Winter: a season of fun, family and festive cheer. On the downside, however, it’s also a time of ice-cold commutes, relentless rainfall and, as a result, freezing feet and ruined sneakers. The canvas trainers and suede loafers that served you so well through the summer months have no place on the streets right now. They simply aren’t equipped to stave off the worst of the winter weather, making the temptation to sacrifice good looks for practicality all the more alluring. But before you go obliterating any ounce of street cred you might have had by investing in a pair of galoshes, allow us to walk you through a few key footwear variations that combine stylishness and winter-friendly design in equal measures. Together with Base London, a brand that knows more than a thing or two about what goes into making top-notch footwear, we’ve compiled a rundown of winter-friendly boots, shoes and sneakers to see you through every cold-weather scenario in style. Handpicked from Base London’s vast collection, these are the only winter stompers you need this year.

Big Boots For Cold Winter Walks

Unsurprisingly, winter walks in the park are a lot more enjoyable when you’re not worrying about losing a toe to frostbite. With a pair of sturdy leather boots at your disposal, this ceases to be a concern. Mud? No problem. Puddles? Easy. Cold? Not any more. They’re robust, grippy, versatile, and a good pair will look after you as long as you look after them. There are a few things to consider before investing in a proper pair of winter boots, though. First off, the style. To get the most wear when the weather is less than tropical, you’ll want something with a thick tread and some decent height in the ankles to keep your lower legs wrapped up. Hikers or worker boots are a good place to start. Colour-wise, black and brown are the obvious choices, offering maximum wearability. However, if you fancy something a little different, details like broguing and burnished leather can keep things interesting while maintaining versatility. Wear them with other cold-weather staples like a parka coat, heavy-gauge knitwear and a fisherman beanie for best results.