Stylish Winter Footwear Trends for Men
With sneaker culture quickly becoming mainstream, consumers have gained a more open-minded approach to footwear. You are now free to choose from a variety of brands that offer a growing roster of interesting designs. 2018 introduced us to many trends, from increasingly outlandish “dad shoes” to sporty tech runners that offer the best in form and function.
To brave the coming cold of the winter months, we need to find shoes that can keep our feet snug and protected from the elements. Shoes are an investment that, if you buy the right pair, can offer significant value for money for years to come. That’s why it’s important to choose footwear that’s both stylish and durable enough to keep you comfortable wherever you walk.
It’s important to choose footwear that’s both stylish and durable enough to keep you comfortable wherever you walk.
Here are some trendy kicks to help you put your best foot forward through the coldest season.
Leather Hikers
Think timeless Doc Martens with a more reserved, tasteful everyday design and a focus on durability. Leather hiking boots that stray towards the luxury end of the market offer the very best in build quality, often with a unique touch in the style department.
A great selection of these types of boots from Dune demonstrate the kind of styles which are in right now. With a high-quality leather construction, tough and grippy soles, solid lacing systems, and a snug interior lining, these are the kind of boots that make for a great investment. Many of the best selling kicks are also available on special pretty frequently, helping you get even more bang for your buck.
All-White, All-Silhouette
There’s something beautiful about all-white shoes. From Common Projects to Stan Smiths, these kicks have stood the test of time thanks to their clean, versatile designs. But the late 2010s are all about the silhouette. With elaborate, often exaggerated designs being the trend of choice.
Chunky models like the Fila Disruptor and Balenciaga Triple S have embedded their place in history as the shoes that defined this era. It doesn’t take more than a glimpse at these kicks to know that their silhouettes alone are capable of doing all the talking.
This is what makes a white-on-white colorway work so well. You don’t need to pick up the most colorful pair for your shoes to be noticed. With such bold designs, you don’t need to worry about your outfit being focused more on providing enough function to keep you warm.
Winterfied Runners
Running shoes tend to be more suited to helping your feet survive through hot weather and warm body temperatures. As a result, modern runners are generally made of lightweight materials with perforations or knit designs that make them highly breathable. Not exactly suitable for winter.
However, many brands have noticed a gap in the market for running shoes that will serve you no matter what the weather. This is why big names like Adidas and New Balance now offer winter versions of their most popular models.
Many brands have noticed a gap in the market for running shoes that will serve you no matter what the weather.
The lightweight knits and neoprene are swapped for heat-insulating leather and thick sock-like designs, helping your feet stay warm while still maintaining a versatile, comfortable, and stylish design.
Moccasins
The increasing trendiness of moc-toe loafers has helped the style become more present on a wider variety of silhouettes. Everything from streetwear-ready high tops to driving shoes is now available in moccasin flavor. This style is great for both formal and casual occasions.
Suede is a popular material of choice for moccasins and we all know that it isn’t particularly synonymous with durability. Luckily, there are a variety of ways that you can waterproof your suede and make your best pair of moc-toe shoes ready for winter.
There are a variety of ways that you can waterproof your suede and make your best pair of moc-toe shoes ready for winter.
Commando Soles
Contrary to the connotations of their name, commando soles are very much suitable for the slippery conditions of winter weather. This is thanks to their heavy cleated tread, which provides unrivaled grip. This type of sole design has found its way into everything from Chelsea boots to monk-straps.
This means you can enjoy the benefits of the commando sole without giving up your favorite type of shoe. And, as long as you stick to your usual selection of winter wear and not some sort of army surplus gear, your militarised soles won’t do any harm to your casual or formal ensembles.
Honorable Mention: Trail Runners
While the likes of Acronym and Salomon’s loud, chunky runners essentially fall in line with dad shoes, their winter-ready designs deserve a place of their own on our list. Thick, insulating uppers and grippy soles make these perfect for the harsh outdoors, while the loud, on-trend shapes and colours will help you stand out in the most fashionable crowd.
Conclusion
While you probably won’t be able to enjoy beach tans and ice cream stands as much as you’d like to during winter, at least you can stand tall knowing you’re fitted with the very best in footwear. What’s your favorite winter shoe? Let us know in the comments below.