What shoes to wear in winter - style guide for women

Choosing the right shoe means finding something that’s stylish, well-fitting, and comfortable. And in winter a couple of extra considerations get added to the mix: they need to have good grip in case of slippery surfaces, and they need to be warm.

In this guide we’ll run through the best shoes to wear in winter, to ensure your feet are comfy and cosy until the weather starts to warm up again. So, whether you’re looking for everyday shoes for winter, or you need party shoe inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Which shoes are best for women wanting to stay warm and stylish
• Which shoes are best for cold feet
• What you can wear instead of boots in winter

Which shoes are best for women wanting to stay warm and stylish?

Winter demands footwear that is stylish and practical. With a higher chance of rain, snow and ice, you need something to keep you steady on your feet and cosy in even the chilliest temperatures.

So pack away your open-toe heels, your thin-soled flats and your light suede (unless you’re prepared to clean it!) and opt instead for one or more of the styles below.

Ankle boots

Ankle boots are a winter staple thanks to their versatility and style. A shorter height than some other boot types makes them easy to pair with plenty of outfit types, including everything from jeans and trousers to skirts and dresses. Leather or dark suede are ideal materials for winter ankle boots, and those with weatherproofing are even better.

• Why we love them: they keep your feet warm without feeling too bulky, and most styles have low heels and sturdy soles that provide a good amount of grip in icy conditions.
• Styling tip: style ankle boots with skinny jeans and a big jumper for a cosy, casual look, or wear with a midi dress and tights for a chic and stylish outfit.

Flat boots

Flat boots are a favourite if you want to put comfort front and centre without sacrificing style. From riding boots to slouchy styles, flat boots are a versatile way to ensure well-supported, warm feet.

• Why we love them: they’re nice and stable on slippery surfaces, and their height keeps your legs warm and protected.
• Styling tip: pair with leggings and a chunky jumper for an effortless winter combo, or combine with tailored trousers and a long coat for something a bit smarter.

Knee-high boots

Knee-high boots are a warm and elegant choice for winter, with their extended length offering another layer of warmth for your legs. Dresses and skirts work great with this style, as do a pair of jeans tucked into the top of the boot. Choose knee-highs if you want something nice and polished.

• Why we love them: these boots elongate the legs and provide another buffer against the cold. They lend themselves well to sophisticated outfits as well as smart casual styles.
• Styling tip: style knee-high boots with a jumper dress and a coat with a belt for a chic winter outfit, or pair with skinny jeans and a tailored blazer for a sleek look.

Chelsea boots

Chelsea boots are sleek and minimalist, making them perennial favourites. They’re also practical, stylish and versatile, working with a plethora of winter outfits. Opting for pairs with weatherproofed materials and thick soles will keep your feet feeling warm and cosy all day long.

• Why we love them: they’re easy to slip on and off, meaning you won’t have to fight with cold, wet laces. They also pair well with pretty much any outfit.
• Styling tip: pair with straight leg jeans and a wool coat for a modern, understated look.

Loafers

Loafers aren’t ideal for all winter conditions, but on a mild day or one where you’ll spend a lot of time indoors, they can work nicely. Find a pair with a thick sturdy sole and choose a nice warm sock: this will make sure your feet don’t get chilly if the temperature drops or you’re outside for longer than planned.

• Why we love them: they’re an easy way to bring a touch of sophistication to casual and formal outfits alike, making them a versatile choice for winter events.
• Styling tip: pair loafers with cropped trousers and wool socks for a chic outfit, or with a midi skirt and tights for something a bit more polished.

Flat shoes

Flat shoes with a thick sole and suitable materials are good for winter, but we advise against anything with a thin sole! Find a pair with durable materials and pair with thick socks or tights for a warm and cosy outfit.

• Why we love them: they’re lightweight and easy to style, making them a great choice for milder winter days or days spent indoors.
• Styling tip: pair with a skirt, opaque tights and a fitted sweater for a cute winter outfit. Or for something casual, go for jeans and a cosy cardy! 

Which shoes are best for cold feet?

Having cold feet is never pleasant, but it’s even worse if they’re cold for extended periods where you can’t do anything about it. To let you embrace the winter months, prioritise the following. They’ll keep your feet nice and toasty through even the worst winter cold snaps.

• Insulated boots: boots with fleece or faux lining are made for winter. Not only does the insulation keep your whole foot nice and warm, but they are undeniably stylish and work well in a range of winter outfits.
• Thermal insoles: these insoles are designed to keep the heat in, and the great thing is that they can be added to pretty much any pair of shoes - this means you can wear pairs that may not actually be built for winter.
• Waterproof (or at least resistant): one of the main culprits for cold feet is wet weather, where the moisture seeps through and cools everything it touches. Waterproof shoes solve this problem at a stroke, keeping your feet warm and dry.
• Thicker socks! Our top winter hack for warm feet is to wear socks that are thicker, warmer, and more cosy. Bonus points for a funky winter pattern.

What can you wear instead of boots in winter?

Boots are a winter favourite for a good reason: they’re warm, their long length keeps your legs warm too, and they’re versatile. But if you aren’t a fan of boots, or want to switch things up a bit through a long winter season, you have other options:

• High-top trainers: great for casual winter outfits, high-tops have some of the benefits of boots while bringing a very different aesthetic. Pair them with jeans and a puffer jacket for a sporty, wintry vibe.
• Loafers with socks: loafers with a thick pair of wool socks are great for milder winter days, or indoor winter events.
• Smart flats: flats with embellished designs or metallic features work well with tailored trousers for formal, indoor winter events.
• Slippers: or, stay indoors with a cup of hot chocolate and your comfiest pair of slippers. No one’s going to judge you for hunkering down and hibernating on an icy winter’s day.

Step into winter

The best shoes for winter combine style with practicality and, most importantly, with warmth. Hopefully after reading our guide, you’ll feel inspired to find the perfect winter pair - whether it’s a fleece-lined ankle boot, some smartly paired flats, or something else. Whatever you go for, remember to look for weatherproof materials and soles that provide a good grip. This will keep you warm and stable in any winter conditions. 

To find your next pair, take a look at our range of women’s shoes or pop into your nearest store and let one of our team give a helping hand. As always, if you have any questions about trainers just get in touch with our team - we'll be happy to help.