I Think These Are the 7 Best Shoes to Wear When It's Cold

Winter presents many sartorial dilemmas. Will your chunky knit fit under your tailored coat? Is one pair of tights enough to withstand the chill? How many layers can you wear without looking like Joey Tribbiani wearing all of Chandler Bing's clothes? The biggest quandary of them all, however, is which shoes to wear over the course of the next few months.

We don't want to sound dramatic, because there are, of course, worse things than having cold feet, but nevertheless, it's not exactly enjoyable. So whether you're heading out for a wintry walk or are planning your footwear for party season, warmth is a key factor to consider.

Naturally, practicality should also be considered, but that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on style. From the pair of boots that serves up form and function in equal measure to the flats you can wear with tights as well as bare feet without the risk of frostbite, keep scrolling to discover the best shoes for winter. You can also shop the pairs we love.

1. TRACK-SOLE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @syanalaniyan)

Style Notes: Thanks to Prada and Ganni, chunky-sole boots are proving all the rage this winter, which we're incredibly happy about. Not only will they help us navigate the slippery pavements with ease, but they'll also breathe new life into our party dress after the big night. 

2. STACKED LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

Style Notes: Similar to track-sole boots, stacked loafers are the ideal solution to wear in the winter months. The thicker sole will help lessen the chill that comes through from the ground, while the high cut of the tongue will afford you more coverage. 

3. HIGH-CUT BALLET PUMPS

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(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Style Notes: Much like the aforementioned loafers, ballet pumps that come up high on the foot will afford you more shielding from the elements than many other flat-shoe styles. Stick to wipe-clean leather (real or vegan—whatever your preference may be) and wear with either skirts and tights or jeans and jazzy socks. 

4. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Knee-high boots have made a major comeback this autumn, and for that, we'll be forever thankful. Incredibly warm (especially with jeans tucked in), they'll look equally chic styled for the office or a night out. 

5. SHEARLING-LINED

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Style Notes: Give your toes a toasty treat with a pair of shearling-lined shoes. Whether you opt for backless mules or ankle-grazing boots, this additional detail will make your feet so much warmer—not to mention comfier. 

6. MARY JANE HEELS

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: If you’re excited to wear a fancy pair of party shoes this season, Mary Janes will prove to be the ultimate investment. Closed-toed pairs are the only ones we'll consider for extra warmth, while handy cross straps will offer you more support than spindly heels, which are a no-go in the ice. Plus, they look great with socks, too. 

7. OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: I perhaps don’t need to explain why this shoe type makes our list, but over-the-knee boots are one of the toastiest shoes of them all, as they come up so high on the leg.

Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.