If one time of year has the widest variety of shoe options, we’d argue that it’s winter. Boots, loafers, mules—the options of what you can put on your feet are endless, but not always considered equal. We’re gearing up for the chilliest season of the year by giving some of our winter shoes a break, and opting for 2023-ified twists on them instead.
While there will always be a time and a place for the classics, this winter, we’re having a little more fun on our feet with kitten heels, retro-inspired sneakers, and a whole lot of other options that will have venturing into the cold sound just fine—hey, anything to wear our new kicks.
These are the shoes we’re putting on pause this season, and what we’re swapping them out for instead. Our eyes are on you, silver kitten heels.
Nixing: Block-heel boots | Wearing: Pointed-toe kitten-heel boots
Of course we aren’t ridding ourselves of our block-heel boots, but this winter, we’re opting for a more minimal heel. Kitten-heeled boots are just as easy to style, but add an element of femininity that block-heels don’t. They especially shine in the form of a taller, knee-high boot.
Nixing: Chunky knee-high boots | Wearing: Riding boots
Last year, knee-high boots with thick, lug soles dominated the boot realm. But this season, we’re looking to its more classic cousin, the riding boot. With a more minimal silhouette, they’re undeniably easier to style, and are a more timeless choice, too. We’re opting for pairs that have a bit of room in the calf to give a cooler, more relaxed effect.
Nixing: Chelsea boots | Wearing: Lug-sole boots
Instead of our classic, minimal Chelsea boots, we’re continuing to wear our edgy, lug-soled ones. They add a bit more “oomph” to a look than more minimal versions, and especially during a season where snow and slush is likely, we’re taking advantage of them.
Nixing: Full-backed high heels | Wearing: Pointed-toe kitten heels
Rather than full-backed, super-high heels, we’re opting for lower, pointed-toe ones in the form of mules or sling-backs. Not only are they easier to walk around in (huge win!), but they feel a bit more modern and chic, too. Especially around the holiday season, they’re a welcome upgrade to our tried-and-true heels.
