Staying stylish and dry: Footwear for cold, wet weather

Your usual Ugg boots, slippers, sneakers and clogs are all comfortable and convenient options when you’re picking out what shoes to wear, but they aren’t always the most practical. With the colder and wetter seasons descending upon us, it’s time to upgrade your footwear to something a little more functional that still looks great with all your outfits.

Basics

When trying to determine what qualities to look for in footwear that checks both the function and fashion boxes, there are three things that you need to look for: traction, water resistance and warmth.

When it’s rainy, icy and snowy, sidewalks can become the ultimate slip hazards, so when you’re choosing what shoes to wear, it’s important to pick a pair that has a textured, rubber sole. You’ll want to avoid smooth soles, because they can make it easier for you to slip.

Materials like mesh, suede and cloth absorb liquid like nobody’s business, so shoes made of these are not the best choice in footwear if you want to keep your feet dry in these wet seasons. It’s better to opt for a more durable, water-resistant fabric like leather (real or synthetic) or rubber. It’s important to remember that even though these materials are naturally water-resistant, it’s still a good idea to waterproof them.

Everyone’s number one goal in the cold months is to stay warm. Flimsy, open shoes like mesh sneakers or clogs expose your toes to the elements. Instead, consider choosing a shoe that is entirely enclosed and made of a more durable material. If you’re looking to keep extra warm, you might even consider a fleece-lined boot or investing in some thick socks.

Now that we’ve established a baseline for what we want from our footwear, let’s take a look at some of our options.

Boots

A staple of autumn and winter wardrobes, leather boots are a classic for a reason: they’re waterproof, keep your feet warm and are comfortable for walking, all while managing to be cute. When deciding on the best boot, it’s important to consider which leather color looks best on you. If you’re fairer-skinned, like me, it might be better to go with a medium or light brown, because the darkness of the black leather might be too harsh against your skin tone. The opposite is true, too: if you have a darker complexion, a really light leather might be too stark a contrast. This is just what I’ve found works best for me; choose whatever color you like most!

Sneakers

Okay, okay, I know I said sneakers aren’t a great idea during the colder months, but this isn’t always the case. There is an exception: leather (or leather-like) sneakers. They have the same qualities as leather boots, but for those of you who like to stay casual, they serve as a more laid-back option. If this sounds like you, think about shoes like Nike Dunks, Reebok classics and any other sneakers that are made without mesh.

Miscellaneous

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If you’re looking for something a little more unique from your shoes, there are lots of weather-friendly options with lots of flair. Leather Mary Janes, structured loafers and any platform shoe are fun variations for when you still want the function of a good weather-proof shoe but also want to prioritize fashion.

You shouldn’t have to choose between the functionality of your footwear and looking good during the autumn and winter, and now, with these tips, you won’t have to. By making just a couple of crucial decisions, you can stay comfortable, dry and, most of all, fashionable all season long!

@perkin41@miamioh.edu