Winter weather is gradually creeping up on us and that can only mean one thing; no, not woolly hats and scarves and big furry coats.
Alas, winter means Uggs.
Unfortunately once the cold sets in, people seem to lose the will to wear nice footwear and resort to prancing around in overgrown slippers. If I had it my way, anyone wearing Uggs would be locked in a room with Gok Wan for an hour. Not because Gok Wan has any knowledge of fashion/style but because that’s the worst form of torture I can imagine for anyone.
The argument ‘for’ Uggs tends to revert back to the fact that they’re comfy and warm. People, wise up. There are many millions of comfy and warm shoes out there that have an all-important third important selling point; they’re not hideous.
Darcie Boots
£75, Dr Martens
I bought this boots earlier in autumn after humming over whether or not I could really carry off my teenage footwear in adulthood. Reader, I could. They are the comfiest boots in the world (after the initial DM wearing-in period), they go with everything, they’re warm and waterproof and the heel makes you feel less like your gothic self circa 1997.
Lillehammer Boots
$149.99, ModCloth
Note: these boots are currently out of stock but are supposed to be back soon. Look how amazing these boots are! See, you can combine a furry inner with a shoe and not end up with a glorified slipper. I think these are probably the most perfect winter shoes in the world. The kind of shoes you look at and plan outfits around… capes, cable tights, mufflers.. oh my.
Aztec Zebra Buckle Boot
£85, Topshop
Winter footwear does not have to sensible-looking to be practical, as these Topshop booties prove. Actually, not sure how practical they are, but they’re flat and that’s a start. They’re also a perfect length to tuck the ends of your jeans into to prevent trailing wet trouser legs, which is one of the worst things about winter.
Hi Top Zip Boot
£76, Minnetonka
I know that in some people’s eyes, Minnetonka are on a par with Ugg for ugly footwear, but those people are frankly incorrect. Look at them! They feature tassels! Nothing featuring tassels can ever be wholly wrong. Kate Moss likes them and even if you can’t be swayed by her judgement on everything (childcare, boyfriends?), her taste in shoes is good enough for me
Engineer Boot
$188, Frye
Frye’s famous work boots are nigh on legendary and with good reason. Like DM’s, they’re comfy, practical and long, long, long, long-lasting. Although they’re now available in a plethora of fashion-led styles, these boots are the real deal and boast such authentic features as ‘cushioned shock-absorbing memory insoles’… take that, Ugg.
Vintage Snow Princess Boots
$145, Fashionrerun @ Etsy
Boots like this make you pray for snow, although maybe that heel and the suede finish isn’t too practical… The fleecy trim should be enough to satisfy even the most pampered Ugg-bedecked foot and the toggle fastening is sheer genius, like a coat for the leg.