Winter footwear

Question

This is my first winter working in a role with a more formal dress code,  and I am very confused regarding footwear. It is getting too cold out to wear heels (and soon in my state there will be snow), but boots seem to be a silly choice with most of my dress  clothes. Am I condemned to carrying around a pair of boots with me 24/7? How do you all handle this?

glange10 · Answer

I work at a company in Wisconsin and have to deal with snow, slush, salt, and the cold on the norm. I have always worn a pair of boots into the office and kept my work shoes in a bag or kept them at my desk. One of our officers is a woman and she wears boots into the office when it's snowing. I've found it's easier than trying to find shoes to wear inside and outside because they could get ruined very quickly.

Anonymous · Answer

Jumping on the two pairs train; once it's wet and gross out, your options are verrrry limited so it's easier to just keep a pair of nice office shoes at work and have a sturdy pair for commuting.

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

I got a very easy on easy off winter boot. Made sure I water proofed them with a silicone spray.
And I kept a nude pair of heels around my area. The other thing I managed well (but this involves lugging) was a tote that would fit my purse and a pair of shoes.

LEANNE TOBIAS · Answer

I agree with the above comments.

Over the years I have managed to find very attractive leather or ultra suede boots with flat or platform soles that work satisfactorily with dress clothes for when I can’t/don’t want to change footwear. Knee-high or over the knee boots give the sleekest look, I think.

That said, you can never go wrong wearing your snow boots and changing into shoes at your desk.

BTW: I still can’t get over the many women who continue to go bare-legged outdoors with dresses/skirts over the winter.  That’s why I’ve gravitated to high boots— obviates the whole issue of hose/no hose in cold temps.  Others?

Robin Stone · Answer

Another option maybe to wear comfy boots in the car and once you get to work you can change? That has worked for me many times in the past as I have covered parking.

Laura Scalone · Answer

Honestly, I would keep your favorite formal business shoes in the office so you never have to worry about snow, ice, or defrosting salt ruining them (or the obvious, slipping/falling). I'd get a pair of proper, warm, grippy boots that will keep you safe on ice. Then just change your shoes in your office. This also keep you from tracking water all over the office when you get in...

Rose Holland · Answer

Agree with what has been said. I'm in Wisconsin and wear winter boots in the snow, keeping a pair of black shoes at work. If I'm wearing something that the black shoes will not go with (or I have a cuter pair of shoes that go perfect), I'll bring in my shoes. The first year I was here, I ended up with cold, wet feet a couple of times because I did not wear my winter boots. Not going through that again!

Jessica K. · Answer

I commute in a different pair of shoes and keep a handful of options at the office.  I've done this most of my career and feel like it has worked out best for me!

Annetta Moses · Answer

I agree with Nina. I commuted in a pair of flat Totes snow boots. I kept two pairs of black shoes at the office that went with all of my outfits. I alternated which pair I wore. I also had a pair of black riding boots. I wore them in the winter when I had to attend events (e.g., visit an agency) that weren't at my office. 
These footwear options worked when I was driving to work and when I used public transportation.

Winter footwear

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