it’s no secret [especially if you follow me on instagram] that i live in the land of cold and snow. to me, practical-yet-cute winter shoes are a must. i’m not willing to sacrifice either my toes or my style for the six months out of the year we have snow and below-freezing temps. i’ve put together some of my favorite shoes that stand both the weather and the fashion test, as well as some of my tips + tricks with how to get by with shoes you want to wear, but wouldn’t want to get stuck in a blizzard with. let’s start off with your warm-weather gear, shall we?
living in the north, having a GOOD pair of warm boots is a must. these are the “wear anywhere, but definitely keep in your car” type of boots that will save you if you get stuck in the snow. i realize i sound like everyone’s dad, but SO important [throw some warm gloves + hat in with them, while you’re at it, ok?] if you work indoors or spend the majority of your day inside, or even if you are just running errands, good boots are a MUST. these are the kind that can go from winter-summer-fall, so they are incredibly versatile as well. if i had to give you one brand reco for a splurge pair of boots, i’d recommend frye. i’ve had mine for YEARS, and they have worn so well, remained comfy, and kept my feet warm and dry through many a winter. oh, and they’ve “sized up” and “sized down” with my swelling feet and calves of pregnancy 🙂 you can now find some really great styles marked down since we are into the winter, but they are for real some of the best shoes i own. steve madden + sam edelman also make great boots.
alright guys, this next category is quite possibly the most polarizing topic i’ll ever bring up on my blog: uggs. yep, the much meme-ed about, basic PSL accompanying, julie cooper juicy tracksuit accentuating shoe choice. i am personally pro-ugg, having lived in minnesota my entire life. you will never know the true comfort of not needing to wear socks when it is snowing until you own a pair of uggs. and since i do live in the tundra, i’m not an outcast in my ugg-wearing. i’m telling you, they are warm and worth the sometimes-hefty price tag. not to mention, as a mom, prego, and a lady who had a january baby + significant leg/ankle/foot swelling post c-section, i’m a fan of these forgiving, easily slip-onable shoe choices. just sayin’.
ok, so what do you wear when you don’t want to wear uggs, and need something casual to wear on the weekends? winter appro-sneakers. now, i wouldn’t recommend actually working out in these guys, but the additional fur + sherpa will keep your feet warm and you’ll look seasonally appropriate schlepping your kids around to all of their activities, or just grocery shopping at your own leisure. [the sorel kinetics are on my christmas list, aka if my husband or fam don’t actually read this post, i’ll be buying them for myself on december 26th. the joys of a steady paycheck and adulthood, eh?]
ok, so the last thing i wanted to share is how i get away with flats and other shoes that would freeze your feet off if you got stranded outside. i’ve shared a number of times, but there’s a considerable 10+ minute walk to/from my car to my building each day. minneapolis has an extensive skyway chain, meaning that i can get to my office without having to go outside, but i like to have winter appropriate shoes with anyways [in addition to the aforementioned sorels that live in my vehicle all winter]. so how do i get away with flats that 1. aren’t weather appropriate and 2. might not be the best for walking 5k+ steps a day in, just to get to my office? my cute flats or heels get tucked into my work bag and i wear some sort of very warm moccasin in. i’ve linked a couple of the pairs i have below. the other reason i like doing fur lined moccasins is because they fit nicely in a bag, and i’m not left with a giant pair of winter boots sitting at my desk. oh, and nine time out of ten, they go with my outfit #winning.
and there you have it! how i survive winter in minnesota: shoe edition. wishing you and your toes a very happy and warm winter season. am i missing any good warm shoe brands? let me know! i’m always on the lookout to justify another pair of warm-but-cute boots.