The 4 Pairs of Boots You Need to Survive This Winter

By Katie Sturino

Updated on 1/29/2016 at 3:15 PM

The 12ish Style
The 12ish Style
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You thought you could squeak by this season with last year's Winter boots, and kudos, you almost made it! But then January happened, and the thought of another month (or two) in those salt-stained stompers is too much to take.

I get it. Winter is annoying and endless, or so it seems. When every day starts to feel like a gloomy repeat of the day before, my survival tactic is to put a fresh foot forward (literally) with some new boots. I'm not talking about anything suede or tasseled or heeled, but instead the kind of hard working, weather-proof boots your dad would approve of. And even if you have big feet like me (size 12, all the way!) there are still plenty of cute options out there, no matter how ugly the weather.

So until Birkenstock season rolls around again and we can all rejoice, I hope you get some new boots on your feet and a new pep in your step.

When snow is in the forecast, obviously you want something both weather proof and warm. These The North Face ThermoBall Booties ($90) nail it on both fronts and are like a puffy jacket for your feet. I'm wearing a size 10 in the men's version and love the women's style too.

Play up their sporty vibe with a beanie and some patterned leggings (I'm partial to these by Zara Terez ($78), cough cough) for street style up the wazoo.

For days that are dry but cold as hell, I love these Rockports ($100, originally $210). They're crazy warm (yet keep a low profile) and look great with a skinny pant (even though yes, we all know they are dead).

Whether paired with a vest or a plaid shirt, I love their woodsy-chic vibe and could totally picture Gwynie rocking the look. Plus I love how this men's pair is just the right amount of masculine to achieve that boyfriend vibe.

When things start to thaw and you can't take two steps without landing in a puddle/lake, a rain boot is your BFF. I prefer shorties over the traditional tall style: they're flattering on all (including those of us with bigger calves) and you can walk fearless through puddles yet won't sweat to death if you have to wear them inside. These Hunter Chelsea Boots ($137) couldn't be cuter and obviously I have a thing for camel shoes. Limit the rest of your look to white, black, and grey to really let the camel pop.

Finally, when you JUST CAN'T, I'm not afraid to greenlight a pair of Uggs. I know they are controversial, and I took an Ugg break myself, but the truth is they are crazy warm and comfy and there are some pretty cute styles available these days.

Wear these with lots of white and cream for a look that reads 2016 Snow Bunny (as opposed to 2003 Sorority Girl). The pair I'm wearing has sold out but this pair in women's ($225) and this in men's ($225) are just as cute. Trust me, if I've learned to love Uggs, you can too!