Winter Boot Round Up

While department stores and boutiques are showcasing gorgeous spring fashion in florals, pastels and lightweight fabrics, I’m over here contemplating layers, warmth and wool.  While ‘Snowmageddon’ is currently taking place in YYC, literally as I type this, I’m thinking more winter footwear than strappy sandals.  Pre-kids I took a lot of pleasure in purchasing footwear that was both beautiful and on trend, but not always the most practical.  My Valentino Chelsea boots can’t handle the gravel at the park, and my Jimmy Choo embellished combat boots don’t combat the snow.  So this winter I’ve been getting a touch more practical, but no less fashionable (okay, maybe very, very slightly less fashionable).  In light of the astonishing amount of snow we’re receiving I thought I’d go over some of my most recent and long-time tried and true winter boot choices, as well as some choices that I’ve heard first hand to be amazing.

1. J. Crew Nordic Boots – I’ve been coveting these bad boys for a couple of years, and recently got my mitts (pun intended) on them.  The look is so perfect for Aprés ski, but the shearling and the hiking boot soles get me to and fro the park in one piece.
2. Woolrich Waterproof Hiking Boot – While I have yet to try out the Woolrich hiking boot, friends and online reviews rave about the quality,  the performance and how lightweight they are.  Not to mention how incredibly fabulous they appear.
3. Frye Samantha Hiker – While I have not purchased a pair of these Frye winter boots, I have a couple of other pairs of Frye boots that I swear by.  They are completely worth the price point, the quality is unparalleled, and the look is oh so winter-chic.  You can bet that these beauties will be on my list for next season.
4. Sorel ‘Joan of Arctic’ Waterproof Snow Boot – I’ve had these boots for years now, as well as a couple of other styles of Sorel’s too.  The brand and the quality are tried, tested and true.  I can remember my parents purchasing Sorel’s for us when we were kids in the 80s, I distinctly remember an all white pair as well as a neon pink/blue/yellow pair.  These are the boots I pull out for those wicked storms we receive and I always pack them for the ski hill.  I particularly love this style because of the height of the shaft of the boot.
5. Kodiak Surrey Waterproof Boot – I’ve heard so many fabulous reviews on Kodiak boots and this pair is water resistant and slip-proof.  There’s Thinsulate to keep those toes nice and toasty, and I love the red laces that give it some added oomph in the style department.
6. UGG Fraser Genuine Shearling Water Resistant Boot – I’ve had the classic pair of UGG’s in the past, and they were so incredibly warm.  I always found the problem to be the lack of grip on the sole and water stains on the boot itself.  So I have high hopes for this pair of UGGs that offers water resistance and a thicker sole.  I can feel the warmth just by looking at them.
7. Blundstone Unisex THE WINTER Waterproof Boots – I just got a pair of these blundies this winter and I’m so in love.  The Thinsulate soles keep my feet warm and toasty, they’re seam sealed and waterproofed, and with heavy duty tread on the bottom they allow me to run over ice and through puddles.  Pairing them with some rustic cabin socks overtop your pants give an extra chic look.