After surviving NYC winters I have professional experience staying warm, or so I thought. I moved to Alaska, experienced three feet of snow in one night, and truly my northeastern snowstorms did not prepare me. But I found a way to thrive in the cold with these four essential brands to brace the winter.
Shoes for Slight to Moderate Snow: Dream Pairs and NORTIV 8
A favorite here at BeautyNewsNYC, Dream Pairs and their sibling company NORTIV 8, makes shoes which keeps us looking stylish while on a budget (check out previous reviews for Adina Pointed Toe Low Heel Comfort Pumps and ActiveFloat Women’s Breathable Lifestyle Walking Sneakers). This winter I have been bracing the Alaskan winter weather in Dream Pairs Lace Up Faux Fur Lining Outdoor Ankle Boot. The boot has a two tone look which is unique enough from other boots while still looking cute with my outfits. The faux fur lining keeps my feet cozy without overheating. The track on the bottom grips well on fresh snow but can be a struggle to walk with on solid ice (this is more of an Alaskan thing since there are many ice patches, I just throw on some cleats and all is well). These boots all in all are cute, warm, and affordable at under $50.
When the days of light snow arrive or it’s dry yet blistering cold, I put on the FuzzyClassic Platform Mini Boot. A similar style to another famous mini boot, these shoes are my favorite to wear while running errands or writing at a cafe. They are warm with plush faux fur and the platform keeps my feet away from the cold ground, while making me look a wee-bit taller, which I’ll take as a 5 foot girlie. This is the trendiest shoe of the season and makes a great gift at only $46.99.
While this is my first rodeo in an Alaskan winter, my partner has lived here for all of his life. His boots from last year are long gone so I decided to get him the NORTIV 8 Men’s Slip-On Tall Insulated Snow Boots for his birthday. This boot is purely a function over aesthetics, which is perfect for my partner since he’s above fashion (jokes, but he really is a practical boy). He says they are warm with the faux fur (he goes without socks in these boots) and likes how they are 100% waterproof. The boots come to a good height on the calves and have an adjustable strap for the ideal fit when trekking through the snow. The only complaint is the rubber could be a bit harder to absorb shock better. A good investment of boots that should last winters to come at $44.99.
Shoes for Slush and Icy Rain: Xtratuf
For those of us not born and bred in Alaska, there is a shoe that is quintessential to the icy landscape: Xtratufs. This waterproof shoe is seen equally on boat docks and holiday parties (even at weddings, which is definitely a fashion statement). I’ve been wearing my Women’s Ice Fleece Lined Ankle Deck Boot and here are my takeaways as a NYC fashion girl.
I adore the cute pink color first off, which adds a pop of color to every outfit even when I’m wearing boring rain pants. The interior has a fleece lining which holds in heat without making my feet sweat, which is a huge no-no in the cold, since it can cause body temperatures to drop too low. On the slush and ice, these boots have grippy bottoms and lots of traction, which is a necessity to survive black ice. I can walk around with peace of mind thanks to my Xtratufs, which can be found on Xtratufs official website for $135.00.
Socks for the Coziest Toes: Double Soul Socks
Cold weather requires high-quality socks and this year I’ve been exclusively sporting DoubleSoul socks. Doublesoul has Gen Z in a chokehold with its buttery fabric and kitschy aesthetics that is both trendy and timeless. I stock my sock drawer with their Taylor Collectors 7 Pack, a garden fairy meets picnic ant in mid-spring vibe. This collection comes with sock lengths like knee high, ankle, and a middie; suitable for all shoe types and warmth levels. The taller socks offer a compression feel which might not be for everyone but works for me while doing intense walking or standing up for multiple hours. At the time of writing the pack comes in at $98. Doublesoul socks are an easy addition to your winter wardrobe that lasts all year long.
Coat for the Chillest of Days: Women’s Pike Lake™ II Insulated Jacket from Zappo
Puffer coats are so toasty yet can give the silhouette of a marshmallow that feels like a throwback to childhood (in a not-so-cute way). Not the Women’s Pike Lake™ II Insulated Jacket from Colombia. This jacket is comfortably puffed with enough padding to stay warm without looking bulky. The Omni-Heat™ thermal-reflective lining that circulates body heat without overheating, which I love while hiking up snowy mountains or taking a walk around town. The oversize hood is perfect for keeping out snow, especially since I have an afro which other hoods can be too small to cover. Whether there is snow or rain this puffer keeps me dry with the water repellent fabric shell. Get the Women’s Pike Lake™ II Insulated Jacket or another cute coat from Zappo here for $159.95.
