There are two very different types of cold weather. The first is the type where, yes, you have to dress smartly, but you can still get away with showing a bare ankle or be comfortable in a V-neck sweater, sans scarf. Those are those brisk-but-sunny days when you can embrace the chill and still look cute in the process. But later in the winter, we experience a type of cold that doesn't fuck around. Every inch of skin needs to be covered to protect from subzero windchill and it doesn't even matter what you're wearing under your puffer, because no one is going to see it.
And while those are the moments you'll need to pull out the big guns, it doesn't mean you have to dread getting dressed. One of the most practical places to start is with your winter boots. Sure, they need to be warm and versatile, but they can look still good, too. That's why we've rounded up 30 options that check both boxes. Ahead, find a ton of protective footwear that protects your street cred, too.
With faux-fur lining and a durable outsole, these boots will make the trek from your apartment to the subway much less miserable.
Clarks Glick Clarmont, $180, available at Clarks.
If Yeezy snow boots existed, they'd probably look something like this.
Adidas Climawarm CP Choleah Padded Boots, $140, available at Adidas.
Nothing like a pop of pink to brighten an otherwise dreary day.
Acne Studios Telde Bubble Pink, $650, available at Acne Studios.
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You don't have to get in touch with nature to step it up in a pair of hiker boots.
Frye Samantha Hiker, $398, available at Frye.
With their embroidered design, these suede boots look too pretty to wear in the snow. (And TBH, you probably shouldn't.)
Ash Muse Boot, $260, available at Ash.
The Lady Gaga of all-weather boots.
Camper Wilma Extreme, $260, available at Camper.
For those days when you just refuse to let the weather kill your vibe.
Fenty x Puma Sneaker Boot, $325, available at Puma.
Hiking made cuter by Cole Haan.
Cole Haan Zerogrand Waterproof Hiker Boot, $250, available at Cole Haan.
Splash around in these waterproof, but still totally rad, boots.
Jeffrey Campbell Badlands, $210, available at Jeffrey Campbell.
A "winterized" take on a classic style.
Dr. Martens Fur Lined Leonore Wyoming, $140, available at Dr. Martens.
How to walk on clouds IRL.
Mango Contrasting Leather Ankle Boots, $129.99, available at Mango.
Aspen calling.
Ganni Mira Shine Boots, $381.86, available at Ganni.
Made for walking (in snow).
Merrell Women’s Fluorecein Shell Waterproof Winter Boots, $139.99, available at Dicks Sporting Goods.
Disco. Fever.
Moon Boot WE Low Dance Boots, $163.66, available at Moon Boots.
"Most likely to be mistaken for a regular Chelsea boot."
Loeffler Randall Hartley All Weather Boot, $295, available at Loeffler Randall.
These might just give you superpowers.
Nike Roshe Two High, $120, available at Nike.
Ski-lodge aesthetic on point.
Nicholas Kirkwood Kira Shearling-Trimmed Textured Boots, $1,295, available at Net-A-Porter.
Durable, but also really, really good-looking.
Moncler Textured-Leather Ankle Boots, $615, available at Net-A-Porter.
Pair with riding pants and a blazer.
Nine West Orynne Cold-weather Boots, $149, available at Macys.
The winter foil to your summer espadrille.
See by Chloe Eileen Suede and Shearling Lace-Up Booties, $420, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The future looks chic as hell (even if it includes the occasional snowstorm).
New Balance Fresh Foam 2000 Boot, $119.99, available at New Balance.
One word: badass.
Opening Ceremony Urssa Ring Boots, $495, available at Opening Ceremony.
Now these are for when the temperature dips below zero.
Steve Madden Bsaasha Waterproof, $165, available at Steve Madden.
For the girl who only wears black booties. (You know who you are.)
H&M Boots, $59.99, available at H&M.
How good would these look (and feel) around a campfire?
Topshop Inuikii Classic Ankle Boots, $435, available at Topshop.
For these, use the always-justifiable excuse, "It's for a good cause."
Toms Summit Waterproof Hiking Booties, $149, available at Bloomingdales.
Coziness of a slipper, functionality of a snow boot.
Sorel Cozy Carnival Lace Up Ankle Boots, $115, available at ASOS.
For sunny days (and to make those that aren't feel sunny, too).
Cold Front Women’s Sleighbell Winter Boot, $48, available at Walmart.
Take a style cue from Kendall Jenner.
Ugg Caleigh Boot, $209.95, available at Nordstrom.
Who doesn't love a good lace-up variation?
Zara Split Suede Lace-up Boots, $159, available at Zara.
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