The Highsnobiety Winter Wardrobe Manual is a guide to dressing well when temperatures plummet. Expect big coats, padded pants, snug accessories, and hibernation-ready homeware.
With temperatures low and precipitation abundant, weather-appropriate gear and essential layering pieces are still on the agenda. With an abundance of jackets, hoodies, and other winter apparel available in stores, many forget about one of the most important elements of winter-proofing your outfit — your footwear. And while canvas low-tops may go with every fit, your toes won't be thanking you when temperatures go sub-zero.
In light of this, we've put together a selection of failsafe winter sneakers that are stylish to wear even when it’s not below freezing but also rugged enough to protect your feet in times of inclement weather.
Winter has the biggest range in weather of all seasons which means that you need to have your wits about you footwear-wise. This selection spans specialist footwear labels like HOKA One One to luxury labels like Burberry looking for a spot in the outdoor game. So whether you’re looking to make a visual impact or to just update your go-to selection, keep scrolling for the goods.
Browse our favorite winter footwear options below.
Balenciaga Track Sneakers
Track Sneakers
Balenciaga
Yes, they're Balenciaga, but the Track Sneakers are actually underrated for their functionality. The intricate, paneled upper gives off a hiking aesthetic and provides durability while the rugged sole unit promises support on tricky terrain.
Raf Simons Antei Low Top Sneakers
Antei Low Top Sneakers
Raf Simons
Raf's wild, futuristic Antei is set to become a classic with its streamlined silhouette and details like detachable lace cover. Leather uppers will protect against the cold and the sole unit is surprisingly hardy.
Burberry Arthur Runner Sneakers
Arthur Runner sneakers
Burberry
Waxed canvas uppers feature Burberry Monogram detailing while most of the Arthur Runner is actually taken up by the sole and mudguard. Who knew that 2021 would be the year that luxury took over the outdoor game? (We did.)
YEEZY 700 V3 'Clay Brown'
700 V3 'Clay Brown'
YEEZY
YEEZYs have always had a functional angle. Whether it was down to style or if 'Ye envisaged their winter-walk potential, we don't know, but we're not complaining when it means we can sport a pair of adidas YEEZY 700 V3 year-round.
adidas Ultraboost TL 'Silver Metallic'
Ultraboost TL 'Silver Metallic'
adidas
The adidas Ultraboost doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of a wet-weather shoe, but, actually, the 'Silver Metallic' iteration can hold its own. A taped mudguard extends water protection up past the sole unit for a lightweight take on winter footwear.
HOKA One One Speedgoat Mid GTX 2
Speedgoat Mid GTX 2
HOKA One One
If you've ever worn a pair of HOKA One One sneakers then you'll know what to expect from the Speedgoat Mid GTX 2 in terms of comfort. If you haven't, then just expect the most comfortable thing you've ever put your foot into.
Under Armour Hovr Summit FT
Hovr Summit FT
Under Armour
Everything about Under Armour's Summit FT screams winter-ready. From the lacing system, characterized by climbing rope zigzagging down each side, to the chunky sole unit complete with grippy outsole. In all-black, the Summit FT looks pretty mean, too.
Salomon XT-6 ADV
XT-6 ADV
Salomon
2020 was a year to remember for the Salomon XT-6 ADV and it's not slowing down in 2021. This smooth neutral colorway has caught our eye and got us questioning whether we need a third pair... we probably do, right?
Reebok Zigwild Trail 6
Zigwild Trail 6
Reebok
Reebok takes a trip to the future and back for the Zigwild Trail 6 Sneaker. The undulating sole unit is surprisingly effective on less-than-ideal ground and the one-layer, taped upper stands up against any weather.
New Balance x Tokyo Design Studio Niobium Concept 1 Boots
Niobium Concept 1 Boots
New Balance x Tokyo Design Studio
The ultimate winter shoe had to come last. New Balance, teaming up with Tokyo Design Studio, smashed this one out of the park with a three-layer construction meaning you get a slipper, mule, and boot all in one shoe, held together by zips.
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