After that whole polar vortex situation last winter, we’re serious about finding ways to keep warm and battle the elements. And that includes our feet. As we learned the hard way, just-your-average shoes don’t mix well with blistering cold temps and three plus inches of snow and black ice. So if you’re as ready as we are to kick inclement weather to the curb (and give your feet a fighting chance), get scrolling for some of our top winter boot picks.
1. Cougar Cranbook Boots ($150): With these silvery boots, the elements don’t stand a chance. Polar plush lining and a cold rating of -30 degrees Celsius/ -22 degrees Fahrenheit mean that even in the coldest temps, your feet will be super toasty. Plus, they’re waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about wading through slush-lined streets and ankle-deep puddles.
2. Sorel Snowlion XT Boots ($120): Just like its name, the Snowlion boot from Sorel is fierce. It offers top-of-the-line protection from extreme conditions, plus the multidirectional lug gives you enhanced traction, so wiping out isn’t even a possibility.
3. Free People Leopard Icon Hiker Boot ($228): Okay, so you may not want to wade through knee-high snow drifts in these babies, but the treaded rubber soles are ready to tackle all those slippery surfaces. With a leopard print and pony-hair upper, you’ll want to rock these hip boots long after the last drop of snow melts.
4. Woolrich Women’s Roadhouse Plaid Boot ($350): As tempting as it might be to get suited up in full-blown snow gear, it’s not always practical. Instead, consider pieces that do double duty, like the Roadhouse boot. Whether you wear them over skinny jeans or fleece-lined tights, you’ll be ready to take on anything chilly that comes your way.
5. Native Jimmy Print Boots ($105): Your feet will forget what snow and freezing rain feel like when you take to the streets in a pair of Native boots. A water resistant upper keeps dampness out so your feet stay nice and dry, while the micro-fleece lining gives you just the right amount of insulation to beat those arctic temps.
6. Matt Bernson Windsor Wool Plaid Hiker Boot ($349): Even if we don’t totally love the negative temps and shoveling that go along with the winter months, if it means we can wear these wooly, leather lace-ups, we’re willing to suck it up.
7. Joie Norfolk Leather Boot ($200): The lugged outsoles on these vintage-inspired hikers mean business. Get your hands on a pair of -30 below merino wool socks, and you’ll be set.
8. Free People Out N About Glow Weather Boot ($100): Not only are these ankle boots crazy cute, they’re waterproof too, which means your feet will be singing your praises when the snow and sleet start to fall.
9. Tecnica Moon Boot W.E. Monaco Felt ($160): They may be designed for hopping around in zero gravity, but Moon Boots are pretty good for dashing through snow and slush here on Earth too. These iconic stompers are still going strong thanks to their waterproof nylon construction, hardy rubber sole and felt lining that help keep feet dry whether you’re on the slopes or strolling the city streets.
10. Sorel Women’s Glacy Explorer Shortie Boot ($125): If battling the elements is part of your daily routine, you need to get on these souped-up Sorels. From a waterproof suede leather and canvas upper to the cozy fleece lining and a tough rubber sole with serious grips, inclement weather can’t hold you down. Plus, if your feet need major support, they’ll find it in the molded EVA footbed.
11. Pendleton by Pendleton X Dr. Martens ($155): What happens when you mix Dr. Martens iconic boots with Pendleton’s intricately designed wool? Something pretty amazing. This winning collaboration is one you won’t want to pass up.
12. Tory Burch Abbott Quilted Shearling Boots ($300): Tory Burch gives classic, hunter-style boots a modern edge with vegan leather and shearling-lined cuffs that can be worn up or down, so you can switch up your style.
13. Woolrich Balt Buffalo Plaid Moto Boot ($225): You don’t have to ditch your favorite kicks just because there’s snow on the ground. Edgy ankle-length moto boots get winter ready with plaid wool paneling and tough rubber soles, so you can keep warm while still rockin’ your cool downtown style all winter long.
14. Merrell Decora Prelude Waterproof ($200): These stylish boots have all the features you’re looking for without the hefty price tag. Underneath the cute faux fur collar and waterproof ivory suede upper are some heavy-duty details like an impermeable membrane, which seals out water and lets moisture escape.
15. Sorel Slimpback Riding Boot ($210): If you live for your leather riding boots and would rather clear your social calendar than drag them through snow and sleet, then we just found your winter boot soulmate. With these, a few snowflakes will never stop you from hitting up happy hour or Sunday brunch again.
What are you wearing on your feet this winter? Tell us in the comments!
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.