Brave the outdoors These boots are made for walking – and hiking
This week’s warm spell notwithstanding, the weather is about to get crisp and cold again, and with foliage still hanging on, it’s a fantastic time of year to get outdoors and savor a beautiful autumn stroll. Lots of local mountains and hiking trails are safe to socially distance on, and offer some of the prettiest views around.
But before you get strolling and hiking, you’ll need to swap out those mules, sneakers and other city slicker shoes for some supportive and woods-friendly boots — preferably ones that don’t sacrifice any cuteness.
For starters, Sorel, a Portland, Ore.-based company, has an entire stable of winterized, snow- and waterproof boots, in all kinds of heights and with all kinds of details. I love the Joan Of Arctic Wedge II ($250 on sorel.com), with its waterproof, full-grain leather (or suede, your choice) upper and super grip-powered rubber sole, so there will be no slipping on a patch of wet leaves as you’re walking. As for the interior, the microfleece feels like luxury incarnate, as does the genuine shearling detailing. Best of all, if you aren’t doing a serious uphill hike, the wedge heel stands 3 inches high, so they elevate your silhouette along with your afternoon.
Or, for no-heel lovers, the equally waterproof Emelie Ice Boot ($200 on sorel.com) should become a staple of your closet, STAT. It’s as warm as you can imagine thanks to killer padding, and laces up all the way in the front, with full-grain leather and suede.
Funkier and a blend of modern cool and crunchygranola, the Zerogrand Wedge Hiker Boot ($175 on colehaan.com) wraps together high-tech materials that stretch (like the elastic cleverly hidden in the sides) and protective, waterproof leather uppers. It all rests on a super-cushioned foam footbed, layered on top of a lugged outsole in a sturdy-ascan-be 2.5-inch wedge for added height.
And then there’s a new spin on an old beloved classic: The duck boot was what launched the L.L. Bean company back in 1912, and there’s good reason that they’ve become an iconic symbol of the company and of preppy living everywhere. But now they’ve become a little sassier, thanks to the update with a pretty and cozy flannel lining. The Women’s Bean Boots ($169 on llbean.com) are now flannel-lined with 100% cotton plaid fabric — the same stuff they use in their famed Scotch plaid shirts. And they still do the same great job they did in 1912, of keeping your feet completely dry and happy.
Going out for a nice lunch after your walk? You’ll want the versatility to change your look in-between with Globalwin Women’s Fashion Boots ($50 on amazon.com). Wear them as either knee-highs or mid-calf boots, depending on the weather — lace all the way up to make them taller if it’s cold out, or fold down to convert to a mid-calf look. Both ways look great with skirts as well as leggings or jeans. Bonus: They’re faux leather, so vegan-friendly.
Or, if you’re among those who clings to a quasi-punk look even while strolling through nature or building a snowman, don’t miss these from Aquatherm by Santana Canada. The brand’s Tori Faux Fur Trimmed Waterproof Boot ($56.97 on nordstromrack.com) are as watertight as they come, with inner side-zip closure and two buckles, and a round toe that suggests fun and style — even in the depths of the forest.