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. CONVERSE Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Hi Top
The story of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaker traces all the way back to 1917, when the company began making an early basketball shoe. Since the late 60s, the shoe has enjoyed a cult-like status among footwear fanatics – whether on sport courts or on sidewalks – the design's lightweight, casual feel making it a versatile and comfortable option. These days, we particularly love the All Star 70 style, which features a thicker sole and stitching details that lend to a more 'retro' feel. Pair with your workout gear for a vintage athleisure feel, or throw on with your favourite pair of jeans.
2. STUART WEITZMAN 5050 Bold leather ankle boots
The humble black leather ankle boot will always have a place in our capsule winter wardrobe – this pair of Stuart Weitzman ankle boots 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. BIRKENSTOCK Boston buckled suede 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 khaki-green iteration is our current favourite.
4. UGG 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. CAMPER Chunky Leather Mary-Janes
Relive your school days with a pair of black leather buckle-up Mary-Jane shoes, only this time with a fashionable twist. These Camper pumps are a chic option to pair with 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.
7. GANNI Embroidered Two-Tone Leather Boots
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 Ganni black and brown 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.
10. ADIDAS ORIGINALS Country OG Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
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 Sambas are constantly sold out nearly everywhere you look, they are a versatile and classic shoe that work trans-seasonally with just about every outfit. The trademark three-stripe adidas motif and streamlined silhouette make for a shoe that you likely won't be trading up any time soon.
9. COMMON PROJECTS Leather Combat Boots
The cult classic combat boot is a perennial staple, but really gets its day in the sun during those winter months. This Common Projects 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.
The knee-high leather 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 simple, staple pair in a black or brown leather will last you for years if well-looked after.
