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When the late-winter snow rolls around, sneakerheads are forced to reckon with a harsh reality: It's time to tuck away the Nikes and the Off-Whites and the Balenciagas in favor of heavy-duty winter boots. Typically, that means sacrificing bold style for practical warmth and function. (As massive as Balenciaga's Triple S sneakers are, they are still no match for the cold, dirty Northeast slush pile.) Luckily for the adventurous dressers, the last few seasons have rendered weatherproof boots as wild and daring as the latest "it" sneaker.
Just last month, the New York label Awake, founded by former Supreme creative director Angelo Baque, teamed up with boot legends Timberland for a flashy pair of trek-inspired kicks covered in bold snakeskin and fuzzy statement fleece. Boots from the Italian footwear label Diemme come with hard-wearing Vibram outsoles to tackle the elements. Sure, a mountaineering sole isn’t unusual for a winter boot. Less common? Furry leopard prints and pink laces.
Even the fashion houses are getting in on the action. Both Prada and Gucci have released their take on a beloved Blundstone-esque boot: stiff and sturdy with a chunky rubber sole, made as much for clonking through the snow as for flexing.
A few years ago, it seemed that most flashy designer boots weren't equipped to handle the cold and wet snow of winter. Now, bolstered by the rise of utilitarian style and hiking-inspired sneakers, it seems that designers know men want a winter boot that can pull double duty. Sure, these head-turning boots won’t be for everyone, the same way a Cuban-link-inspired sneaker isn’t for the faint of heart. However, if you’re looking for a way to stunt throughout the snow-filled months before spring finally breaks, you now have a world of options.
