Winter Boots & High Fashion

The winter season is fast approaching, and with it comes some of the year's worst weather. Rain, sleet, hail, and snow can make looking great and staying warm seem nearly impossible. When it comes to footwear, however, there are a number of high fashion options that don't require you to sacrifice style for durability and comfort.

There are many fun, functional footwear options for women this winter season. Flat boots are once again a hot item this year, with many prominent designers offering tasty calf-, knee-, and thigh-high lines that are striking as well as dependable. Flats are favorable in winter weather and can be easily paired with skirts and skinny jeans for days when you know you'll be on your feet a lot. Penny Loves Kenny's Women's Gambit boot is a vintage-style knee high with a split seam and soft, well-fitting suede. The rubber sole allows you to puddle-hop with flair and ease. The Frye Paige Cuff is a low-heel, riding-inspired boot versatile enough to transition from the workplace to an evening out.

Chunky, hardware-heavy boots are also hot this year in both low- and high-heels. The Bronx Zari offers a sturdy heel with criss-cross belt accents at the ankle. Luichiny's Rosanna is a striking, thin-heeled black boot with an edgy lace-up front. The Valencia, from rsvp, is another sassy lace-up with a fifteen inch shaft, round toe, and shiny suede uppers.

Booties are another hot item this year, with some top celebrities lending their names to designer pairs. Check out Jessica Simpson's Fox booties; with their silver side buttons and silver tipped heels, these short booties are a favorite among the fashion-forward mod crowd. Nine West also has a funky line of booties out this year; the leather Cedargrove features a lightly padded insole, 4 1/4 inch heel, and a full inside zipper. The Steve Madden Merritt is a cut-out bootie, a style that has gained popularity recently for their versatility; many designers are including cut-outs in their Fall and Spring lines.

Ankle boots, though a popular choice among some designers this winter, are difficult for some women to wear because of how they make the calves tend to appear thicker. Pairing the appropriate pants or skirt with these stylish ankle boots will help you pull them off. The Vince Camuto Magena boots are super stylish, tastefully combining suede uppers, open-toes, three-inch heels, and funky, fold-down collars. If you're in the mood for something a little more eye-catching, try the Promiscuous Beautiful boot. These edgy boots feature a five-inch heel, stacked high heel, side zipper, and a trio of knots in the back.

The trends in men's footwear are often more conservative and less experimental than women's, but that's not to say they aren't without style. This year, protection against the elements and hip, sexy style are being paired to offer you guys out there the best looking (and most functional) winter boot available.

For the guy who really needs protection from the winter weather -- skiers, snowboarders, outdoor types -- try the Ice Storm 400 Boa GTX II, from Northface. These monsters offer adjustable tongue-mounted lacing system, waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex uppers, and Dri-Lex fleece tongue and collar lining. Not exactly a dinner shoe, the Ice Storm is a boot meant to get wet.

For a more casual look try the Hartsville boot from Ugg. These rugged, handsome boots feature interchangeable insoles (one leather, one sheepskin), molded rubber outsoles, water-resistant uppers, and a convenient pull-on tab at the top of the back shaft. There's also the Torrance Chelsea boot from Timberland, a sensible, low-shaft boot with full-grain leather uppers, leather and textile insoles, and a durable synthetic outsole. If a more traditional, lace-up boot is your style, try the Kamik Men's Northfield boot. These mid-calf boots offer a rugged look and the weather-resistant protection you need to make it through the season.

Remember, not every clothing or shoe store is going to carry the right winter boot for you. It is extremely important, especially during dangerously bad weather, that your footwear is functional and protects you against the elements. Shop online when you can; there are a lot of great shoe sites out there that allow you to browse through dozens of styles before deciding on the right one for you.

Yes, winter can be nasty, but that doesn't mean your personal style has to match the weather. Keep the above boot options in mind and don't hesitate to try something fun and new. You can always get a new pair next year.

~Ben Nystrom, 2008