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ISO Snow Boot Inspiration

K.M.

Veteran

Our winter has been colder (and started earlier) than usual, so I'm already hitting winter-clothing fatigue and it's not even officially winter yet. I could use some inspiration on how to change things up given the constraints, which are:
- Very cold temperatures (teens and 20s, sometimes single digits Fahrenheit)
- Snow several times a week
- Icy, slushy, very slippery sidewalks because folks here apparently don't believe in salting and sanding and plowing
- I walk three long blocks (icy, slippery, and extra cold as they are a wind tunnel) from parking lot to work everyday.
I have two snow boots. One is slightly dressier (BareTraps Sheree in black from a couple years ago). The other is very warm and sporty (Columbia Mix Omni Heat in gray). I don't have the budget to add anything too pricey at this point.
I'm looking for...
1. Ideas on how to style these two boots so they look less frumpy (I'm short so it's easy to look sloppy in them)
2. Further suggestions of good snow boots that would add some variety to my wardrobe without breaking the bank (while still being warm, non-slipping etc)
3. Alternatively, suggestions of good ways to wear these as "commuter shoes" i.e. outfits where they wouldn't look outlandish in my parking lot walk, and where I could easily swap in indoor shoes that wouldn't take too much room in my bag.
Maybe it's too much I'm hoping for--if only I could teletransport myself from home to work, then I could just wear my cute kitten-heeled pointy-toed Fall boots and booties all the time.

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Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Joy

Veteran

Double up on tights or stockings and wear knee high Smartwool socks if they fit with the boots. Look for the type that are not padded on the bottom unless you have lots of room in the boots. I think your boots look great for snowy walks to work

Inge

(website)

I think both pairs look great, K.M.!
Personaly I wouldn't worry too much at all about how they look with the rest of your outfit on those days that you use them solely as "commuter shoes". I would just style my outfit they way you like it with your indoor shoes, pop on the boots for your walk to work and back, and not give it a second thought. (You'll be wearing a warm Winter coat anyway, I imagine, so they won't look out of place.)

Hope2017

Member

Yes I love the black boots. You should try to match the boots with a bag from dipsticklondon.com as the bags are large and roomy for work. I would also layer up. Get the thick tights on under your trousers. Best to keep warm in this weather.

K.M.

Veteran

Joy, Inge, and Hope2017, thanks--I guess I've had these boots for so long I am taking them for granted instead of appreciating them as I once did! Inge, you are right--worrying about my commute-walk seems a little silly...

There are some days when I do have to walk from one building to another outside (I teach at a university, so... campus life). Not every day, but at least a couple of times a week. And then swapping in and out of commuter boots is not practical... On those days I'll make sure to double up on warm tights as suggested!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I agree with Joy, don't see any reason to take off the boots at work, especially if you're wearing the black ones. I'd go with one pair of fleece tights and one pair of regular, skipping the socks. Wear a body suit instead of a cami as your bottom layer. Sleeves on the bodysuit are optional, but a full back is not--everything between your shoulder blades up to your collar must be covered. Then a long-sleeved layer, a warm sweater, and coat. Wear natural fibers as much as possible, because they are warmer than most synthetics (even silk can be warm). And something on your legs. You could probably even do a long wool skirt that covers the tops of the boots.

Someone--I forget who--posted recently about a dress with boots. She looked willowy and fab, but because she's kind of short (5'4"), her first concern was that she looked swamped. No one thought she did. If you can find that post, it could be good inspiration, even though you'd want thicker fabric on your thighs with a jacket.Her look was very similar to what Angie describes here. https://youlookfab.com/2017/10.....-for-fall/ This post from earlier in the year might be helpful too. https://youlookfab.com/2017/01.....in-winter/

Play up textures in your accessories and heed all the standard outer-wear tips: cover your head! Long mittens (&/or gloves) that go over the veins in your wrists! Scarf around the neck twice and down over your chest! To walk in the snow or not-too-solid ice in heels, use them like spikes, walking on your heels and punching through the precip.

I had a pair of very chunky boots kind of like your other pair a few years ago (for our brief sojourn in Ohio). I wore them with a full suede skirt, cream-colored yarn tights, a creamy white mock turtleneck, and a warm, short jacket (+scarf, hat, gloves, of course). That would probably work for you with one more underlayer everywhere, and maybe a short cardi, if the skirt is in the right proportion. Otherwise, I'd go full Nanuk of the North with those boots a couple days a week, with long johns under jeans or cords tucked into the boots, and lots of bulk everywhere else. Enjoy overdoing it on those days, and enjoy being reminded that you have a figure that isn't just a ball of fluff on the other days.

Oh, and Hope2017 is either a creep or a bot made by a creep, has advertised that web site on numerous posts today.

ps--you teach at a university in Minn? Do you know Gareth and Christine?

K.M.

Veteran

fashiontern, wow, these tips are amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to give me such fabulous help You also solved a mystery. I always wondered how some women walked on snow on heels. My ankles are prone to twisting so I don't think I'll try that anytime soon, though it's good to know if I ever need to (actually I might need to as I'm going to a ballet in a cold, snowy city during Christmas and I would love to wear something that's not too chunky).
With the bodysuit though--isn't it hard to go to the bathroom?
I'll give your layering tips a try!
And yes, I did think it was weird that Hope2017 mentioned a bag and a website that have nothing to do with my original query... (I thought maybe it was about having a big back to stash indoor shoes in.... I'm naïve!)
I'll send you a PM re: Uni

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Good point—make sure the bodysuit has snaps there, so you don’t have to undress in that tiny stall! I hope what I wrote wasn’t overkill. I was remembering friends who moved from tropical latitudes to N Europe and were shocked, and I got away from your question.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First off, I seriously feel your pain. (Photos below for proof. I live in slushy, cold, unpredictable but often dismally grey eastern Ontario.)

Secondly, both of those are excellent boots for lousy weather.

Now:question 1: what do you usually like to wear to work? What is your preferred type of outfit?

Question 2: Are you living here permanently or semi-permanently?

Boot #1 is pretty easy to work with in terms of the style. You can go Equestrienne chic. Slim trousers tucked in, a great blazer, and a knit (for warmth) underneath, with suitable underlayers for the climate (e.g. maybe long underwear, maybe a silk cami--- your choice.) Add scarf, puffer, mitts, hat, and you are set for both commute and office. Angie has multiple posts illustrating this style because it is one of her favourite fallbacks and she looks great in it! (E.g. https://youlookfab.com/2016/11.....questrian/ but there are many more, using tall boots as well as booties.)

You can also wear these boots with a dress. Add some fleece tights and you are set.

Boot #2 is a gear boot -- a true snow boot for walking in snowy slushy weather. With a coat (the right coat) they will look appropriate and balanced. I would be inclined to change OUT of these in the office and to try to avoid wearing them on the days you move from building to building and need to wear boots throughout. Having said that, there are days when you just have to! But everyone else will, too. So ... in such situations, I would (if I could) tuck jeans (if you can wear jeans?) into the boots. Wear an oversized but attractive sweater. Layers beneath. Scarf to bring attention to your face. Everyone is looking the same in this situation and it is what it is.

Other ideas -- short boots and booties. This is a "tall boots" season but one pair of shorter boots will give you variety. OR...if you want to/ have a dressier style -- add a dressier pair of winter boots. I own two. (Plus one that is similar to yours).

In Finds -- the various boots and booties I wear in our inclement weather. Not all are winter boots with lining, some are. Not all are waterproof, some are. Some are dressier than others, obviously. Some (e.g. the Adirondack Uggs, the Merrell, the Blundstone) I consider pure gear and do not wear on professional situations.

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Aquatalia by Marvin K Genna Weatherproof Tall Boot

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La Canadienne Poppie

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La Canadienne Mazy

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UGG Australia Women's Adirondack Tall Leather Boot

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La Canadienne Caily

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Aquatalia 'Taylor' Weatherproof Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$475.00 $299.25

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Blundstone BL1301

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Merrell Women's Aurora 6 Ice Plus Waterproof Snow Boot

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Ecco Shape 35 Snake Print Ankle Boot

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K.M.

Veteran

Suz, thank you so much for your very helpful assessment of my boots (great ideas and advice) and for the other suggestions. I might try the Equestrienne Chic look tomorrow! Answering your questions:
1. My workplace is informal (yes, jeans are OK), but I like to have fun with outfits and to vary my silhouettes. A typical Fall week (my favorite time for dressing) could include a day when I wear a dress and tall boots, another day with a skirt and booties, another day with widelegs or bootcut jeans, another with skinny ponte pants... I love pointy-toe shoes, oxfords, booties, and a low heel...
2. I'm here for the long run--meaning it would make sense to invest in some good pieces (next up after boots: nice warm wool coat and/or another puffer...). I don't have a huge budget but I could plan and save
I love the look of the dressy boots you posted. A lower-shaft winter bootie is a great idea that I hadn't considered and would definitely help. I miss widelegs in winter. (But then soggy bottoms... what to do?...)
I live in a place that is very cold and usually not as snowy as Ontario, Western NY, etc., but this winter has already been snowy, slushy, icy, muddy, messy, and slippery!

Thanks again lovely to have some inspiration and sympathy!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If jeans are okay, it definitely makes it easier for those days when gear boots are really the only option. The way I see it, if you're there for the long haul, then boot buying is a marathon --- over time, if you buy quality, you'll amass a wardrobe of boots and coats, because it just plain makes sense. But because these tend to be the priciest items in the wardrobe, it really does take patience. I've been on YLF since 2010 (I think?) and building a wardrobe since then, and even now I feel like I could use another pair or two of boots and another coat or two! My winter is anywhere from 5 to 6 months, though, and -- on a positive note -- most coats and boots have serious wardrobe longevity, so while expensive, you will have them and feel stylish in them for years (assuming you don't wear them out.) The more pairs or items you have, the longer it will take to wear them out. This is why I've slowly but surely been adding to my quotient.

Also -- although it makes me crazy sometimes, I try to "listen" to the weather. If you like to vary your silhouettes, that will be a good thing and a bad thing. You'll enjoy changing things up when the weather cooperates, and feel annoyed if the weather holds in one pattern for too long. I get really bored in winter when I am restricted to tucking into my boots for weeks on end...and yes, wide legs are really tough to wear except in fall, really. Sob!!

A wintery boot with a slight heel can be really great with dresses; I wear the black block heeled semi-equestrienne style with dresses and wide leg crops/ culottes and they work great. They're narrow on the ankle so that gives structure, vs. the flat riding boot which has a different shape.

To give you an idea...my two tall La Canadienne boots are now five years old and still look basically new -- I don't wear the dressiest one often but am glad it is in my arsenal and I wear the other one (with the block heel) a ton.

Blundstones are 3 years old -- about done because I wear my footwear hard on the heels and they're not really candidates for resoling.

Adirondacks also 3 years old and still like new...

Short Aquatalias, Eccos, and Merrells are from last year. (Aquatalias got hit by very bad weather conditions and I will need to replace next year.)

Tall Aquatalias and short LaCanadiennes are new this year.

I spend a lot on my footwear -- but if you stagger your buying, adding one pair a year, say, or maybe two, you'll soon end up with a collection. Ditto for coats. Look for end of season sales, maybe..

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The snow boot experts have spoken.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don’t live in a terribly snow-heavy climate, but for me, Sorel, Aquitalia and Ugg make the best boots for combining style and snow-friendliness. These Finds are my snow day footwear, plus a pair of old Aquitalias I can’t locate online anymore — they are lined with a warm, soft fuzzy cushion and are almost too warm!

SOREL Addington Lace

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SOREL Cate the Great Wedge

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UGG Australia 'Finney' Moto Boot (Women)

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I am in world of snow. I love me some Aquatalia and La Canadienne. Was thinking of adding this pair of Sorels for the season. I wish we could have navy boots instead of black sometimes, though.

SOREL Emelie Lace Boots

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh...how I'd love navy boots, too!!

Runcarla

Veteran

K.M. I feel your pain, and Suz's too. I lived in a place called 'the near north' on the 48.5th parallel for 25 years. Below is a picture of my boots, and a picture of me in my backyard 4 years ago. My boot collection looks much like yours.

Now I live in Ontario's banana belt, tucked into a curve of Lake Ontario. The really bad weather skips my town, and dumps on Suz's town about 150km down the road! I still own those same boots, but hardly wear the Sorel's anymore.

I Just can't get on board with high boot love, because once you are in them, you are in them for the long haul. Today I wore the Franco Sarto's for the first time this F/W. I do tights, skirt, and high boots or leggings/slim pants and high boots and depend on the coat to keep me warm. I also have ankle boots. Most of winter I wear low ankle booties with a grippy rubber sole and enough room for wool or alpaca socks.

On the weekends I sometimes wear a pair of red leather high-top Converse sneakers that are a half size too big. With added inner soles and heavy wool socks, they are fine once the snow has been shovelled or plowed. The low heel and grippy rubber bottom provide firm footing and the leather keeps out wind and wet. The wool socks keep my feet warm and the red colour makes me happy!

I betcha Lisap would,have something to say about boots too!

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Mainelady

Veteran

I understand the need for warm, water and weather proof boots. I live in Maine and we get everything from slush, ice to deep snow. Superb treads are essential for me. Pictured are my go to favorites: Back left clockwise- Technica, Sorel, LL Bean and Uggs. The Bean boots and Uggs are great for weekend errands and times when I am not going to be in deep snow. I adore the Technica and Sorels. They do the job and wear incredibly well.

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K.M.

Veteran

Suz, you are completely right on the long-term outlook. I never
shopped this way before, partly because I never had the budget even with long-term saving and planning. My warmest winter items (the Columbia boots and a Land's End puffer) were bought with promotions and are definitely on the affordable end. But after reading your message I see it differently and even though I won't be able to do it right away, I
will start planning ahead for big-ticket items. I first heard of La
Canadienne in this forum when I joined about three years ago but never
looked at them seriously because I thought they were just out of reach.
(Are they cheaper in Canada? My husband is Canadian and I do visit twice a year... Do they have some secret outlet?...) They are all gorgeous though, as are those Aquatalias and Sorels. It would be just lovely to be more sartorially excited by my winter boots...

Also, thanks for the Equestrian Chic suggestion, you saved me this past Tuesday! I realized part of the reason I felt frumpy in both boots is that when I tuck in my pants, the pants fold and bag a little. Even my skinny pants do this (denim and cord); I guess they are not skintight. So following your suggestion and Angie's post I wore my very skintight ponte pants that are more like leggins with pockets with my black boots, and wow!, what a difference! I felt really elegant I wore a rust sweater-blazer in a thick crochet-type knit from Boden from a few years ago. Thank you for the inspiration!

Janet, the boots you shared are beautiful, but how do you manage with the heels and wedges? I do see people walking on those on ice and snow, but I'm so afraid to twist my ankles or slip!

UmmLila, those Sorels are gorgeous. If you do get them I'd love to see some outfits... And yes, I'm with you and Suz on the navy!

Runcarla, your boots look somehow dressier than mine, even the pair on the left. Perhaps it's the dark color, or the materials... this makes me think my next wintry-functional boot should be dark.

Mainelady, that's a gorgeous boot collection! Do the low-vamped ones work? And also, are the duck boots warm? I did spot a pair of Sperry Saltwater boots in ivory and was tempted but the reviews seemed mixed on whether they are warm enough. I'm in Minnesota, so it's cold, cold, cold. Also my toes freeze up easily (more quickly than most people's).

And Angie, yes, most definitely the winter boots experts have spoken and enlightened me!

Thanks everyone and sorry for the couple of days of delay in replying. My life gets crazy in fits and spurts...

Sperry Saltwater Novelty

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Diana

Veteran

I'm late to this thread, but here's my 2 cents. To me, there are two types of "snow" boots, the kind for actually going out in a snowstorm or deep snow in, and the kind for walking around on icy sidewalks after the storm is over. I treat the first kind as just regular shoes (albeit warm, waterproof, non slippery ones) by which I mean they go with my outfit and I wear them all day. In this category I have several pairs of tall and mid calf boots like my black riding boots and my docs.

The other type are more like gear and I often switch them out at work, in which case I just need them to look decent with my outerwear. I think the heavy duty snow boots can look very cute in casual outfits but I often find them too warm, bulky, or heavy to wear comfortably all day. I keep some oxfords that go with everything under my desk at work because I also hate lugging shoes around every day - can you do something similar? In this category I have my shearling lined sorels (which are a tall mid calf height) and my shearling lined bean boots. I prefer the sorels (although I need to replace them) because I think the taller shaft is better in case I step in a deep snow bank.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, it makes a huge difference to have nice smooth jeans/ leggings vs. ones that bag out -- I feel exactly the same way. Even skinnies will sometimes bag around the knees. I'm ordinarily not much of a leggings' wearer but I do keep a couple of very snug pants with stretch for exactly this reason. I have a black side zip pair, sort of like ponte, and a pair of dark plaid jeans. The only time I wear them is to tuck into boots.

Sadly, La Canadienne boots are not cheaper in Canada. But if you're in the US and don't mind trying a style from a previous season, you can probably get deals on them at 6 pm. (6 pm doesn't sell to Canada, so I can't avail myself of those bargains.)

The sticker shock when I bought my first pair almost made me faint. But after wearing them and seeing how durable and well made they really are, I've become a convert. It helps that they happen to make a last that fits me very well.

I fully expect to have my dressiest La Canadienne boots for 10 years. The style is classic and won't date. The black block heeled pair won't last quite that long -- probably 7 years or so -- but that is simply because they get a lot more wear in rough weather, and will finally be looking tired by that point. I think 7 years is pretty good. When you average the CPW over that time, it's not a "deal" maybe, but it's not too bad. It's just that you have to be confident enough of the fit and your style preferences to shell out like that, and you have to be making enough in the first place to be able to allocate the money up front. If you have other wardrobe priorities, that may not be possible. The way I did it when I was struggling financially was to alternate -- winter boot year/ coat year. Even then I could build up a small capsule of two or three working coats/ two working boots.

I like Aquatalias, too. The shape of the last is not quite as excellent for but it's still a good and comfortable boot -- and those you can get on sale at NAS -- stalk that sale for winter boots!!!! They almost always have at least one of their styles on major sale then, pre-season. I've bought 3 pairs of boots this way. Last year they had some fantastic Blondo boots at the sale, too.

Another brand for true snow that people like is Pajar but you rarely see them on deep sale.

I tried Santana and Sorel and a few others but they don't fit my foot well.It's all trial and error.

Good luck planning and shopping!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

“are the duck boots warm?”
A Swedish friend of mine claims they are. He has lived in several countries, including the US, and is back in Uppsala now. He recently posted that he was excited about an upcoming US trip because he could get a new pair of the best duck shoes in the world.

These prices aren’t cheap, but they might help. Also, set up notifications on Lyst to tell you when they’re on sale. https://www.shopstyle.com/brow.....nne+outlet

K.M.

Veteran

fashiontern, thanks! That's good to know. If they are warm enough for Sweden, they should be warm enough for here! In the past I used to have poison eye for them as I thought they just looked clunky and industrial, but then they grew on me--they are very popular around here--and now I find them so stylish. Go figure.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I don’t like wearing duck shoes for just that reason—and I say I’m not vain, lol. Also, see the link I posted in above

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I was unsure about those heels/wedges on the Sorels in snow myself, but they LOOK more significant than they feel. Both of those boots have a bit of a platform sole, so the toe is elevated along with the heel. I have comfortably worn those for full days.

Would they be my choice for walking in several inches of unplowed snow? Probably not. But that's not what we really do around here. I have a really ugly pair of boots that pull on and come up higher on my leg for times like that -- they pretty much only get used for tromping around the neighborhood and running the snowblower when we get large snowfalls, once every few years. Come to think of it, that's also the time when my waterproof polar tech pants come out too. So yes, like Diana, I definitely have "fashion snow boots" and "gear snow boots."

Diana

Veteran

I don’t find the regular bean duck boots quite warm enough for snow but I have a pair of the shearling lined ones that are very warm. Plus bean sells shearling insoles you can put in boots (but warning they are bulky so you need to have extra room in the shoe to start with.)

K.M.

Veteran

fashiontern, thanks for the link. Oh mine, those La Canadienne boots are just sooo gorgeous. Are they all equally made for snow and cold? Some look more reinforced than others. The ankle wedge booties with a bit of shearling in particular look so cute. I didn't know about notifications of sale! Will definitely set that up!

Janet, interesting to know about the wedges/heels. Maybe I should give those a try (at least trying a pair on in a store). And like you, Diana, and everyone else, I should probably embrace the fact that some snow boots will be more functional and others more fashionable, and one pair just can't do it all...

But you all have done the impossible: you got me excited both about snow boots and about snow dressing!

Mainelady

Veteran

K.M. Yes the low vamped ones work, unless of course there is snow or slush of more than a couple of inches. They have a shearling lining. The LLBean boots are warm. Mine are insulated. They also sell them with a plush lining. I always wear SmartWool socks with my boots. It gets really cold here, too and if my feet are cold it is hard to enjoy the outdoors!
The Sperrys you found are beautiful, but I think the Saltwater are more for wet weather than for snow, but I am not sure. Waterproof is great, but it doesn’t always translate to being warm.

K.M.

Veteran

Diana and Mainelady, from your answers I understand that some duck boots are warm as long as they are lined, but these ivory ones might not be... good to know! Shearling lining sounds wonderful! Mainelady, I have one pair of SmartWool socks, but when I wear them all day including in the office my feet get sweaty. Not sure if it's the particular type I chose...

Anonymous

Totally late to this , but just noticed my name mentioned I didn’t comment earlier because I’m an outlier or a bad Canadian , one of the two ....

I've never made it a priority to have major winter boots with all sorts of waterproofing etc . And I live in the Prairies where we are snow-bound and cold! I have the usual /ubiquitous black high Sorels for shovelling , and then I wear regular unlined leather boots for my everyday outings . I have a couple of pair of Chelsea boots, and a great pair of fake Blundstones for grocery shopping/errand running days etc. I don’t take public transport (commute by car ) and am not standing outside long enough for my feet to get cold . If it’s crappy and wet out , I wear a pair of patent leather booties from Fly . I did have a pair of La Canadienne’s about 10 years ago and they were awesome . Had to get rid of them because they dated faster than they wore out . And thinking about this, none of my friends wear anything special in winter either - just regular leather boots.

K.M.

Veteran

lisa p, you made me smile. I have a Canadian friend from Montreal and I always thought she would have the best advice on winter boots. But she refused to wear them. She had some bulky leather boots she wore out in snow and ice, and because they were old she didn't mind if they got dinged. Then she always changed into indoor shoes no matter where she went. And... she didn't drive, so she walked and took public transportation everywhere! So maybe not having snow gear for your feet is also a hallmark of some born-and-bred Canadians at least...

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