Winter Shoes

Alexandra Skinnion
Kappa Alpha Theta

Booties

Suede booties are everywhere this season—and for good reason.  From job interviews, to a fancy dinner, to a frat party, they’re always there to put a little pep in your step.  Because they are relatively simply designed, they match with mostly every outfit.  They also easily adapt to the general vibe of your outfit—if you’re going with a professional vibe, they’ll fit right in; however, if you’re going for something more outgoing, they also are easily spiced up.  Booties go great with a pair of dress pants, jeans, leggings, or even a dress. 

Riding Boots

Riding boots are my personal favorite winter shoe.  They offer warmth, durability, and comfort, all without the bulk of an actual winter boot.  They also adapt well into any outfit—they’re easily dressed up and dressed down, depending on what you wear them with.  Riding boots are also easily made waterproof with any spray you can pick up at a shoe store, making them even that much more great for winter use.

Flats

Flats are a great closed-toe shoe option that offer lots of comfort—definitely a necessity on a campus as large as Cornell, were students walk usually a couple of miles going to and from classes each day.  Flats are an easy way to add a splash of color to any outfit.  The only downside to them is that they don’t have much traction or durability when walking long distances outside.  So, if you don’t have a ride up the Slope, don’t count on your flats getting you up there!

Uggs

While Uggs may be outdated (everyone rocked these back in middle school!) I am still a huge fan.  They’re so easy to slip on over a pair of sweats or jeans when all you want is to just be warm and comfortable.  While these are not as easily waterproofed as riding boots, they can also be treated with a special suede spray to make them more resistant to water stains.  They are still definitely not a great choice when it’s snowy outside though; the snow can leave tough-to-get-out stains, and if there are trace of ice melt or salt in the water, once the wetness dries, it can leave a salty residue on your boots.

Rain Boots

Tall rain boots are a great option when we’re getting the typical wintry mix weather here in Ithaca.  When the precipitation isn’t quite heavy enough to be snow, but definitely isn’t rain either, rain boots still work as good protection against the elements.  They’re more comfortable than bulky, heavy snow boots, and can be just as warm when worn with a sock-like fleece or wool insert.  They have great traction and keep your feet and legs from getting wet.

Snow Boots

My Sorrel snow boots are hands-down the best investment I’ve ever made.  They are incredibly warm, and are so sturdy that I feel like I can walk through anything.  They have great traction, which comes in handy when navigating Cornell’s hilly campus; they’ve definitely saved me from falling flat on my face quite a few times.  Their only downside is that once I’m indoors, they start to feel heavy since I no longer need the extra durability.