Winter is a time of year when all we want to do is rug up and stay put. Needless to say, our motivation to do much of anything on a cold, blustery and short-lived winter day is practically non-existent – and this is especially true if we don't have the right garments on hand to keep us toasty and comfortable as we traipse through our days. Winter footwear can be hard for the sandal-wearing Aussie beachgoers who'd much rather through on a pair of Havaianas if they could. But cold feet are never fun – literal or metaphorical – and less-than-practical for the kinds of temperatures southern Australians are put through from June-August.
If you're looking to invest in a pair of winter-worthy footwear, but want them to last more than a single season, we've rounded up 10 pairs of winter shoes that never go out of style (or at least, not according to the RUSSH team).
1. ASICS Gel 11-30 Unisex
Since the late 00s, these shoe has enjoyed a cult-like status among footwear fanatics – whether on treadmills or on sidewalks – the design's lightweight, casual feel making it a versatile and comfortable option. These days, we particularly love the gel rendition of the Unisex Asics. Pair with your workout gear for a vintage athleisure feel, or throw on with your favourite pair of jeans.
2. Chloé Black Betty Boots
The humble black leather ankle boot will always have a place in our capsule winter wardrobe – this pair of ankle boots cuffed with fur are a perfect example. Not only are they timelessly fashionable, versatile and able to be dressed up or down, they are also (if you get the right pair, of course) incredibly comfortable and pragmatic; the perfect footwear for a day spent traipsing around town, or dancing the night away at a local bar.
3. Black Birkenstock Leather Clogs
Hear us out! The Birkenstock signature Boston clog, rendered in suede and with a moulded footbed, is a winter saviour. Don a pair of your fuzziest sock and slip these bad boys on and off for those last-minute errands or outdoor activities that you really can't be bothered to lace, buckle or zip yourself into another pair of shoes for. This iteration in a classic black is our current favourite.
4. UGG High Platform Ultra Mini
What kind of winter shoe wrap up would this be without mention of the iconic Ugg boot? Like walking on a cloud, these fluffy, sheepskin lined booties are feature a chestnut suede upper and thick, rubber soles for those times when you simply need your slippers to leave the house with you, and to be all-terrain. If you're not into half-calf Y2K favourites, why not try these Bella Hadid-approved low-top minis?
5. PRADA Unlined Brushed Leather Loafers
No longer just for Grandfathers or business men, the loafer has made a serious comeback in the last year or two as an every day winter shoe choice. These black leather Prada loafers are an obvious hallmark of the style, but there are endless options to choose from online. They're sturdy and versatile, and ooze a certain kind of 'preppy' sophistication that a pair of leather boots can sometimes lack.
6. Bottega Veneta Lug-in Mary Janes
Relive your school days with a pair of black leather buckle-up Mary-Jane shoes, only this time with a fashionable twist. This Bottega pair are a chic option to dress upwith your favourite frilly socks, and best believe there's good reason why they became a schoolyard favourite for restless kids and teens – the style is comfortable and durable.
Dior Wind Heeled Boot
Some may argue that cowboy boots are a bit of a passing fad at the moment, but we'd beg to differ. The cowboy boot is a footwear silhouette with a long and illustrious history that dates back hundreds of years; no small feat for a fashion trend, even despite its utilitarian roots. These Dior black detailed leather boots are a great investment statement piece for your winter wardrobe – and they're sure to make an appearance in your summer wardrobe too.
8. Mexico 66 Onitsuka Tigers
The enduring popularity of the adidas tennis shoe has made it a timeless investment – if you can get your hands on a pair. Styles like the Onitsuka Tigers are constantly sold out nearly everywhere you look, they are a versatile and bold shoe that work trans-seasonally with just about every outfit.
9. JADON Dr. Martens
The cult classic combat boot is a perennial staple, but really gets its day in the sun during those winter months. This version is a take on the timeless silhouette popularised by the Dr. Marten, but which has since been replicated high and low from Target to Chanel. The lace-up design ensures an expert fit and comfort on-the-go, while the sturdy sole and toe make this a serious work boot when it needs to be.
10. MOU Tan Boot
The knee-high boot is something of a staple; evolved from a more utilitarian background to become a fashionable accessory donned through the decades. Each season its silhouette might be slightly updated – an uptick in moto boots seems to be the passing craze in 2023 – but realistically, a lined staple pair in brown leather will last you for years if well-looked after.
