Winter Shoes Part 1: The Best Boots

Winter shoes. As I started to put this post together, I envisioned one post with all the different styles for this season.  But as I got into it, I realized I could just write a post on boots alone – which is what I’ve done!  That explains the “Part 1”, because later this week there will be a “Part 2”.  Part 2 will include sneakers, loafers and even some clogs; more of the trending styles for this fall/winter season.  So be sure to check back to see more.

I’ve broken out my list of boots into different categories.  I live in Michigan so I wear boots all season long. For me, I could have a pair in each of these categories, but if you want to limit which boots you own, I would recommend two pairs of ankle boots – one dressy, one casual/waterproof and one pair of tall boots that you can wear with everything.  Those three pairs should get you through just about everything – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have more. Maybe a fun pair of winter shoes in bright royal blue??

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Ankle Boots

I’m starting here because to me this is the hardest category in that there are so many styles to choose from. These are what I live in all winter long and have lots of different pairs and styles for different looks. Part of the reason is because of the weather here in Michigan. While I would love to wear cute, high heel booties all season long, there are days it’s just not practical where I live.

Chelsea/Lug Sole Boots

It’s hard not to see these everywhere this year. In the past I’ve shied away from heavier looking boots. I’m not very tall, so I thought they looked too “chunky” on me. But I’ve completely changed my attitude this year, starting with this pair of Chelsea boots that I recently purchased from Shein as part of my outfit for our “How to Wear it At Any Age” series.

Winter Shoes Shein
Burgundy Chelsea Boots from Shein, $29

Here are some other classic Chelsea/Lug Sole Booties. I’ve been seeing so many white/cream booties this season, so I included a pair of those as well. I love the look!

Winter Boots Saks Off Fifth
Sam Edelman Faux Leather Chelsea Boots, $40 from Saks Off Fifth
Off white Winter Boots
Iola Cream Lug Sole Booties from Nine West, $110

Combat Boots

A lot of the combat boots are also lug sole, but their “lace up” feature is what distinguishes them from Chelsea boots. We also styled some combat boots in “How to Wear it At Any Age Volume 5”. In this photo, I wore them with cropped jeans, but they are also great tucked in with leggings.

Winter Boots Combat Boots
Combat Boots from Target, $35

You can’t talk about Combat Boots without talking about the classic Dr. Martens!

Winter Boots Doc Martens
Dr. Martens “1460 W” Boot from Nordstrom, $150

If you’re looking for something a little different, with a little more “bling”, the I love these Guess brown combat boots from DSW.

Guess Platform combat boot from DSW, $60

Basic Ankle Boots

I love the brand Blondo. I have pair of high top sneakers that I wear all the time, and best of all they are waterproof (you’ll probably see them in Part 2 of Winter Shoes). The bootie below is waterproof and also comes in black and white leather.

Blondo
Blondo Block Heel Booties from Nordstrom, $100 (on sale)

Just like when you talk about combat boots and have to include Dr. Martens, you have to include Sorel boots when talking about waterproof boots. They have so many styles to pick from, but I selected these because of their basic, but rugged look on Zappos.

Sorel
Sorel Cate Booties from Zappos, $153

These stiletto booties were an “uh-oh” when I found them. The “uh-oh” means I might need to buy these, but so far I have resisted. I just love the angled zipper accent, it just makes them that much more chic!

Nine West
Nine West Fast Pointed Toe Bootie from Nordstrom, $129

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots go in and out of style and right now it appears that they are back on trend. They are never really “out of style”. If you like country music like I do, you will always see them at a country concert. But right now they are appearing back on the overall fashion scene.

When a fast fashion brand like Zara is showing cowboy boots, then you know they have to trending this season. What I like about these is that they have “cowboy styling” without being too overt.

Zara
Cowboy Split Leather Heeled Ankle Boots from Zara, $119

Want to go “all in” on cowboy boot style without spending a lot of money? Maybe try these traditional cowboy boots on Amazon for only $60.

Cowboy Boots Winter Shoes
Soda Cowboy Western Stitch Boot from Amazon, $59.95

Just like Dr. Martens and Sorel, Frye boots have been the staple in this category for years (technically since 1863). They are more costly, but they are high quality.

Frye Winter Shoes
Jackie Button Boot from Frye, $249 (on sale)

Tall Boots

Just like in ankle boots, there are a lot of different styles trending right now, including the lug sole. I like the ones below from Aldo.

Aldo Winter Shoes
Majorr Lug Sole Boots from Aldo, $140

I love the style of these block heel boots from Vince Camuto, but what I love even more is the color. I had been looking for a color that would go with everything and I think I finally found it. These boots also come in black and cognac as well.

Vince Camuto Winter Shoes
Ellara Boot from Vince Camuto, $249

I picture this next pair with a black sweater dress. These boots add a pop of color and an element of chic. If you prefer a more classic color, they also come in black and white at Macy’s.

Macy's Winter Shoes
Vince Camuto Felinda Dress Boots from Macy’s, $172 (on sale)

Another key piece is an over-the-knee boot. I prefer over-the-knee boots to be more casual with a flat heel than with a high heel. (I guess I think of Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” otherwise). These Michael Kors boots from Nordstrom come in this gray suede that I like because it’s very different. They are also available in black and chocolate suede.

Winter Shoes Over the Knee
Michael Kors Bromley Over-the-Knee Boot from Nordstrom, $120 (on sale)

You can’t go wrong with a classic riding boot as well. They can easily be dressed up or down and never seem to go out of style. I found these at Macy’s.

Sam Edelman Winter Shoes
Sam Edelman Paxten Riding Boots from Macy’s, $112 (on sale)

Winter Shoes – Just for Fun!

So, if you already have all the boots that you “need”, you can always add a new pair that’s just for fun. Here are a few suggestions!

I always think of Aerosoles as comfortable, but not always the most stylish. But I stand corrected with this pair. In addition to leopard, they have two snakeskin patterns and even a gray flannel.

Aerosoles Leopard Winter Shoes
Camila Chelsea Boot from Aerosoles, $108 (on sale)

For the girl who has everything (and every boot)….how about a bright pink block heel pair?

Pink Booties Winter Shoes
Sam Edelman Codie Booties in “Pink Confetti” from Macy’s, $160.

Another fun option from Macy’s:

Royal Blue Winter Shoes
Bar III Melaney Boots from Macy’s, $45 (on sale)

How cute are these plaid stiletto booties by Jessica Simpson? (They also come in a pink plaid!)

Plaid Booties Winter Shoes
Jessica Simpson Alliye Bootie from Nordstrom, $54 (on sale)

And lastly, how about some lavender combat boots? Doesn’t everyone need a pair of those?

Lavender Combat Boots
Sam Edelman Lue Combat Boots from Macy’s, $90 on sale

Did I include your favorite winter shoes? Please let me know in the comments below. And, if there are any styles you’d like to see in “Part 2”, let me know that too!