Winter has arrived! At least in Chicago it has. We saw temps in the low 30’s this week and it snowed, yes real snow! It caught me off guard, like it does every year. I hadn’t switched out my shoes to my winter boots, so I was caught with my ankles out and snow on the ground. After that I took the time to get out my warm winter boots and prepare for winter.
Being a lifelong Chicago gal I am ready for winter with my warmest gear and most stylish gear. While warmth is my top priority I also focus on style, functionality and comfort. My warm winter boots need to work for my lifestyle. And that includes walking everywhere in the cold and snow. My feet need to be comfy and warm all winter long.
I’ve tried every boot out there and these two boots are on the top of my list for the warm winter boots (that are also comfortable and stylish:))
Warm Winter Boots
Sperry Duck Boots
My Sperry Duck Boots have such a special place in my heart. Years ago I bought my first pair as my rain boot and quickly figured out that they provide enough warmth for a cold winter day. When it rains in Chicago it can be warm and these boots are actually too warm to wear. I opted for a traditional chelsea rain boot instead.
I moved my Sperry boots over to my winter boots and they have been working like a charm ever since. These boots are built to stand harsh winters and last for a couple winters. In the last 5 years I’ve had 3 pairs of these and just broke out a new pair!
The bottom portion of the boot is made of rubber and has no seams. Which means there are no seams for water to seep in. The only way moisture is getting inside the boot is if there is a hole in the bottom of it, which is highly unlikely to happen. The inner sole of the shoe has a memory foam insert, which provides extra comfort and feels like you are walking on a cloud.
I also enjoy that Sperry has a ton of color combinations for their duck boots. From all black to patterned, they have something for everyone. Now sizing can be tricky because they only offer full sizes, no half sizes. I personally wear an 8 and do in all my other shoes. However most reviews suggest you size up when you are a half size. The pair I own are all black, I know I’m super boring. However, look at all the other options that they offer!
Nordic Boots
A couple winters ago I wanted a stylish “hiking boot” and found this pair of Nordic Boots on sale. I bought them based on the reviews and wow the power of the internet is real. The reviews were spot on and two years later they keep bringing these boots back.
They are truly the warmest boot I’ve put on my foot for winter. With a faux shearling lining they keep my feet super warm and dry. The upper part of the shoe is made of nubuck and I was honestly hesitant to get them wet. However I sprayed them with a suede protectant and they hold up beautiful in the snow.
My favorite feature of these shoes are the shoelaces.
They come with a black pair and a red pair. I switch out the laces halfway through winter to give the shoes a fresh new look. I also love that you can wear the shaft cuffed down to show off the shearling. Or uncuffed to provide a little extra warmth. However my favorite way to style them is with thick wool socks scrunched up hanging out above the boot. It creates a warm winter look that I truly enjoy.
The other key feature that is very important is the shaft height. I personally have a hard time with taller boots. If I’m not able to move my ankle freely the boots just don’t work for me. These don’t constrict my ankle mobility and do not cut into the back of my leg.
In terms of sizing these only come in true size, no half sizes. I am a true 8 and they fit nicely, even with a thick wool sock. If you are a half size I would size up for sure and if they are slightly big wear a thicker sock and you will be all set. These boots are at a higher price point, but are often part of sales. So add them to your cart and wait for a sale to pick them up.
Bad Boot Choices
This post isn’t all about the great boots out there, bad ones are featured here too. Over the years I have tried several winter boots that don’t work. I want to share those with you too to give you a full picture of what I have tried.
Uggs
I want to love Uggs now and did love them in my younger years. However they are not functional for my lifestyle. They are made of a very fragile suede material and even with a suede protector they do not hold up to the wet winter. They easily spot and get salt stains that do not come out. While they are warm, they are not functional or cost effective for me.
Sorels
Another pair of boots I wanted to love, but ended up hating. Sorels have very stiff shafts that run high. They limit my mobility to walk quickly and dig into the back of my ankles. While they are super warm, the comfort isn’t there at all.
Looking for more winter fashion? Check out my favorite sweaters for colder temps here.
Comments
Comments are closed