Your Ultimate Guide to Styling Winter Shoes & Boots

February 05, 2025

We don't know about you but we are definitely starting to feel the change in the weather, the mornings and evenings are a lot darker and it is feeling colder every day. With the new season upon us it's the perfect time to start planning your footwear staples for the colder months ahead so we are here with our ultimate guide to Winter shoes and boots to keep you looking stylish and warm.

We'll guide you through which shoes and boots you should be rocking this season for all occasions, from work to an evening out along with those important styles that will keep you safe, secure and warm on those dreaded icy and snowy days. With lots of ideas on casual and formal dressing, you can be sure you'll look bang on trend this Winter!

So snuggle up, grab a hot choccy and let us take you through our guide to which Winter shoes and boots you need this season...

Winter Shoes & Boots: What to Look For

When Winter comes around it can be difficult to know what to wear as the weather is just so unpredictable, so having a couple of key footwear pieces in your wardrobe will ensure you are ready for whatever Winter throws at you...

So what makes a good Winter shoe? Warmth is probably top of everyone's wish list when it comes to Winter footwear, with the cold morning school run or journey to work you need a cosy style that will lock in the heat and keep your feet super warm. If you're going to wear shoes, be sure to wear some thick socks, as stylish as it may be to go bare foot, in the Winter it is probably not a good idea. Choose bright colours and prints to bring a pop of colour to a dreary day. Ladies, a pair of frilly socks will look amazing with bang on trend loafers and brogues while for all you guys out there, an autumnal colour such as mustard brings a quirky flash of colour to your smart work look. If you can't bear to part with your skirts and dresses then invest in some thick knitted tights to keep your legs super warm, a small block heel will give you a stylish edge and also give you that added bit of security when venturing out onto frosty surfaces.

For extra cold days, a good pair of boots will feel like a lifesaver. Look for styles that have warm, soft linings, knitted collars and fur trims; these will all keep the heat in so you don't end up with cold toes. Ankle boots are always in fashion and this season there are lots to choose from that include some cosy knitted collars. Long leg boots are perfect for extra cold days as they will keep more of your legs warm, always take into account the fact you'll be wearing socks when picking out boots, if you need to go up a size then so be it. Snow boots are perfect for those very cold days as they tend to be padded so offer more warmth, while their grip sole is perfect for walking through the snow.

Another thing to take into account when choosing Winter footwear is the sole, we all know that surfaces can get extremely slippy during those colder months, so to avoid any slips and trips, pick out styles that have a thick cleated sole for added grip or boots with spikes in the sole, this will ensure you have no issues when tackling icy surfaces.

Winter is probably the time to think about the type of heel you wear, for all you ladies out there we know you still want a fashionable look whether it is for work or an evening out. Swap your stilettos for a sturdier block heel or wedge; these will give you that bit more support on those Wintry days. Another feature to look out for when choosing your Winter shoes and boots is a good arch support, walking on slippy surfaces means you have to change the way you walk so a good arch support is a great comfort to your feet and will give your feet a bit more protection should you slip.

What Winter Shoes & Boots to Wear: A Guide For Women

The choice of Winter footwear for women out there is huge, with so many new and exciting trends to try, you can have a different look for every day of the week. We have put together our top tips for choosing formal and casual Winter shoes and boots and how to style them so you can stand out from the crowd this season...

Womens's Smart Winter Styles

Sadly life doesn't come to a standstill during Winter, there's no hibernation for us! (Sob!) For work it's important to have a smart look that will keep you warm against the elements, teaming a classic loafer with gorgeous pair of burgundy tights, skater skirt and fine knit will give you a super stylish look that's perfect for the office. If you have an important meeting team a woollen pencil skirt with black tights, long sleeved blouse and a block heel, the block heel is perfect on those slippy pavements giving you a bit of added security.

A long sleeved dress can be styled up for work by simply adding long leg boots. A pair of classic riding boots or a style with a heel can really lift your outfit and help to give you a high fashion edge, choose styles with eye-catching details such as fur linings, buckles and studs. If you have a party or evening out, then why not try one of this season's hottest looks. A pair of over the knee boots is perfect for keeping your legs warm and they look amazing on, style them with tights, LBD and fur coat for a cosy, seventies inspired look that screams I'm with the band.

For a smart look with a slight casual twist, we'll be teaming a pair of classic boot cut jeans with a bold, bright coat and pointed toe ankle boots for a glamorous day look, if you are after something a little bit different then a wedge ankle boot is for you, the boot cut is super flattering and perfect for showcasing your Winter footwear.

Women's Casual Winter Styles

For a casual, grunge look this Winter try a bit of layering. Adding an oversized knitted cardigan to a black strappy maxi dress will give you a relaxed look, by adding a pair of cleated sole lace up ankle boots gives you a nineties grunge twist that is bang on trend. If the knitted cardigan is too warm then simply swap it for a finer knit and a trusty leather jacket, you can't go wrong with this cool look.

If jeans are your best friend then simply tweaking your footwear can give you an amazing, casual look that is perfect for Winter. With slouchy boyfriend jeans, add a pair of quilted ankle boots. These really give your look an urban feel that is perfect for those busy weekends running errands, throw on an oversized jumper and beanie hat and you're good to go. If skinny jeans or leggings are your Winter staples, dress them up or down with a pair of Chelsea boots, go for rich autumnal colours such as tan and brown.

What Winter Shoes & Boots to Wear: A Guide For Men

It can be hard when the colder months come around deciding on what to wear for the office; however a simple shoe change can revamp your wardrobe and keep you warm...

Men's Smart Winter Styles

Style a pair of classic chinos with a pair of simple loafers; these give you a super smart look whilst keeping your feet comfy. Throw on a pair of bright bold socks to not only keep your feet warm but also add a flash of colour when you walk.

When the weather is cooler swap your loafers for a pair of desert boots, they will keep your feet cosy and warm, just be sure to keep an eye on the weather as they will not keep your feet warm and dry if it rains.

Adding a pair of Chelsea boots to your Winter wardrobe is a must, they look super sleek when paired with a fitted suit. Pick out styles that have brogue detailing for a classic twist and pick out different colours such as brown and tan. If you're after something a bit simpler, choose a pair in classic black just be sure to polish them up for a super shine. One look that is fashionable is to wear loafers with bare feet and a suit; it is just too cold to do this in the Winter so simply add a pair of socks in a bold colour or with an eye-catching pattern.

If you are after a smart, warm look for a party or evening out then your favourite skinny jeans teamed with a pair of black Chelsea boots will give your look a rock star finish, finish off with a trusty leather jacket and over sized scarf. Boots not your thing? A pair of classic brogues will keep your feet warm and looking super stylish; swap the leather jacket for a wool coat for a look that screams high fashion.

Men's Casual Winter Styles

There's nothing better when the Winter comes than wrapping up and enjoying some time with friends and family. For walks in the park with the kids pick out lace up boots in burnished browns for a vintage look, rock them with slouchy jeans and aviator jacket for a cool look that will keep you warm. For those snowy days a pair of snow boots or cleated sole boots will be your saviors, with cosy linings, grip sole and padded out for maximum warmth you can have fun in the snow without the worry of getting cold feet. Choose a style in a slightly bigger size to accommodate thick walking socks that will keep your feet snug.

So there you have it, lots of top tips and style advice on which Winter footwear to choose. It's important to remember that warmth is important so always make room for socks and a grip sole will be a lifesaver come the icy weather. Swapping your usual black footwear for brown will instantly give you a stylish seasonal look so give it a go. Most importantly remember that you can still look stylish during the cold months it's just a case of updating your footwear wardrobe to tackle the elements!

Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.