Weatherproof Boots: Warm and Dry Without Sacrificing Your Style

I like to touch on weatherproof boots when the weather gets cool because I think they are so critical to own. I didn’t bother with them for years with the exception of having boots that were more like gear because every New Yorker needs gear against the elements. I’m not talking about those types of weatherproof boots like rain boots or snow boots, I’m referring to stylish weatherproof boots and booties that look like ordinary styles but also have the added element of protecting your feet from getting damp.

It’s a serious game changer. So much so that I don’t even bother buying boots and booties unless they are weatherproof because what’s the point? Invariably if you are wearing your boots in the fall and winter you will hit some inclement weather (unless you live somewhere that isn’t seasonal) and you will no doubt experience that awful, bone-chilling, icky feeling of wet feet and soaked shoes. Sure, you could have special boots set aside for times when the forecast calls for rain or light snow but A, the weatherman is never 100% accurate, and B. sometimes you don’t want to have to resort to special “rain shoes” every time the weather is bad.

For me, it’s just one less thing to think about, and considering on most days my bandwidth is already just about maxed out, it’s the little things that keep the water from boiling over. Knowing that whatever boots I put on will keep my feet warm and dry while also not having to stress about potentially ruining my shoes seems small but really does make a difference.

My personal go-to brand is Aquatalia, hands down, case closed. I have introduced so many clients who are now die-hards to the brand that I have lost count. I recommend to my clients with a warning. Once you start wearing Aquatalia it’s hard to go back to anything else. It’s an expensive addiction that would rival an 80’s investment banker’s coke habit, and it makes me feel mildly like a drug pusher. Thankfully, full price isn’t the only way to get your hands on their boots and shoes, all of which are weatherproof. I have given my tips on how I get the best and most updated styles on Poshmark and often Aquatalia runs their own great sales on their site. Sometimes you can find Aquatalia boots on sale at Amazon from third-party sellers and it’s smart to keep your eyes out at your favorite retailers that carry the brand at the end of the season for sales.

WEATHERPROOF BOOTS: WARM AND DRY WITHOUT SACRIFICING YOUR STYLE

Of course, Aquatalia isn’t the only game in town, it’s just my personal choice. There are plenty of brands that carry weatherproof styles at a variety of pricepoints. I have put together five different looks using weatherproof boots along with additional styles at the end of this post.

Outfit #1

This first pair of weatherproof boots are by Blondo, another fantastic brand that makes shoes and boots that will keep your feet and shoes dry at a much more approachable price point. I styled these boots with a cozy cashmere sweater from Everlane, skinny jeans from Madewell and an ivy colored coat from Eileen Fisher. Sidenote: referencing my blog post about having summer coloring and dressing in autumn and winter, I have put this coat on many of my clients with summer coloring. I further finished the look with a grey scarf from Wolf and Badger.

Outfit #2

I styled this versatile pair of cognac booties from Aquatalia with a pair of charcoal grey pull-on pants from M.M. Lafleur, a short sleeve cashmere sweater and camel coat from J.Crew. I finished the outfit with a printed scarf from Ralph Lauren and tortoise c-shaped earrings.

Outfit #3

This is another pair of boots from Aquatalia. I styled this grey pair with a charcoal dress from M.M. Lafleur, ribbed duster cardigan from Naadam, grey oqaque tights and a long beaded pendant from Knotty.

Outfit #4

For years, it seemd La Canadienne was the only game in town if you were looking for weatheproof boots as everyday wear and, for the most part, I like La Canadienne boots. Where they lose points for me is the grand majority of their styes are black and they’ve don’t just okay in diversifying their styles. Style-wise, I give them a solid 6 but functionality-wise they get a strong 10.

I did find this outlier pair in brown that I quite like. I styled with an oatmeal crochet trim sweater from Donna Karan, coated jeans from L’Agence and a reversible wool poncho from Rag & Bone.

Outfit #5

In addition to brands that specialize in weatheproof boots and shoes, some staple shoe brands also offer a few styles that will protect yorur feet from the elements. This can be particularly helpful if you’ve found a shoe brand that fits you feet well. This olive pair of booties are from Sam Edelman. I styled them with straight-leg jeans, a slim olive turtleneck, cognac moto-jacket from ALLSAINTS and a reversible camel and chocolate scarf.

Shop for Weatherproof Boots

If you’ve been convinced to add some weatheproof boots to your wardrobe, check out these additional styles.