The Best Winter Shoe Alternatives To Boots

By Alexia Gonzalez on February 3, 2015

Come the beginning of cold weather season, nothing seems more exciting than pulling out your fave riding boots from the depths of your closet and wrapping your neck in that trendy new knit scarf.

Winter fashions may be flattering and initially chic, with classy coats and slimming leggings (perfect for hiding that holiday weight), but in truth the novelty of being bundled up and covered from head to toe seems to wear thin after several months.

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So whether you live in an already warming southern state or are still bearing the icy chill up north, your winter shoe game has become pretty redundant at this point and you are probably ready to change things up a bit.

In anticipation for spring, it’s about time to start making the sartorial transition into warmer times by weaning off from your winter wardrobe.

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Newsflash: not every winter ensemble has to consist of boots and leggings. Believe it or not ladies, your perfectly pedicured toes can still remain insulated in a non-boot shoe.

You can still rock a spring inspired get up as long as you keep colors and patterns neutral enough to pass for winter aesthetic. Scroll through my list to find the perfect pair of winter appropriate shoes that will take place of those over-worn leather boots.

Smoking Slippers

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Finally retire your boots this season and slip into these easy shoes that are preppy, polished and pretty. Smoking slippers are a grownup and chic take on the average prep-school loafer, which may connote elementary school uniforms.

These shoes are anything but elementary, and catapult you to fashionista graduate status.

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This style is sophisticated and clean cut without sacrificing any of the femininity. Opt for fun colors or quirky patterns and designs to add a dose of humor to any seemingly drab winter ensemble.

Stylish Sneakers

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Taking inspiration from the Chanel runways, trendsetters are also loving sneakers with a little dose of flair. Keep your regular sneakers strictly for running and working out and keep a pair of glammed up sneakers on hand for a causal yet fashionable look this winter.

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Not only will sneakers keep your feet warm, they are just about as comfortable as you can get when it comes to shoes. Whether colored, patent leather, studded, or made of canvas, there is an endless amount of ways that you can step up your sneaker game.

High top sneakers are a great winter choice because they lock in warmth above the ankles and work well with leggings.

Ballet Flats

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This dainty take on the flat shoe is one of the most versatile styles that a girl can have in their wardrobe. Ballet flats are comfortable enough to strut around campus or wear to work and are simple and stylishly appropriate for weekend outings, traveling, hanging out and just about anywhere else that you can think of.

You can never have too many ballet flats, but be sure to start off your collection with a few basics such as black patent, nude and tan. Then spice things up with bright pops of color, metallic and funky prints.

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Prepare for the trends of the upcoming spring season and give a pointy ballet flat a try. The pointed flat is entirely about a sleek and slim silhouette with a subtly demure point.

The pointed flat channels our inner ballerina and works to comfortably polish any outfit without the inconvenience of a high heel.

Women’s Oxfords

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Women’s oxfords are incredibly in right now and will continue to make the transition into spring. They are the perfect mix of feminine and masculine and are an ultra classy shoe that can give a strong feel to just about any outfit.

Although it seems to be a pretty simple shoe, oxfords can sometimes be quite difficult to style.

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The oxford is inherently very structured, so either pair the shoe with a similarly structured silhouette, or use it as contrast to a more flowy ensemble.

Oxfords are a great warm alternative to booties and are another great option if you are going to be on your feet all day or plan to do a good bit of walking (just be sure not to walk a lot on your first day because some of them need a little breaking in).

Mule Kicks

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Once thought of as a signature shoe for the older gal, the modified mule has received a contemporary makeover with a modern twist. Whether flat, floral, with a chunky heel, or a thin stiletto, the new mule is something you’ll definitely want to slip into, regardless of age.

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This chic slide-in is a cross between a high heel and ankle bootie and combines the best of both worlds. The mule provides a minimally sleek look with heavy ’90s flair. This is a warm yet sexy alternative to the average bootie or high heel.

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