Winter Boots: Function Vs. Fashion

Written by Kayla Van Dyken

Living in cold climates, you have to be prepared for winter. Wind chills, precipitation, and extreme temperatures make cold weather essentials mandatory. From wool scarves to heated jackets, people bundle up to stay warm, putting style aside for practicality. 

As a native midwesterner, I have especially noticed this trend in winter boots. They are often clunky, chunky, and ugly, but at least they keep your feet warm, right? Waterproofing and insulation are necessary to survive harsh winters; however, it is hard to find boots that include these aspects while also enhancing an outfit.

Boots all seem to look alike. They sit at an awkward height, are laced up the front, and often have some sort of fur along the top. While none of these things are bad, this has become the stereotypical winter boot that does not match every outfit and style. This archetype may be useful against the winter conditions, but it should not subtract from one’s personal style.

Many brands, like UGG, have tried creating cute and stylish winter boots, but in order to complete that task, they often leave out waterproofing or other key aspects, making the popular footwear completely impractical. Both ends of the practicality versus style debate do not make the cut, so where can we find the common ground? After doing a little research, I found a few brands that mesh function and fashion. 

The North Face is known for outdoor practicality, but they also offer stylish boots that are made to perform in extreme conditions. Their Thermoball boots are a popular line that balances style and practicality, emphasizing a clean, streamlined look.

While this brand is known for their famous suede material, UGG has expanded its winter boot offerings to include designs that are warmer and more waterproof without sacrificing the cozy aesthetic that made them famous. Their Classic Maxi Mini Booties are an example of how the brand is successfully troubleshooting against this common flaw.

Sorel is another brand known for their winter boots that blend style with performance. Their Explorer II Joan Cozy Boot is a classic example of how winter footwear can look fashionable while still offering critical features like waterproofing, insulation, and traction.

Edited by Hana Razvi, Olivia Daly & Katherine Rubinstein