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The Four Kinds of Winter Shoes That Belong in Every Closet
For work or weekends, these shoes will keep your feet happy in the cold
Colder weather calls for a collection of winter shoes that are functional yet also elegant enough to keep you from slipping, freezing, or, worst of all, simply abandoning your personal style in the name of comfort. Luckily enough, this season there are a number of on-trend footwear options that happen to check the comfort boxes too.
A quintessential snow boot is a key part of one’s winter wardrobe, and some labels are redefining what a pair can look and feel like. Proenza Schouler, known for its tailored designs, is inspired by the modern metropolitan woman. You might not think that includes a pair of snow boots, but when the brand debuted a stylish set in collaboration with Sorel on the runway, they became the ultimate shoe to buy this season.
For work, a sleek and modern leather boot or suede silhouette that you can style with both wool skirts and tailored trousers is key. It will be the ultimate workhorse shoe in your closet. For casual weekend mornings, a pair of furry, shearling-lined slippers will go a long way. They remain in the conversation going into 2025, with comfy mules and slip-on clogs from labels ranging from Prada to Tory Burch offering a luxurious touch. And to round out your winter shoe shopping, another essential for the office and beyond is a lug-sole loafer, which offers a timeless silhouette with winter-friendly traction on the ground. Opt for a classic take from Tod’s, or you can try for a trendier take from Ami Paris.
Ahead, discover the four best winter shoe styles every woman should have in her closet. They will transform your footwear game for the better this season.
The Work Boot
Office style on point. A pair of comfortable yet chic boots is essential for making it through your commute and into the office. Keep an eye out for no-slip rubber soles and an on-trend pointed toe for a modern take.
A Chelsea boot designed with a touch of edge, these buffed brown boots have a functional heel with a rubber bottom to help keep you from slipping on slippery sidewalks. Style these with a pair of dark jeans and a button-down for an office-friendly but casual look.
Sizes: 36–41
Materials: leather
Vince Sol High-Shaft Leather Boots
A tall black boot is the perfect pick if you’re one to wear skirts and dresses year-round. Try styling these high-shaft boots with black tights for a streamlined, sleek look. As an added bonus, these boots have a zipper closure, which makes them easy to pull on and off.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: leather
Toteme Suede Kitten-Heel Boots
Toteme’s elegant take on the classic black boot includes modern details like a sharp kitten heel and a pointed toe. Made in Italy, these suede boots add an elegant touch to dressy and casual office looks alike.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: suede
Good news for the indecisive: J.Crew’s elegant take on tall, knee-high boots comes in a handful of tones in both leather and suede, meaning you can pick up multiples to serve all of your office-dressing needs. The pull-on fit won’t hug your calf uncomfortably, while the heel is short enough to keep you comfortable when you’re on your feet all day.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: leather, suede
The Winter Boot
Don’t write off snow boots as something you only reluctantly pull out and wear in the worst weather conditions. Luxury labels are offering up modern takes on winter boots that redefine what a durable, winter shoe can look like.
This bold shoe collaboration manages to toe the line between practical and chic. The bold, lifted style will not only keep you above the slush and snow, it will add a dramatic touch to a winter look. It’s available in classic black as well as a bold yellow colorway that is a standout option for gloomy days.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: leather, rubber
A fashionable take on a snow boot, this silhouette from Moncler features water-repellent suede to ensure that your shoes don’t get ruined from the elements and also that your feet stay dry. While the goal is a functional footwear option for winter, it’s an added bonus that these boots are ultra stylish.
Sizes: 5.5–11
Materials: water-resistant suede, nylon
Ugg Adirondack III Waterproof Bootie
If you’ve been a longtime fan of the classic Ugg boot, try upgrading to an all-weather style from the timeless brand. These waterproof boots are temperature-rated to -32 degrees, so you know you’ll be able to keep your toes warm, even during the most chilly days.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: leather, faux fur
For the winter adventurer, this water-resistant boot style is great for chilly hikes or days when you’ll be logging a few miles in inclement weather. A mesh lining will help your feet breathe as they start to get toasty.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: suede, leather
The Lug-Sole Loafer
A loafer has become a year-round wardrobe staple, thanks to its sleek, elegant look. For a winter-friendly iteration, a lug sole will keep your feet off of the chilly pavement and out of any puddles you might come across.
A lug sole can still work for those with a bit more of a minimalist style. These sleek loafers from Tod’s have a classic, streamlined look with a sole that doesn’t command too much attention. Try styling them with tailored pants.
Sizes: 36–42
Materials: leather
This is a dressed-up shoe you can walk miles in. Everlane’s take on the loafer puts comfort at the forefront of design. The brand also uses leather sourced from a tannery rated Gold or Silver by the Leather Working Group (LWG). Those are the highest ratings a tannery can receive for demonstrating best practices in environmental compliance.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: leather
A Mary Jane is a fun twist on the classic loafer silhouette, and the Weejun is a timeless choice. A lifted lug sole is perfect for keeping both your feet and the leather upper dry.
Sizes: 5–11
Material: leather
Add a little drama to your winter look with a classic loafer with one bold addition: eye-catching gold hardware. The vegetable-tanned polished leather outside adds a luxe gleam to it.
Sizes: 36–41
Materials: leather
The Durable Shearling Slipper
Soft shearling slippers are a winter must-have. They’re easy to slip into while remaining durable enough to run errands in, keeping your style low-key and casual. Shop our favorite iterations—options that offer both comfort and a fashion-forward point of view.
These slippers offer a luxury take on modern everyday comfort. The slide-on silhouette is comfy to wear all day, while the thick rubber sole is sturdy enough for wearing outside to walk the dog, run a quick errand, and more.
Sizes: 34.5–41.5
Materials: shearling
The comfort of a slipper with the durability of a mule. This studded clog is a chic style that will keep your feet warm, thanks to an ultra-soft shearling interior. Style these clogs with casual weekend pieces like jeans and a long coat for a polished yet cozy look.
Sizes: 4-12
Materials: Shearling
There’s a reason Birkenstock’s Boston silhouette has remained a top seller for years. It’s supportive, comfortable, and casually cool. This winter-friendly take, made with sheep shearling, will keep your feet extra happy on chilly days.
Sizes: 36–41
Materials: cowhide suede, shearling
Tory Burch reimagines the simple shearling mule with a bold logo-buckle detail. A shearling sole will make it feel as if you’re walking on clouds.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: sheep shearling