Shoes
Feb 6, 2024

These 4 Winter Shoe Trends Are Out, and These 4 Are In—That's All

by Aemilia Madden

maxi skirt and ballet flats outfit

Photo:

@brittanybathgate

I'll give you five seconds to name the first shoes that come to mind when you think of winter. Was it Uggs? What about ski boots? Come cold weather, the shoes that first come to mind are those that are durable, practical, and cozy. This winter, I'm here to tell you my favorite shoe trends to know put practicality at play with style. Unlike painful and impractical trends of the past, these comfortable shoes are among my favorites. As someone who much prefers warm weather to cold, I think of these four styles as the summer person's winter footwear starter pack. They embody the ease of Birkenstocks and block-heel sandals but keep the toes covered and can be layered with a pair of cashmere socks when the occasion calls for it.

One thing I do love about dressing during winter is how easy it is to play with textures and layer in ways that make outfits feel thoughtful and complex. Within each of the four shoe trends I'm highlighting as worth your while for winter, I wanted to show versatility with a range of materials and colors. Think velvet Mary Janes, a decidedly indoor shoe style that I want to break out for a nice dinner, or weather-resistant sneakers in a shocking green that make even the gloomiest rainy day feel brighter. Whether you're more of a minimalist or your cold-weather style is sporty, there's a shoe style for you to enjoy.

A woman wearing red sneakers

Photo:

@stella_vonsenger

Swap all-white sneakers for something a bit punchier that better hides puddle stains this winter. While minimal shoes will always be a neutral choice, opting for color can put a unique twist on your everyday style. Use them to dress up jeans and a casual tee, or coordinate your sneakers with the rest of your outfit.

Salomon XT-6 Mesh and Rubber Trainers

XT-6 Mesh and Rubber Trainers

These sporty sneakers add a touch of lime green to your look.

New Balance 574 Core

Classic red looks good with neutrals.

Adidas Gazelle Sneaker

Gazelle Sneaker

For the bold dresser, here's a unique color combo.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Sneaker

Zoom Vomero 5 Sneaker

For a subtler intro into colorful shoes, try an ink green.

An outfit with a mini skirt and boots

Photo:

@slipintostyle

When it comes to winter boot styles, you want a pair that's loose enough around the calf that it's easy to tuck pants or tights inside. A wider bucket silhouette is sleek but unfussy, which makes it an easy style to dress up or down. Ditch the fitted scuba styles for something with a bit more breathing room.

Mango Leather High-Leg Boots

Leather High-Leg Boots

If you want a bit higher of a heel, these are our pick.

Larroude Ricky Boot

A chunky heel makes walking easy.

Reformation Nancy Knee Boot

Nancy Knee Boot

Classic black boots will always be in style.

Tory Burch Riding Boot

Style these riding boots with black tights and a miniskirt.

Madewell The Drumgold Boot

The Drumgold Boot

Light brown is great for styling with workwear.

Ganni Biker Tubular Mid Shaft Boots

Biker Tubular Mid Shaft Boots

A metallic heel is just the right amount of trendy.

A woman wearing red socks and loafers

Photo:

@annelauremais

Winter walking can be hazardous, so you'll want to make sure your shoes don't make things even more difficult. Sleek loafers add a dressy touch but are functional enough to spend all day in. Wear them with bold socks to make your whole look pop.

Last Matter Loafers

Lug-sole loafers offer enough grip for navigating the snow.

Sam Edelman Colin Penny Loafer

Colin Penny Loafer

Sleek brown loafers can transition from winter to summer with ease.

G.H.Bass Whitney Leather Loafer

Whitney Leather Loafer

These are the classic loafers you'll wear forever.

Coach Leah Platform Loafer

Leah Platform Loafer

Add some extra height with a lifted sole.

Ecco Penny Loafer

Keep it simple with round-toe loafers.

Franco Sarto Edith Penny Loafer

Edith Penny Loafer

Lighter loafers in a unique textured fabric stands out for special occasions.

A woman in a dark skirt and mary janes

Photo:

@brittanybathgate

Keep it simple with a pair of sleek Mary Jane flats, the current It style when it comes to minimal flat footwear. These comfortable and cute shoes are our favorite way to make your collection of everyday basics feel fresh again.

Loeffler Randall Ginger Mary Jane Flats

Loeffler Randall

Ginger Mary Jane Flats

Try a classic checked print on for size.

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat

Bethany Ballet Flat

You'll never want to take these off.

Naturalizer Kelly Mary Jane Flat

Kelly Mary Jane Flat

Classic black Mary Janes are a throwback to preppy style.

Aeyde Uma Leather Mary Jane Flats

Uma Leather Mary Jane Flats

This minimal silhouette is our favorite for dressy occasions.