Julie Rath: Give ‘Em The Boot

Are you ever stuck with what to wear on your feet when the weather turns foul?

Today the sun’s shining in NYC, but recent events prove the need for protective footwear. Below are my top 6 picks in a range of styles.

1) Grenson Spike ($485) — For the sharp-dressed man, these Grensons are an update on the traditional LL Bean duck boot (another solid option if you’re a more of a traditionalist). Don’t be afraid to rock them with a suit.

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2) Blundstone 500 ($150) — These boots were originally made for ranchers in the Australian outback, so they should be able to handle a trek through midtown Manhattan. The water-resistant leather keeps you dry without sacrificing style, and the front and back pulls and elastic side panels make them easy to pull on and off.

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3) Concepts x Sorel ($250) — I am very much into the handsomely quirky combination of materials on these boots: leather + herringbone + rubber = perfection. On top of that, they’re seam-sealed waterproof and have a removable washable liner for when your dogs bark.

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4) Diemme Roccia Vet ($373) –This medium blue packs the perfect punch of color when you want to think outside the box — but not too far outside it. It also comes in a number of other color combinations (many of them not for the faint-hearted), which you can view here. The flexible, no-slip vibram sole will keep you upright even during an arctic blast.

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5) DVS Shoe Company Yodeler Snow ($130) — Another completely waterproof option, the Yodelers were designed by pro snowboarder John Jackson. Though they’re undeniably sporty, they also have a sleek vibe that works for city life just as well as mountainside.

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6) Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Lined Winter Boot ($1120) — Definitely an investment, these high-performance babies are lined with the brand’s signature premium cashmere. They’re elegance meets functionality at its best. And if you take care of them, they’ll last a lifetime.

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Designers and stores alike have been putting increased emphasis on stylish, weather-friendly boots over the past few seasons. And that’s good news because you no longer have to rely on frumpy footwear to get you through the muck. Even if you don’t consider yourself a boot guy, or have never owned anything like this, I encourage you to try it out. It’s a great way to mix things up with your wardrobe. Don’t forget, if you’re going to be in an office all day, it’s perfectly fine to carry your dress shoes and change into them once you arrive. And if you’re wondering about the tucking question, I wrote an entire article on that: click. But whatever you do, promise me you won’t brave the cold without a solid pair of boots this winter.

Do you have a favorite boot from this list — or otherwise? Leave me a comment below.