Functional winter shoes

Tedi Mathis

With winter in full swing, it seems boots have become the only wearable shoe option when walking on campus. Between the snow, ice, wind and rain, there’s no use for your favorite flats and pumps for the season. Try one of these boot-styles to liven up your shoe selection.

  1. A mid-sized boot: The best everyday boot is one that is uncomplicated to wear and goes with everything. One popular option is the Bean Boot by L.L.Bean. The boot boasts a rubber bottom to keep your foot dry with a leather top to dress it up. It also comes in many color and size options, allowing each person to make the boot their own.
  2. A rain boot with lining: Brands including Sperry Top-Sider and Hunter show that rain boots can be worn year round, not just stored away until spring. The Pelican Too Rain boot by Sperry has a built-in fleece lining with weather protection and drying capabilities.Hunter also sells “welly socks” to put in their boots for added warmth.
  3. A serious winter boot: A good go-to brand for the necessary crazy-cold-and-snow boot is Sorel. Sorel boots can be worn in Iowa and Antarctica alike with their warm lining, rubber bottom and water-proof suede. They’re the perfect mix of comfort, style and warmth. Some of their boots, including the Women’s Joan of Arctic boot, are a good option because of the addition of a faux-fur “snow cuff” at the top.
  4. An ankle boot with a heel: Sometimes every girl needs to step up their style on occasion, and why let the weather stop that? During this season of cold, it is still possible to add a couple inches while staying warm by investing in an ankle boot with a thick heel. Wearing an ankle boot allows for the addition of a Smartwool Hide and Seek sock, and by aiming for a thicker heel, the chances of slipping on ice or snow decrease.
  5. Who cares if some say they’re Ugg-ly?: Ugg boots may be constantly under fire due to their over-popularity, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be worn in the right situation. Throwing them on for a trip to the gym or grocery store is completely acceptable.