When it comes to the cold of winter, few things matter more than warmth and comfort. There are few things that bring you the same amount of joy as your blanketed bed or couch, and there are probably a few things that you would like to do less than go outside. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why you’ll have to, from shoveling the driveway to showing up for parties. For things like shoveling and commuting, you likely have some flats, sneakers and boots that feel like snow slippers on heavy rotation. But what about when you need something special for the season’s celebrations and inevitably turn to the staple high heels in your wardrobe?
If you’re looking to elevate your ensemble without slipping up this season, comfortable heels for women are still on the table. It’s as simple as understanding how to style them, and how to keep from slipping!
Keep the Shoe Closed
Come winter, closed-toe shoes will save you from so much snow entering your shoes, as well as keep your toes so much warmer — without having to try! This means less excruciating step-plotting to avoid snow, and more showcasing that you can kick through any little bits of snow like a capable human being who’s not being held back by peep-toes and holes in her heels.
If you do opt for an open-toe, though, absolutely consider pairing them with extra cute socks that add to the aesthetic! For instance, a cute pair of ruffle-cuffed ankle socks under your strappy heels can elevate your cute ’90s girl look, or a sheer pair of black leotards under your black leather peep-toe pumps can elevate your sophisticated look.
Take Action Against Inevitable Snow Melt
If you’ve ever walked a snowy path, street or parking lot, you know that it doesn’t take long for your shoes to feel cold, heavy and wet — not to mention LOOK cold, heavy and wet! That’s why water-resistant — or pure waterproof — shoes are a must. Naturally water-repellent materials like leather, suede, nylon, neoprene, rubber or otherwise are commonly available in heeled styles, and can be enhanced even further with waterproof sprays and treatments.
Keep Slippery Surfaces in Mind
The most worrisome factor when it comes to wearing heels in the winter is the constant threat of slipping and hurting yourself on the concrete, ceramic or other hard slippery surfaces that the ice has covered. We’ve all had half-slips that scare us half to death, so we all know that an unrivaled tread is imperative. This can be achieved easily through an anti-slip, rubberized sole.
Unfortunately, this simple solution can be strenuous to try and find on a standard pair of high heels. If your favorite heels don’t feature an anti-slip tread, though, you can consider manually scuffing up the bottom of your shoes to create some. Along with this, extra high or stiletto heel wearers should invest in heel stoppers for extra stability.
Go for Good Socks or Pantyhose
Base layer materials like cotton, wool and nylon will keep your feet warm, in addition to helping keep them dry. Look for socks or pantyhose in these materials. Along with this, socks and pantyhose will provide added padding and texture that will help prevent your feet from slipping within the shoe itself. And better yet, socks and pantyhose will stop the friction between your shoes and skin to help you avoid blisters!
Add Ankle Support
Both for warmth, and to stop the snow from sliding into your shoe as you walk, boots are the best. Proper ankle support is essential in the winter weather + high-heel style equation — and a big factor in the ankle boot solution.
Cute ankle boots for winter will be warm, water-resistant, slip-resistant, closed-toed and walled to stop snow from entering, provide intense ankle support and offer always-interesting aesthetics — or, in other words, hit every mark! If you feel that boots really assault your style, consider at least seeking added ankle stability through features like ankle straps on your shoes.
The Slipperier the Surfaces, the Sturdier the Heel
When it comes to the slippery icy cement that lines the sidewalks, or the slick ceramic floors wet with melting snow in every public space, the sturdier and wider the heel, the better! Styles like wedge heels and block heels, in particular, will provide second-to-none stability as far as heeled styles go.
Deep and Dark Colors Will Do Better in Your Outfits
Thanks to common seasonal aesthetic preferences, and because of the salt and dirt that’s been mixed into the snow, dark shoe colors will do you best!
Forget Everything You Know About Walking in Heels
“Heel, toe. Heel, toe.” If you haven’t said this at some point in your head as you walk in heels, you’re lying. And while this is normally the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing way to do it, it surely isn’t the most stable when you’re in heels on slippery surfaces!
Instead, you’ll want to distribute your body weight evenly when stepping on slippery surfaces in your heels. With that in mind, you’re bound to wipe out if you just suddenly switch your stride — slippery streets or not! So make sure you’ve prepared a little bit before you step onto the snowy, icy sidewalk.
Elevate Your Outfit in Every Way
A solid and sexy pair of heels can elevate your outfit in more ways than one. But from boosting your actual height to boosting your overall aesthetic, we believe that the biggest elevation is your confidence! The right pair of heels will make you walk taller and stronger — but not if you’re slipping or freezing in them! Luckily, knowing how to wear your heels in the height of winter is a key that we have, and we’d love to help you unlock that door (and strut through it in style, no matter how slippery it is outside).
