We’ve already put together our round-up of the best boots for winter. But, what if you prefer shoes rather than boots? What shoes for winter will keep you stylish, cozy, and safe in chilly weather? That’s why we’ll be focusing on the best shoes for winter today.
We’re concentrating in this article on everyday shoes rather than party shoes. You’ll probably be indoors for your winter parties so no need to worry too much about practicality for those. We’ll focus on party shoes in our Christmas party articles.
This article has options that are both practical and stylish that you can wear with your day-to-day winter outfits.
What to look out for when choosing shoes for winter
Before we get to the best winter shoe picks, what should you be looking for in general when selecting winter shoes?
1. Comfort
It goes without saying that you want to be comfortable in your winter shoes. So, no matter what style you choose, don’t forget to take into account whether you need shoes with arch support or for plantar fasciitis, for example.
2. Closed toes
While you may have been happy to get your toes out during the summer, you’ll want closed toes for winter. They’ll keep you warmer, and you don’t have to worry about a pedicure. Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of closed toe ankle strap shoes.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater dress, coat, pumps, tights and earrings.
3. Lug soles
Not only are chunky lug soles very much on trend, but the extra grip will help to keep you from slipping in winter weather.
4. Darker colors
Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of classic loafers.
Get her look with this similar striped top, jacket, pants, loafers, earrings, scarf and sunglasses.
Just from a practical point of view, darker colors will be easier to keep looking clean during rainy weather.
5. Waterproof
Look out for shoes that will keep you dry. Choose styles that are waterproof or water-resistant.
Styles of shoes to choose from for winter
loafers
A pair of loafers are a great choice for winter. The Dr. Martens loafers (below) have good slip resistance and a cushioned footbed.
Dr. Martens Adrian Core Tassel Loafers
(Zappos / Amazon)
If you do want a lighter shade, then choosing a pair of shoes with a chunky sole can help to protect against the elements.
Franco Sarto Balin Lug Sole Loafers
(Zappos / Amazon)
Another great way to stay warm is to choose a pair of shoes with warm lining, like the Sam Edelman loafers (below).
Sam Edelman Laurs Loafers
(Zappos / Amazon)
We love the navy shade of the Paul Green loafers (below). The patent leather is easy to wipe clean if they do get dirty in winter rain.
If you prefer a heeled choice, then look out for a block heel that is more stable than thinner heels. The Kate Spade pumps (below) come in a classic print that would look good with your black opaque tights.
Kate Spade New York Leandra Loafer Pumps
The silver loafers (below) come in a metallic shade that will go with everything and they come with a cushioned footbed.
Johnston & Murphy Gracelyn Chain Loafers
Naturalizer’s Darry loafers come in a choice of 8 colors and they have contour cushioning technology to keep you comfy.
Naturalizer Darry Loafers
(Zappos / Amazon)
We’ve shown you a silver pair, so now onto gold. The J.Crew Penny loafers (below) combine two trends in one – featuring gold and crocodile textures.
Practical in black patent for easy cleaning, but with a buckle to elevate the style, the AllSaints loafers (below) also come with a lug sole for stability.
AllSaints Emily Buckle Patent Leather Loafer Shoes
Add a pop of color on the dullest of days with the red Boden loafers (below), which come with a chunky snaffle detail.
Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) opts for gray loafers with her wide jeans.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, jeans, loafers, scarf and belt.
Brogues and oxfords for winter
Steal inspiration from menswear with winter with a pair of brogues. We love the classic styling mixed with the chunky soles of the Steve Madden shoes (below).
Steve Madden Lance Oxford
(Zappos / Amazon)
A two-tone option is another great choice for winter. Try to choose the darker color towards the bottom in case of any rain splashes.
Cole Haan Originalgrand Platform Wing Tip Oxford
(Zappos / Amazon)
You know we love our metallic shoes at 40+ Style, so we couldn’t resist another pair. The Cole Haan Oxfords (below) are a very classic shape and the neutral color means they will match anything in your closet.
Cole Haan The Go-to Arden Oxford
The two-tone sole of the SoftWalk shoes (below) adds an on-trend element. Plus, we love the dark gray shade for winter.
Vionic is always a great choice if you’re looking for comfy shoes. The lace-up loafers (below) have a shiny finish that is easy to wipe off after a day outside.
Vionic Alfina Comfort Lace-Up Loafers
(Zappos / Amazon)
A heeled choice now, but with the feel of brogues. Perfect if you love a preppy look. Wear with your black tights.
DREAM PAIRS T-Strap Heel Oxford
The chunky sole lace-ups (below) come in a huge choice of colors, and have great reviews from women who say they are a conversation starter.
FOWT Perforated Lace-Up Oxford
A similar style, but with a flat sole, the lace-up brogues (below) also come in a good choice of colorful shades and neutrals. Wearers say they get lots of compliments when they wear them.
Mona flying Leather Perforated Lace-up Brogue
sneakers
Moving onto sneakers, which are a great choice no matter what the season. The Taos sneakers (below) have a cozy lining to keep you warm.
Taos Footwear Starline Sneakers
(Zappos / Amazon)
Dr Scholl’s sneakers (below) are sustainably made and cushioned for comfort. The platform sole helps to protect your shoes from wet weather.
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Madison Lace Sneaker Oxford
(Zappos / Amazon)
We’ve chosen the Sorel sneakers (below) because of their waterproof properties. They have a seam-sealed construction to keep out the elements.
SOREL Out N About™ III Waterproof Low Sneakers
(Zappos / Amazon)
Steve Madden’s black and white sneakers will add an on-trend element to your looks because of the chunky sole.
Another waterproof choice for you, the On Cloudrunner sneakers (below) come in lots of color combinations and are great for exercising outdoors, or just for casual days.
On Cloudrunner Waterproof Sneakers
A true classic, the three-stripe adidas sneakers have a higher sole to help keep you dry.
We’re a big fan of Fly London sneakers for warmer weather, so we couldn’t resist adding a pair of Fly London sneakers to this list. The wedge heel is perfect to add some height.
FLY London Dito Sneaker
(Zappos / Amazon)
The chain detail on the Vaneli Yazz sneakers elevates this slip-on style.
A pair of gold sneakers is the perfect way to add glamour to even the simplest of outfits.
AllSaints Shana Metallic Low Top Leather Sneakers
Leopard print will never go out of style. Wear the Boden flatform sneakers (below) with your favorite jeans or leather pants.
Boden Leopard Pony Flatform Sneakers
Susan @susan_unefemme above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of sneakers with her brown leather pants.
Check out this similar sweater, cardigan, pants, sneakers, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.
What are your favorite shoes for winter?
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Continue reading:
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 11 Ways Do You Use?
- Shoes For Fall and Winter 2023 – The Best Fall Shoe Trends
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Feature image by Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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