks to the combination of a rubber sole, nylon and leather upper, your feet will also stay dry. What I really love about these boots though is their style. They’re a go to boot that pair well with just about anything, and personally, they’re one of my favorite boots to get dirty.
Sorel Winter Fancy
And the final Sorel boot recommendation is the Winter Fancy Tall Boot, a classic dress boot with the same great waterproof and insulating properties as Sorel’s more rugged winter boots. The Winter Fancy boot is perfect for nights out when you want something a little more sophisticated and dressed up but don’t want to sacrifice feeling in your toes or if you just prefer a sleeker city style. They have a great heel and buckle detail, but my favorite part of the Winter Fancy design is the front zip for quick and easy removal after a long day of trekking through cold weather and snow.
