The best women's winter shoes are warmly lined, have a sole that grips and look good enough to come out with you at night: lined boots for the city, studded boots for ice and waterproof boots for slush. We picked our favourites for this winter's dinners, birthdays and late walks home. Spoiler: two pairs will take you a long way, plus the heels in your bag.
Lined boots for nights out
This is the pair you'll put on every time you go out. Mount Kimberly Leather Boot from Canada Snow are black Chelsea boots in smooth leather with a warm lining, elastic panels and a side zip. We wear them with slim black trousers. Prefer suede? Check out Sistown Chelsea Boot from GANT, warmly lined with a chunky sole. You'll find more styles among low boots and ankle boots.
Boots with grip for icy pavements
Nobody wants to slip on the way to the bar. Mount Fiona Suede Boot from Canada Snow has studs you flip out when it's slippery and fold away when you walk through the door. Warm lining, a chunky platform sole and a side zip, so they're easy to get on. If you'd rather have leather, Quebec Grip is a safe choice. They're ankle-high, wool-lined and have a zip on the inside.
Waterproof when it's slushy
Suede and slush don't get along. This is where you want rubber. Halla Mid Winter from Tretorn are waterproof, with a soft fleece lining and a side zip. Prefer a lower style? Try Avan Hybrid W, waterproof with a rubber and neoprene upper. Extra insoles are included.
The heels in your bag
Our best trick on a slushy night: walk there in your boots and change when you arrive. Our Pointy Slingback in black has a pointed toe, a 6.5 cm heel and a buckle at the back. The low heel makes them easy to walk in all night. We've styled them with a black dress. We also wear Flared Satin Trousers from Bubbleroom Occasion with black pointed heels. Want a little more shine? Go for Mid Heel Sandal in silver with an open toe and a mirror finish. In the photo we wear them with a patterned midi skirt.
Soft and cosy for the weekend
Brunch the morning after calls for something warm and soft on your feet. Our own Lacing Faux Fur Boot has faux fur, laces and a platform sole. We wear them with wide white trousers or blue jeans. Onlfelicia Teddy Lined Platform Boot from ONLY is brown, in faux suede and warmly lined. And Classic Low Sneaker from Inuikii is genuine leather with a warm lining and laces.
If you're only buying one pair
If you're out and about in town a lot, start with lined leather Chelsea boots. They work with everything from jeans to dresses. If the ice sticks around where you live, choose boots with studs. And if you already own a pair, let the second one be the soft and cosy kind for the weekend.
How to choose winter shoes
- The sole. A deep tread or studs if you walk a lot outdoors.
- The lining. Wool, fleece or teddy keep the warmth in best.
- The material. Rubber for slush, leather and suede for cold, dry evenings. Waterproof suede and leather before the first snow.
- The fastening. A zip makes shoes easy to get on and off, especially with thick socks.
Winter shoe FAQ
Which winter shoes are best on ice?
Shoes with studs or a deep, patterned sole. Mount Fiona Suede Boot from Canada Snow has studs you flip out when it's slippery.
Can you wear suede shoes in winter?
Yes, on cold and dry days. Waterproof them before you head out and choose rubber when it's slushy.
Which winter shoes go with a dress and coat?
Lined Chelsea boots or knee-high leather boots, with thick tights. Or waterproof boots on the way and heels in your bag. Need a new jacket too? Read how to find the right winter jacket.
See the full range of winter shoes, or take a look at boots. You'll find the party dress at Bubbleroom Occasion.