Step Into Winter: The Hunt for the Perfect Cold-Weather Boots
The perfect winter boot doesn't exi ...
Here’s what you can expect from this issue
Let’s dive into the essentials—what really goes into finding a boot that’s warm, stylish, comfortable, and durable enough to brave the winter chill.
The five boot styles from my own closet that I can’t live without, and why they’re total winter lifesavers.
Get inspired with a moodboard full of winter outfits featuring fabulous boots—proving once and for all that winter style doesn’t have to be boring!
Take a peek at my current boot wishlist, with pairs I’m dreaming of adding to my collection. Cozy, cool, and versatile, these are styles I’m keeping my eye on.
And, drumroll… the boot that won my heart (if I can still find it in stock!). Fingers crossed it’s not sold out everywhere—wish me luck!
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We’re kicking off the very first edition of More Than Beige with cozy, warm feet. Because let’s be honest—whether you’re spending the day outside in the winter chill or sitting motionless at a desk for hours, there’s hardly anything worse than getting ice-cold feet.
Now, I’m a summer girl through and through. Everything just feels easier when it’s warm out, especially picking outfits. But since my reality here in Berlin includes way more cold months than warm ones, I’ve had to face the facts—and figure out how to dress for the season.
When it comes to winter wear, there are a few categories I’ve got down: coats, sweaters, scarves, hats. No problem. But boots? Boots are my nemesis. So, for the first issue of More Than Beige, I’m tackling the winter essential second only to a good coat: winter boots.
My Top 5 Tried-and-True Styles
Now, it’s time to break down exactly what your winter shoe wardrobe really needs. Sure, you could own more (because, let’s face it, buying and styling shoes is fun—who am I kidding?), but with these five pairs, you can pretty much handle any cold-weather situation.
Warm-lined Boots. Sure, you can stretch out the season with cashmere or Heattech socks, but once it hits around 3°C and you're out for long walks, I always turn to my sheepskin-lined boots. And for all the vegans out there, there are plenty of teddy-fleece versions, too.
Waterproof Boots. We all want suede jackets and bags right now, but suede boots, too, right? They’re gorgeous, no doubt, but not exactly practical. On rainy or snowy days, your trusty mud boots are your lifesaver.
A Simple Ankle Boot. I have to admit—these little boots are actually the most versatile. In a dark color with a flat heel, they’re great for everyday wear or the office.
A Heeled Ankle Boot. The shaft height depends on whether you're more of a skirts-and-dresses kind of person, or if you're into pants and jeans. With a (small) heel, these boots are perfect for parties or meetings.
Knee-high Boots. Never wear short dresses or skirts? A cowboy boot looks great over jeans too—Lady Di was rocking it over 30 years ago. Depending on your style, you can wear slouchy boots, cowboy boots, biker boots, or sleek knee-highs. Trust me, it’ll spice up your wardrobe.
A Moodboard of Winter Boot Looks
When I look at my current moodboard, one thing’s clear: no crazy looks for fashion shoots. In winter, it’s all about practicality and warmth. Before pregnancy and breastfeeding, I was all about dresses and tights—loved them especially in winter time! Fast forward two years, and my winter wardrobe is almost completely devoid of warm dresses or skirts. My tights? Let’s just say they’ve been gathering dust in the drawer. These days, I’m all about blue jeans, a cozy knit sweater, and a wool coat. After years of pandemic life and dark Berlin winters, I can’t stand the sight of my long black puffer coat anymore. It’s time to let it go—I’m definitely selling it!
Here’s what I’ve learned from curating my own moodboard: Right now, I’m totally into browns (no surprise after my color consultation) and desperately need boots that work well with blue jeans. Lately, I’m drawn to boots with slightly square or pointed toes and actively avoiding overly round styles.
Here’s my personal challenge, though: I’m completely in love with elegant (suede) boots, but let’s be real—they just don’t suit my daily life. I need something versatile, a pair I can wear to meetings and events but also keep on when I’m rushing to pick up my kid from daycare. No shoe swaps required!
My Wishlist
Which brings me to my boot wish list—and no, not one of those “if I were rich” fantasy lists. I’ve promised myself to make only thoughtful purchases from now on—which is probably why it’s early December, and I’m still standing here without winter boots.
I also can’t help but notice how much prices have skyrocketed, especially in the shoe category. It feels like there are either super cheap options or wildly expensive ones, with nothing left in between. That’s why this purchase needs to be a carefully considered one...
These Gucci boots are literally keeping me up at night. I have a talent for falling in love with things only after they’re sold out everywhere—and, of course, that’s exactly what’s happened here. They’re still available in camel, black, and olive in some sizes, but naturally, I’ve set my heart on the dark brown ones. Are they practical in suede? Absolutely not. But hey, the (fashion) heart wants what it wants. If anyone spots them in a 39, 39.5, or 40, there’s a reward waiting for you!
This pair from Dries van Noten is probably the more practical—but unfortunately not cheaper—alternative. I love the vibe, which is similar to what drew me to the Gucci boots: that perfect mix of loafer and boot. A little chunky, but not over-the-top clunky.
Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I hadn’t found the high-street version of the Gucci boots! These ones from Massimo Dutti come close, but I’m not 100% sold—the color and the lack of that signature metal detail leave me feeling a little meh. Plus, I’m slightly worried about comfort. Sure, expensive doesn’t always mean better, but let’s be honest… it kind of does more often than not, right?
Okay, this is the kind of boot that would definitely make my mom happy. It looks comfy, timeless, and it’s dark brown—not suede, thankfully. I can totally see it working with jeans too. But… does it maybe make every outfit look just a little too sporty?
Dark brown, smooth leather, and definitely a touch cooler than Aeyde’s hiking-inspired boots. This pair from Paris Texas has that effortless je ne sais quoi vibe French women are known for—I can already see how they’d instantly make any outfit look cooler. Plus, I’ve had knee-high cowboy boots in rotation for years, so why not switch it up with an ankle-length pair for a change?
Maybe it’s time to consider a slightly more elegant addition to my shoe collection? This model from Aeyde feels just about perfect. It’s suede (yes, a fair-weather shoe is allowed!), and unlike the ones from Toteme and Arket, it doesn’t have a kitten heel. Instead, it features a straight, sturdy design—so much more realistic for my day-to-day life than teetering around on a tiny heel.
And Finally: The Boot I Chose
Let’s be real—I’ve done two flea markets recently and saved like crazy. I’m ready to invest in a pair of boots. And if I somehow, somewhere (okay, preferably without customs fees) manage to find the dark brown Gucci Horsebit boots, lined or unlined, I’m snapping them up in a heartbeat!
Until then, I’m selling last year’s regret purchase—my gorgeous brown Sandro boots that, even with a cobbler’s pad, give me the absolute worst blisters after just 100 meters. Ouch. In the meantime, I’m considering a slightly more budget-friendly option. The brown suede boots from Aeyde or the cowboy boots from Paris Texas feel like a smart addition to my wardrobe and would definitely elevate my outfits. And when I do finally get my hands on those Gucci boots? Well, they’re different enough that I’ll absolutely be able to justify both. At least, to myself.
If you have any boot suggestions that fit my vibe or if you’ve found the perfect pair yourself, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below!
Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s coming your way in the next issue:
This week, you’re in for an extra newsletter treat—why, you ask? It’s Black Friday, of course! Over on Instagram, you asked for a hand-picked selection of the best sales, and you know I’ve got you covered. So, see you here bright and early Friday morning—I can’t wait!
The Aeyde ones made it to my list! I also love the Arket Booties, had them years before and unless the Totême ones (tried them all 🫣), they are very comfy. But the heels are covered in leather, which doesn't harmonize at all with the Berlin streets. Such a pity!