Where Can I Get a Fashionable Winter Boot?

A reader begs for help in locating footwear that is both attractive and warm.

When it comes to cold-weather outfit ideas, my go-to recommendation is simple: Look to the Sundance Film Festival for inspiration.

After all, nowhere else will you find so many concentrated examples of individuals (or, to be honest, people's stylists) who have had to consider dressing elegantly for both the snow and public opinion, while yet remaining sympathetic. Unlike award show red carpets, Sundance has celebrities dressed casually for the occasion. And there are so many options to pick from for different ages, personalities, and styles!

Sundance, like many other January events, has unfortunately gone virtual. The bad news is this. The good news is that snow-boot fashion is basically timeless. While you won't be able to buy the look, you can get some ideas by looking through previous years.

Indeed, there is little difference between fashionable footwear in 2012 and popular footwear in 2020, which implies that investing in a decent pair of boots, which is just a sensible option from a protective-gear viewpoint, is also a good choice from a fashion one. This is ideally a one-and-done shoe scenario.

Sorel has traditionally been the most popular brand during Sundance. The Joan of Arctic line also includes a wedge-heeled winter boot. Whatever brand you choose with, the goal is to combine the essential technical features (waterproof, insulated, and with a non-skid sole, according to Lowa's specialists) with enough style to make your boots more than a need, but an accessory.

After then, you have two options.

First, embrace the snow boot's inherent snowiness by choosing a huge puffer style that is unapologetically performance-oriented. When you get inside, this may appear like an odd decision, but it has an ironic charm that is also a good discussion starter.