Essential footwear for winter

A capsule wardrobe saves its owner both time and money. It is built from neutral, versatile pieces that complement one another. By putting some thought into your winter footwear, you will solve the problem of finding the right pair for your look for years to come.

What to look for when choosing winter footwear

The main criteria for choosing a winter pair are comfort, practicality and suitability for the weather. To pick the right footwear, pay attention to:

• the upper material;

• the insulation;

• the sole.

Consider your lifestyle and your willingness to care for demanding materials such as suede.

Upper material

The upper material matters not only for appearance. It affects how well the footwear wicks away moisture, its water resistance and how prone it is to damage.

Leather

Leather pieces are a timeless classic. They are elegant, comfortable and practical, but they call for special care. Leather boots and high boots are prone to scuffs and dislike water, even when treated with a spray or wax. If you have chosen to avoid natural materials for ethical reasons, buy footwear with a faux-leather upper — these alternatives match the original in both look and properties.

Suede

The best choice for severe cold. Suede footwear is very warm and stylish, but it can be damaged by de-icing chemicals. Caring for it is fairly demanding.

Synthetic materials and membranes

Next-generation footwear for active people. A membrane is able to "breathe", letting vapour escape, while staying waterproof on the outside. Caring for pieces with a membrane is straightforward but comes with a few subtleties (for example, membrane boots must not be dried near sources of heat).

Insulation

When choosing a winter pair, pay particular attention to the insulation. It determines how warm and how durable your new footwear will be.

Fur (natural or faux)

Used in most types of winter footwear. It holds in warmth and keeps your foot from getting cold even in a hard frost, but over time it can flatten and wear thin.

Synthetic insulation (Thinsulate and others)

Light, warm and easy to care for. It is used to make sports and walking footwear, often in combination with a membrane. It is not found in leather pieces.

Wool and fleece

A lighter option for a European winter. It withstands temperatures down to five or ten degrees below zero, depending on how an individual reacts to the cold. In Russian conditions it suits drivers, or a thaw spell.

Sole

A capsule wardrobe assumes no heel, or only a minimal one. This applies first and foremost to winter footwear. The sole should not be slippery or too heavy.

What essential footwear is

Essential footwear is the foundation of a footwear wardrobe. It meets four criteria:

• A classic style. Timeless elegance is the main mark of essential footwear. It does not depend on trends and can be worn for many years without the owner growing tired of it.

• A neutral colour. These days that means more than just black and brown. Depending on your wardrobe's colour palette, you can choose grey, khaki, navy or burgundy.

• No loud details. Rhinestones, "superfluous" or chunky hardware and coloured trim have no place on an essential pair. They should not draw attention to themselves.

• Versatility. A staple pairs well with the other pieces of a capsule wardrobe. Once you have a solid foundation, you will no longer waste time matching footwear to an outfit.

An essential pair should be a little "boring". That way it complements any outfit without stealing the spotlight.

Essential winter footwear for men

A man's winter wardrobe can be built around:

• boots;

• snow boots or another style made for active pursuits;

• trainers.

Personalise the capsule according to its owner's lifestyle and line of work.

Boots

Choose a style to match your look. For outfits that suit a strict dress code, go for high insulated Chelsea boots. For a more relaxed, informal setting, opt for Timberland-style and laced sports models.

Footwear for active pursuits

Snow boots, trekking boots and sporty high boots are the choice of those who love long walks. If you are used to being active, look at models with a membrane. They are lightweight, keep your feet warm, do not let water in and wick moisture away.

Trainers

Winter trainer models suit more than just fans of sporty style. Essential insulated trainers or high tops can lift even a strict office suit. If your role calls for a strict dress code, remember to keep a suitable change of footwear for the workplace.

Essential footwear for women

A woman's essential winter footwear wardrobe might include:

• high boots;

• ankle boots;

• uggs, felt boots or padded boots.

When choosing, take into account your outerwear, your activity level and your dress code.

High boots

High leather boots or suede ones are a classic of the winter wardrobe. They pair equally well with dresses and trousers, protect you from the cold and round off an elegant look with a fur coat or overcoat.

Ankle boots

The choice of fans of sporty or casual style. They are comfortable to wear, neutral and easy to care for. Made from leather or modern high-tech materials, with fur or synthetic insulation — choose according to your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Uggs, padded boots or felt boots

If you do not yet have a pair in your footwear wardrobe, be sure to put that right. They are indispensable for a trip to the countryside, a walk with the dog or a morning coffee run. So comfortable and warm that they have already earned a place in the capsule wardrobe, and their looks are no longer up for debate.

• Felt boots suit cold, snowy weather and are more practical than uggs.

• Padded boots with a membrane are the choice of women who prefer active time outdoors and long walks.

An essential winter footwear wardrobe consists of two or three pairs that are neutral in style and colour. Comfort, practicality and minimalism are the criteria for choosing your staples. Footwear made from natural materials is elegant and beautiful, but more prone to damage and harder to care for. Membranes and synthetic insulation suit active fans of sporty and everyday style.