Are you wondering if you can wear shoes in the winter? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As a Canadian, I’ve experienced my fair share of harsh winters.
As someone who doesn’t particularly like wearing winter boots, I’ve had to find ways to adapt over the years. Which raises the question…
Can You Wear Shoes In The Winter?
In the winter, wearing a pair of shoes is more comfortable, stylish and easier for walking compared to wearing a pair of winter boots. If you live in a climate with heavy snowfall, slush and ice, wearing a pair of winter boots is a better option. Shoes are best for mild winter days when it’s not snowing.
In this post, I share why you should wear shoes in the winter and 7 winter shoe recommendations.
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Why You Should Wear Shoes In The Winter?
1. Style
When it comes to winter outfits, boots are often not very stylish. During the winter months, many people will focus on staying warm instead of dressing well.
In reality, you can still dress well in the winter while staying warm. What many people don’t know is that if you find the right shoes, your feet will stay dry and warm.
When it comes to style, there’s no denying that shoes look a lot better than any winter footwear. Unless you’re spending hours at a time outside in deep snow or if it’s really icy, there is no reason not to wear shoes in the winter.
If you live in a climate with ultra cold weather and lots of ice, it may be better to wear winter boots. There’s no denying that winter boots will always be warmer and offer more grip on ice.
However, if you’re staying outside for short periods of time, just throw on a pair of sneakers.
When I was in college, I would always wear shoes in the winter, because they looked better and they were more comfortable. Since I was only walking from my car to the school, I was never outside long enough for my feet to get cold.
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2. Comfort
Winter boots may be warm, however they will never be as comfortable as shoes. I think most people would agree that winter boots just aren’t that comfortable to walk around in.
If you’re going to work, school or the mall, you’re going to want to wear a pair of shoes throughout the day, instead of a pair of winter boots.
What’s important is finding a pair of shoes that will keep your feet dry, warm, comfortable and look good.
If you’re looking for a middle ground between winter boots and shoes, certain companies make winter shoes. They area hybrid between winter boots and shoes and they are a great option for the winter weather.
3. Mobility
A big reason why I don’t like to wear winter boots is because of the mobility. When wearing a pair of boots in the winter, you can’t walk as quick and your legs get tired easily.
Whereas if you wear a pair of shoes in the winter, you can walk quicker and they will be lighter on your feet. Wearing shoes are also easier to take on and off compared to winter boots.
If you’re walking for short distances during the winter season, it doesn’t get much better than wearing a pair of shoes.
If you’re worried about getting cold feet, try throwing on a pair of wool socks. A pair of wool socks should be apart of everyones winter wardrobes, for those cold winter days.
7 Best Winter Shoes
Here’s a list of the best shoes for the winter:
1. Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith is a shoe that like good at all times of the year. Whether if they’re for the summer, spring, fall or winter, the Adidas Stan Smiths will go well with any outfit.
If you’re looking for an affordable shoes that is perfect for casual wear, the Adidas Stan Smith is a good option.
Recommended: Adidas Stan Smith (see price on Amazon)
2. Lacoste Carnaby
The Lacoste Carnaby sneakers are nice leather shoes that are perfect for the winter. These are a casual shoe that looks great with a pair of jeans.
These are a great choice for those cold days of winter when you don’t want to wear winter boots. If you wear these with a pair of thick socks, your feet will stay nice and warm all winter long.
Recommended: Lacoste Carnaby (see over 2,200 positive reviews)
3. Nike Blazer Mid ’77
During the colder months, you may want a pair of high top shoes for those snowy days. These Nike Blazer Mid ’77 have a leather upper and a rubber sole which actually makes them quite good for the winter.
If you throw these shoes on with a North Face jacket, you will look very stylish this winter.
Recommended: Nike Blazer Mid ’77 (see different colors on Amazon)
Related: Are Nike Blazers Worth It? Nike Blazer Mid 77 (Review)
4. New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 is currently one of the most sought after shoe styles on the sneaker market. If you live in a climate that doesn’t get heavy snow throughout the winter, the New Balance 550 is a great option.
These shoes have blown up on TikTok and Instagram and are going to be worn by consumers all winter long.
If you’re looking for a pair of New Balance 550s check out the New Balance website online.
5. Nike Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 has been Nikes best selling shoe for a long time. As someone who lives in a cold climate, these shoes are worn by people all year round.
Since these shoes are so versatile, there’s no reason not to wear them in the winter. As long as you’re not walking through heavy snow or slush, there’s no reason that these shoes won’t keep your feet dry.
Be aware that some people find these shoes hard to wear on icy days!
Recommended: Nike Air Force 1 (see price on Amazon)
6. Chelsea Boots
Chelsea Boots are a good hybrid between winter boots and shoes. Compared to traditional snow boots, Chelsea Boots fit right above the ankle whereas snow boots fit further up the leg around the shin area.
The great thing about Chelsea Boots is that they are extremely stylish. These go great with a pair of skinny jeans or pants and will have you looking stylish all winter long.
If you like the look of ankle boots, then you will love the Chelsea Boots.
Recommended: Chelsea Boots (see over 11,000 positive reviews on Amazon)
7. UGG BUUTE
UGGs are known for making some of the best winter boots on the marks. The thing that I like about the UGG BUUTE is that the upper part can be folded over to be more like an ankle boot.
This makes the winter boot super versatile and perfect for the colder weather. UGG boots are water resistant so you never have to worry about getting wet feet in these boots.
The look is certainly not as stylish as the shoes mentioned above, however these boots are super practical. These are the water boots I use for when I spend long periods of time outdoors in the winter.
Recommended: UGG BUUTE
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Final Thoughts On Can You Wear Shoes In The Winter
Wearing shoes in the winter is a serious game changer. It’s no secret that shoes will be less practical, however they are better if you are spending short periods of time outside.
If you live in a climate that gets a lot of ice, be careful wearing sneakers outdoors! Shoes offer way less traction on ice compared to winter boots.
In this post, I shared if you can wear shoes in the winter, why shoes are good for the winter and some winter shoes recommendations.
Do you wear shoes in the winter? Please let me know in the comments below.