Fashion

18 Winter Shoes That Are Warm Enough To Wear Without Thick Socks

by Kara McGrath
Velvet Chukka Winter Boots
Courtesy Avec Les Filles

Bustle and Coveteur are working together to bring you the best mix of the season's fashion and beauty releases, shopping tips, and service stories in ways that are both inspirational, and attainable. Check The Fall Style Edit channel weekly to see what we're up to.

As we enter the final quarter of the second warmest year on record, dressing appropriately for the weather continues to be sort of a head-scratcher. The need for clothes and accessories that work equally well for chilly mornings and hotter afternoons is real, which is where these flats, boots, and sneakers that keep you warm come in. They're perfect for days when you don't want to put on tights, but can't exactly get away with wearing your summer sandals.

The footwear below features plenty of rubber soles (to keep you elevated off wet or chilly sidewalks) and weatherproof materials that are crucial for footwear that'll keep your toes warm. And, of course, if we do ever experience a proper, snowy winter, you can add a nice pair of thick socks to ensure your feet stay nice and cozy. Best of all, brands are coming out with cold-proof shoes that actually look good with every sort of outfit. Here are 18 picks to kick off your pre-snow season shopping.

1Navy Nubuck

Rafalo Boot, $250, Alias Mae

Nubuck is warm like suede, but tends to be a little harder to ruin. These navy boots would work well for a wide range of occasions, from pretty fancy to hella casual.

2Velvet Floral Loafers

Sole Society Hadlee Loafer, $80, Sole Society

Flats and loafers will never be the best shoe choice for the middle of a snowy winter, but a velvet version can keep your toes pretty cozy in milder climates.

3Shearling Trimmed Boots

Ingram Booties, $149, Nine West

Arguably the best part of these super-warm boots are the buckles, which let you widen them up to fit thick socks when needed.

4Fur Lined Mules

Vagabond Katlin Embroidered Faux Fur Lined Mules, $127, ASOS

Anyone who wore fur-lined flats this spring know they keep your feet surprisingly toasty.

5Wool Sneakers

Abbot Lace Sneaker, $108, Dr. Scholl's

Wool sneakers are just about the warmest type of sneaker around, especially with a thick rubber sole to keep you elevated away from any puddles of melted snow.

6Wine-Colored Hiking Boots

Darrah Hiking Bootie, $150, Sam Edelman

They might be inspired by hiking gear, but these booties would come in just as handy during your trek to a mid-January happy hour.

7Velvet Chukka Boot

Demi, $228, Avec Les Filles

Yes, the velvet on these looks cozy as heck, but that's not what makes them winter-proof: The rubber soles will help keep your feet dry, which is key for ensuring your tootsies stay warm.

8Flannel Sneakers

Janis Flannel High-Top Sneakers, $79, GUESS

The cozy flannel of your favorite plaid makes it way to your sneakers.

9Metallic Boots

madden NYC Josiee Women's High Heel Combat Boots, $60, Kohl's

The higher the heel, the further away from the chilly sidewalk.

10Faux Fur Slippers

Slippers With Faux Fur Detail, $50, Zara

Faux fur on the tongue and padding inside make these slippers a bit cozier than your average flats.

11Over-The-Knee Boots

ASOS KITSCH Wide Fit Chunky Over The Knee Boots, $79, ASOS

OTK boots will always keep you warmer than booties, especially with a chunky rubber sole like these.

12Shearling Sneakers

Superga High Top Flat, $109, Sole Society

Have you ever seen cozier-looking sneakers in your life?! If the idea of keeping white shoes clean in the winter makes you nervous, you can snag the green version of these instead.

13Pink Booties

Women's Timberland Authentics Waterproof Fold-Down Boots, $165, Timberland

Waterproof suede and leather meet a teddy fleece lining in these good-for-every-type-of-cold booties.

14Wedge Booties

Winter, $198, Botkier

These boots are just called "Winter." Do you really need any more info?

15Velvet Sock Boots

Eshella Booties, $99, Nine West

The higher top of sock booties provides more protection from the elements than your average ankle style.

16Shearling Boots

Shellys London Forrest Faux Shearling Platform Bootie, $89, Nordstrom

Forget a warm shearling lining — these boots were dipped in the stuff.

17Neoprene Boots

Nadia Zip, $240, Clarks

These boots are made from neoprene, aka the same material that makes wetsuits so warm.

18Fur-Lined Strappy Heels

Faux Fur High Heel Sandals With Beads, $219, Zara

OK, so maybe don't wear these to shovel the driveway, but they'll probably be the warmest open-toe sandals you'll ever put on your feet.

19