Cute Winter Boots For Any Budget
Winter is fast approaching, and I’ve been getting tons of emails from you guys wanting to see some cute and warm winter boots on the site!
There are so many options out there when it comes to winter boots and which ones are right for you.
There’s the issue of weather - If you live in a warmer climate, you probably only need a leather or suede boot, while if you live far north, you’ll probably need a full on snow boot.
And of course there’s the issue of your personal style - which boots will go with most of your outfits, which are the trendiest for winter and which ones will last more than one season?
You should consider all of these questions before you buy a pair of boots - after all, winter boots are a pretty important purchase!
As requested, here are some of the best winter boots out there that are also mostly budget-friendly. While most quality boots are going to run at least $100, I managed to find a few pairs that cost even less than that. Also, a few of you asked for no UGG’s in this post, so I made sure of that too. Hopefully there’s something for everyone in this list!
Fringe & Moccasin-style Boots
As seen on celebrities like Nicole Richie and Kate Moss, Minnetonka boots are the hottest boot trend for winter. If you love fringe, beads, and anything boho-chic, these are your perfect winter boots.
That said, Moccasin-style boots aren’t for everyone, and you need a certain type of look to pull them off. If you normally shy away from edgier fashion choices and don’t look good in brown, they probably aren’t for you. Also, most of these boots are suede or soft leather, and that means they don’t do well in wet weather, so keep that in mind if you live somewhere with a cooler climate.
Here are my favorite fringe-detail and moccasin-style boots:
Clockwise from top: Minnetonka Moccasin Women’s 3-In-1 Calf Hi Boot ($79.99 at Shoes.com), Rampage Women’s Brody High Shoe ($69 at Shoes.com), Airwalk Ralston Fringe Boot ($39.99 at Payless), MIA Women’s Taboo Shoe ($89 at Shoes.com), Minnetonka Moccasin Woodstock ($80 at Piperlime
)
Basic Black Boots - Leather
If you want to invest in something that’s stylish and will last you more than one season, look no further than the basic black leather boot. Leather boots are a popular choice for fall because it can get wet and won’t fade like suede. Leather is also a total classic and will always be in style.
Flat and low-heeled leather boots are really popular this season, and they’re perfect if you’re tall or just don’t like wearing high heels. But if you’re on the short side and want some height, basic high heeled boots are also a chic winter option paired with skinny jeans or even a dress if you live somewhere warm. Just make sure not to wear high heeled boots if there’s ice outside!
Here are my picks for the best and most affordable black leather winter boots:
Clockwise from top: BCBGirls Petler ($179 at Piperlime), Gabrielle Rocha Studio Akasha ($149 at Zappos.com
), Report Women’s Kyleigh ($165 at Shoes.com), Steve Madden Marching ($89.95 at SteveMadden.com
), Calvin Klein Martha ($219 at Zappos.com
), Steve Madden Bizmarc ($129.95 at SteveMadden.com
)
Basic Black Boots - Suede
Black suede boots are another big trend this fall. Suede adds femininity to any outfit, and soft suede boots are also very comfortable! Again, black is the best color to invest in if you want your boots to last through many seasons. It’s such a versatile shade and it always will be.
Of course, suede boots aren’t for everyone. If you live somewhere sunny, suede is a great winter choice. But If you live in a climate where it gets wet more often or you need something more heavy-duty, you should go with leather boots or snow boots instead.
Here are a few of my favorite black suede boots:
From left: Nine West Yanna ($126 at Zappos.com), London Fog Wales ($130 at Piperlime
), Abaete for Payless Mirabelle Studded Boot ($55 at Payless
), Steve Madden Arizonaa ($109 at Shoes.com)
Snow Boots
For those of you who go to school in places where it snows a lot, an actual snow boot will be an asset this winter. Two things to remember about snow boots: first of all, they aren’t always the cutest boots ever, and second, they usually cost a lot more than regular winter boots!
All of the following boots are totally waterproof and should be warm enough for whatever weather you come across. I love basic black snow boots (they don’t get dirty like white ones), with fur details, wedge heels, and buckles for winter.
Keep warm & dry with a pair of these cute snow boots:
From left: Sporto Eva ($99 at Piperlime), Sperry Top-Sider Sadie Tall Boot ($75 at Piperlime
), La Canadienne Pulley ($199.99 at Piperlime
), American Eagle Mickey Quilted Wedge Boot ($49.99 at Payless
), Timberland Lexiss Tall Boot ($160 at Piperlime
)
Your Thoughts?
What do you think of the winter boots featured here? Which styles are your favorite - do you like the trendy Minnetonkas, or are you more of a basic black kind of girl? Will you be wearing snow boots this winter or can you safely rock suede because you live somewhere warm? Let me know in the comments section.
*Top photo by circulating
Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Boots, Fall 2008, Footwear, Minnetonka, Shoes, Winter 2008, Winter Boots
Before you post a comment, please read the 
Loading ...
I’ll always be partial to a good pair of combat or engineer boots. i guess I’m a tough girl at heart. ;>
The very last pair of boots in the snowboots category is actually on sale at Marshalls for a $100. Im going to pick up a pair soon.
I looking foward to wearing my doc martens when it snows. I like the basic black boots you posted. I really want some Frye boots, but I’m broke at the moment. Anna, I agree with you..I love combat boots!
Agreeing with the girl above me, I love the black boots! Just an idea, it would be SO helpful if you posted something about things in style for winter, i’ve got to start shopping for warmer clothes :D
Briana, I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago and check it compulsively several times a day :) I just purchased some flat brown boots, (riding boots perhaps) with cute buckle details, and would love some ideas on how to wear them. Practical and not too out there, yet stylish! Thanks so much!
Hi Briana,
I was wondering, what do you think of these?
http://store.tretorn.com/US/details.asp?catalog_name=tretorn&category_name=WomensRubber&product_id=47140505&mainCategory=Women
Are they hideous? I’d prefer the matte version, but the new ones are shinny… in any case, they seem to be perfect for slush, providing the traction is alright.
They are a bit difficult to get where I live though, maybe you could provide another suggestion for slush-proof winter boots?
Thanks so much!
-M <3
I love the fringed boots! I’m still debating if I could pull them off. I’ve never been much of a boot girl. Plus its pretty wet where I live so I think a pair of water-proof/fur-lined might be the more practical (and obviously, less cute) solution.
i have these pewter coloured leather (a slight heel, coz im slightly short) boots and they look really cute worn with cropped knee length pants and skirts. Also more of a black boots, but will ankle boots be back??
I know that everyone swears that Uggs are the devil, but as a girl going to college in upstate NY, there’s really no other way to go in terms of easy comfort and warmth. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I lived in them from Dec-Feb last year. And over skinnies, they’re not TOO bad.
Agreed, everyone always says Uggs should equal social ostracism. However, I own a pair of Bear Paws which look like Uggs, but are black. I wear them over skinnies ALL the time, and they keep my feet warm. Plus, they really do look cute with just about everything in my wardrobe.
:]
i love the fringed boots, i’m getting a pair of minnetonkas for christmas hopefully :)
you still can’t go wrong with black leather boots though, i love biker ones!
http://www.fashionablyearlyalways.blogspot.com :)
I live in Hawaii and am planning on attending university in Boston next year. I am already starting my snow fashion research for next year- and this is my number 1 research site! Thank you for talking about cute and affordable snow boots! More winter fashion please.
test
the fun red boots pictured are from Filene’s Basement “where bargains were born”…!!
Yes, I love suede boots. I actually bought a pair of long, slouchy black suede boots that are both waterproof and salt resistant. (By Blondo, which can be found at Browns or B2 in Canada.) Although much more expensive, hopefully they do not get ruined by the snow and salt! Living in a city where there is plenty of snow and slush, the salt stains get a little ridiculous. I also bought a pair of Sorel boots for the time when snow is really deep. And they’re really cute too!
The Minnetonka Moccasin’s are fabulous. I’ll have to do a search to see where I can find them for the absolute lowest price…we’re in a recession, but I can still be trendy :)
I live in Utah. The state known for it’s amazing snow for skiing and snowboarding. So YES. We get TONS of snow. But I love it. :) I love suede boots but I thought it was impossible to wear them here without them getting absolutely ruined! But I have good news. It’s not! You can weather-proof your suede boots!!! Usually I ask the place where I purchase them if they offer a weather-proofing service. Most department stores do, at the ones here. Maybe it’s because we get snow… but I’m sure most shoe cobblers could do this for you too. Or if you’re brave, you can do it yourself. Just though I’d let you know that you CAN wear suede even if there’s slush and snow outside! Yey!
Thanks for this post! I’m researching winter boots and this article was totally helpful :)
Hey:
I’m a guy and I love my uggs.
@Aubrey
How much does it usually cost to get your suede boots weatherproofed?
Living in the Midwest we get just enough snow for that to be a problem.