Every Pair of Boring Shoes You'll Need for Winter 2019
Some of the best things in fashion are deemed "boring." Think about it: The blazers that work the hardest in our wardrobes, the plain tees we wear on repeat, and the neutrals that go with literally everything. We could go on, but we think you get the gist. Boring obviously isn't a bad thing in this context. Actually, it's quite the opposite. The classic staple pieces that you've owned and worn for years? Maybe they're not the most trendy or buzzy, but they're definitely the most valuable.
It's through that lens that we're looking at our shoe collections right now. More than any other season, winter is the time to think with practicality in mind first when getting dressed. But, us being the fashion people, we're hardly letting style take a backseat to function. Enter the boring but amazing shoes we're adding to our arsenals ahead of winter. From the lug-sole boots that are equally functional and fashionable to the flats you need to reconsider wearing again, scroll down to discover why we're naming the following five styles the best shoes for winter and shop the pairs we love within each category.
Lug-Sole Boots
Wear lug-sole boots now to nail the chunky-sole shoe trend and then once winter weather really hits, put them on to combat rain and snow. It's truly a shoe trend that does both.
These also come in black, but I like how the white pair shows off the shoe's texture.
Vagabond makes some of the most comfortable, long-lasting shoes around, IMO.
Heeled Loafers
Grandma dressing is on the rise and among the items defining the trend—oversize sunglasses, cardigans, layered sweaters—heeled loafers are emerging as the boring yet retro-cool shoe trend to try now.
This is the dreamy pair you've seen making the rounds on Instagram.
Pair these with mesh socks for a very of-the-moment retro feel.
Who What Wear readers are shopping this pair en masse.
Combat Boots
If you recall, not too long ago combat boots were actually more of a trendy shoe pick, but recently they've become a staple in wardrobes everywhere. For winter especially, they're a practical pick to wear with your jeans and dresses.
The Row always manages to make its staple items into something beautiful.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are having somewhat a renaissance. Have you noticed? Suddenly, designers are putting inventive new spins on the basic flats, and quite frankly we're here for it.
A fashion-girl and fashion-editor fave.
Knee-High Boots
I hardly need to explain how and why knee-high boots are trending at the moment, but I will explain that the buzzy pair is actually such a timeless pick. Sleek and elevated, they're the kind of boots you'll reach for over and over to add a luxurious element to any cold-weather look.
You own a zillion black boots already, so why not consider an equally versatile burgundy pair?
I can't quite put my finger on it but something about these feels undeniably French.
Speaking of shoes, feast your eyes on the prettiest pairs of the season.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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