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We realize much of the country has already dealt with significant snowfall, but we are (for the most part) NYC-based wimps who woke up to the first real accumulation of the season this morning, a solid 6-8 inches of white stuff that immediately threw us into a tizzy trying to find our snow boots of choice. So we thought, what better time to fire up the old company Slack and ask everyone to tell us what they’re wearing to the bodega and beyond today.
SOREL Caribou Boot
There’s a reason Sorel’s iconic Caribou Boot is rarely in stock come winter. Seam-sealed, waterproof and insulated with felt, your feet are destined to stay toasty warm in the coldest conditions, through the deepest snow you’ve ever seen. While the rugged construction and insulation adds a bit of weight, it’s worth every ounce when you realize nothing — and we mean nothing — can stop this boot from getting you to the office, the corner store or simply down the block. Find it in three colors or simply go with the iconic Buff colorway that everyone loves. — Cam Vigliotta, Associate Editor
Sorel Caribou Boots are my go-to for stomping through heavy snowfall. With these, I don’t avoid the ankle-deep slush puddles on many an NYC street corner; I meet them head (foot) on. –Matt Lagnese, Director of Advertising and Revenue Operations
Christian Louboutin Oriona Channel Quilted Bootie
Yes, Louboutin — the designer footwear brand you probably associate with sky-high patent leather stilettos — makes snow boots. And, yes, they have a red-bottomed heel. Are they the most practical winter boots on the market? Absolutely not. But they are probably the biggest, most unnecessarily extravagant flex in winter footwear. — Kayla Kibbe, Associate Editor
Adidas Terrex Snowpitch COLD.RDY Winter Hiking Boots
Adidas’ ingenious, super-lightweight Terrex boot has been my go-to hiker for a few years now. They also make this suede winter version with added traction, PrimaLoft insulation and a one-piece tongue design that keeps snow and water out. If you want a boot that will allow you to stay nimble in a foot of snow, this is the pick. —Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Greys Summit Slipper Boot
When I roll out of bed to take the dogs out in the morning, I exclusively wear slip-ons. This causes a problem when there’s snow on the ground. Enter this Slipper Boot, which is basically a slip-on-able down jacket for your feet. Also the perfect shoe to change into the moment you slip out of your ski boots. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
All-Weather Duckboot
I have an inordinate amount of shoes and a closet that is nowhere near big enough to hold them in any sort of neat or organized way. Basicaly, I have a 3-foot-high pile of loose shoes and boots on the floor, and if I dare dig through it in search of a specifc pair, I risk the whole thing collapsing and spilling out of the closet and into my bedroom, thus ruining my day and making my wife hate me. So I tend to wear the same one or two pairs of shoes for months at a time — unless I happen to get a new pair sent to me for testing. Such is the case with the Huckberry All-Weather Duck Boot, which showed up at my doorstep a few months back and has been a handy go-to for any inclement weather ever since — heavy rain or the occasional dusting of snow. This morning I woke up to approximately four inches of snow on the ground (the threat of which, by the way, was enough to have closed my kids’ school in advance yesterday afternoon), and since I’m also stuck at home because of the recent COVID surge, the only place I had to go was across the street from my apartment to the bagel store. My Huckberry boots did just fine, and I have complete confidence that they could handle more significant accumulation as well, saving me the trouble of having to dig out any of my other, more snow-specific boots from the pile. –Mike Conklin, Executive Editor
SWIMS Snow Runner
In New York, it’s not just snow you worry about — it’s usually a mixture of dirty snow that’s been around for two weeks, slush puddles and near-freezing rain. So you’re looking for something that can tackle all the winter elements. There might be “sexier” snow boots than SWIMS, but they’re the brand I trust for anything related to water (in whatever state). The waterproof Snow Runner — particularly the olive one, because most New Yorkers err on the side of all-black wardrobes — offers a subtle hint of color and even a pop of orange; it’s also comfy, breathable and features a big, thick, grippy sole to get you through every winter sidewalk hazard. — Kirk Miller, Managing Editor
Suicoke BOWER-Evab Boots
The Bower-Evab Boots from Japanese label have some obvious curb appeal — they’re chunky (very on-trend), throughly insulated and go with virtually anything. A less tangible perk? The also offer something I’ve coined the stepability factor. Normally, if my shoes cross the $100 dollar threshold, I’m uber-concious of trekking through sub-par conditions; a little wintertime “look before you leap,” you understand. Unfortunately, tiptoeing through midtown slush is a fool’s errand. No one, not even me, has 40 minutes to avoid dirtying up the kicks. With the BOWER boots, the worries disappear; they’re built to withstand the in climate weather and ensuing mess. You can even hose them off, although I’m of the mind that muddy battle scars make them look even cooler. — Paolo Sandoval, Assistant Editor
LaCrosseAero Timber Top Zip Boot
These are my go-to winter boots mainly because they require zero effort to get onto my feet. The convenient zip on the side allows me to quickly slip these cozy boys on and head out into the inclement weather (no pulling or lacing required.) Featuring LaCrosse’s AeroForm construction, these slim, durable boots also include a fully lined shearling interior and a waterproof polyurethane shell that prevents cold from transferring to your feet, keeping you or her warm and protected in the rain, snow, sleet and snirt. — Logan Mahan, Assistant Editor
The North Face Back-To-Berkeley III Textile WP
For the woman in your life with an aversion to snow, but whose day is irrevocably ruined if her socks get wet on her commute to work, meet the North Face’s Back-To-Berkeley III Textile WP, a lightweight, waterproof option that’ll keep her warm and dry, but without the bulk of a traditional winter boot. And while they’re perhaps not the best for galavanting through feet of snow or — worse — shoveling, they’re a practical everyday boot that just so happens to look good, too. Besides, she likely doesn’t want to do those things anyway and would gladly welcome another excuse not to. (It’s me … I’m her.) — Lindsay Rogers, Assistant Editor
Columbia Snowtrekker Boots
One of the biggest problems with most boots that people wear in the winter is the grip. You can always throw on an extra pair of wool socks with sub-par stompers, but it’s amazing how many supposedly top-tier boots lose control on even small ice patches. These Snowtrekkers from Columbia feature their Omni-Grip traction rubber in a wide base that should keep you on your feet, as well as a waterproof upper and some serious insulation. — Alex Lauer, Senior Editor
L.L. Bean 7″ Fleece-Lined Front-Zip Bean Boots
Like regular Bean boots but better! The zipper closure makes these super easy to slip on and off. Great for quickly heading out in the snow with kids or dogs. And I love the pop of color with the fleece lining. — Marilyn Jordan, Director of Branded Entertainment
Timberland Pro Chillberg Insulated Winter Boots
You can’t go wrong with a solid pair of Timberland for those snowy winter days. The brand has done a great job updating its designs to suite a more contemporary customer, while still maintaining its classic styles and commitment to quality. — Kevin Breen, Fashion Director
SOREL Conquest™ Boot
When I’m in need of a new pair of winter boots, I turn to Sorel every single time. I know I’m going to get a quality boot whether I choose a more stylish option for everyday wear, or something a bit more protective for frigid days. It looks like stock on Sorel is iffy at the moment, so I would check out options at REI, Backcountry, and Zappos if you aren’t able to find something available in your size. –Elisabeth Chambry, Director of Commerce and Partnerships
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