(Snow)suited & booted
Girl, it snowed this morning. Time to step into some winter footwear that’ll keep you fly and dry.
The weather service issued its warning a couple of weeks ago. Apparently, this winter will be awful. They're talking historically awful. And I don't know about you, but I'm not mentally prepared.
If you know me well, you know I have a bad thumb (nerve damage from getting it stuck in doors multiple times… not my finest hours). And when it's about to get very cold, my thumb starts to ache. To quote Belcalis - shit is getting real.
With all the slush and sleet we're bound to encounter in the next few months, I thought it was an excellent time to highlight a few pairs of boots that will simplify getting dressed (and staying warm) this winter. Winter dressing, for me, usually starts bottom up because the weather dictates how I'll navigate walking, taking the subway, etc. I refuse to suffer through a cold ankle or a slip and fall (that I can't sue over) for a cute fit.
Those days are behind me… for now. With the following shoes, we can all navigate winter shitstorms in relative style and without bruising our tailbones.
Paraboot Avoriaz
Just the perfect example of a hiker boots - literally. Based directly on a design from the 30s meant for trekking through the French Alps, these boots really do the work and would make Kim proud. Pair them with a hoodie, cargos, and a fleece, or dress them up for a winter's night out with grey flannel trousers and a cream knit. I know these are steep as hell on the price tag (the price went up over the last year, like many luxury and luxury-adjacent brands), but you can find them on sale (like I did) or browse eBay and Grailed for some deals.
Morjas Alpine Boots
I don't own these (they're a new release this year), but I've loved my Morjas tassel loafers and suede espadrilles. I love the front zip on these, and the shearling inside guarantees insane warmth. Morajs doesn't play around with the quality of their leathers or rubber soles, so I feel confident that these will strike the perfect balance between elegance and utility.
Diemme Anatra
Trying to track down the all-black L.L. Bean boots is a fool's errand! Believe me, I've tried again and again with no luck. That's why I'm so glad this boot came into my life. It's a little wider in the toe box, and I think the base of the sole is far more sturdy without the bean boots' cap-like heel. The suede on the boot shaft is water-resistant, and the tongue is attached, so staying dry is a given. Some models come with sheepskin lining, but I find my normal ones very warm, even with cotton socks. Grab a pair in one of the many colors available. You can find them in a lot of places, but the lowest prices by far are at YOOX. Check the Diemme brand tag in women's and men’s for the full range.
Side note: there is a Chelsea boot version of these. I think they're an eyesore. This shape needs a lace for visual harmony. Please trust me on this!
RM Williams Gardner
If you're committed to a laceless life, please look at the chic, Australian cousin to the omnipresent Blundstone. RM Williams has been around for almost a century, but I noticed their presence as a brand started to rise in the U.S. around the same time Aussies started opening cafes in the West Village with their avo toast brekkies and flat whites. Not a coincidence, I'm sure! As you can tell, the Gardner has a far slimmer, less rugged profile and sole than Blundstones, but I think it makes them a bit more flexible for day and night. The Gardner model is made from a waxy leather that kicks ass in slippery rainy conditions. They are unlined, but pair them with a wool sock, and you'll be solid. These got me through multiple cold, wet days traversing the Irish countryside. It's also pricey, but a quick Google shopping search will show a bunch of outlets with lower prices.
Solovair Dealer Boots
I've become a total convert to Solovair. Baby, ditch the Dr Martens cult (and the rising prices) and hop across the damn pond! Many of the core Dr. Martens models are found in Solovair's core collection, but in much better proportions (I find them to be slightly less wide, which makes for a slimmer profile and a better fit, and this is coming from someone with a foot that leans wide). Redditors in rainy places seem to adore these boots: the sturdy sole, the way the leather ages, and the lack of break-in time. I wouldn't just submerge your whole shoe in foot-deep puddles, but you can certainly take these out for a little "Singing in the Rain" routine and return dry.
Our Legacy Camion Boot
You know all about this boot if you're a fashion girlie (and yes, girlie is a non-gendered term in this house; get on the train or get lost). But many of you reading are decidedly not fashion girlies, so lemme tell you why everyone loves these. That square toe may look aggro, but it provides such a versatile end cap for so many pant shapes. It gives you a cleaned-up skater vibe with a wider pant. You can look like the perfect 90s leading man when you pair them with straight-leg jeans and a leather jacket. They instantly add a hit of casual cool to anything: retro without feeling dated, modern without feeling like a fleeting moment.
It might be weird to see this on a winter shoe list, but I think you need a dress boot for the winter. Something non-slip, comfortable, and not precious about rain if you get caught in some shit on the way back from work or the bar. With their thick rubberized sole, these are IT babes, especially in coated finishes like waxed or patent leather. Invest in these. I promise you won't regret it.
P.S. Don't hesitate to shoot me a note if you have a question about sizing on some of these.
P.P.S. These aren't on the list because they're not readily available, but I love my Jil Sander Pointed Toe Boots. I found a few pairs here and here for under-retail (I got them from a small store's clearance sale last winter for about 80% off). They are GORGEOUS and have a thick, sturdy rubber sole. The leather is coated/treated, so water tends to bead up if you get caught outside. Snag 'em.