Every winter, buried within fashion magazines and posted on style sites, there are articles with advice on how to dress for the cold. As useful as these often are, there is one thing that Tufts students must deal with in the snow that the majority of other readers do not: The hill.
     It doesn’t seem to matter which building your class is in, where you live on campus, or how strong your calves are – the hill is always an issue. This makes appropriate footwear a priority (a struggle for someone like me, whose heel collection is far more alluring than her collection of monotonous black boots.)
          After three years of battling the hill, I have both won and lost. No, I cannot walk up or down an icy incline in booties with 4-inch heels and a platform. You may think this is an obvious statement, but as a native Californian, it was a fairly recent realization. However, your shoes do not have to be confined to North face boots and Uggs either.
          Here are a few ways you can make the best choices when you a buy a new pair of boots this winter.
-  Look at the soles: As warm and comfortable as Uggs are, there traction is horrific. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have slipped and tripped in my own pair. The best thing you can do for yourself is fine a pair of boots with thick grooves on the sole. Stick-on grip patches usually cease to function once they’re confronted by water, so it’s better to go with a pair that has the grip built in. It may not make them the most feminine-looking pair of shoes, but at least you won’t be walking on the ice like a newborn giraffe.
2.) Don’t rule out heels: Believe it or not, there are some stylish, yet practical winter shoes that don’t give up on a heel. My favorite option is the Dr. Marten Darcie boot, which comes in a variety of patterns and colors, and is a more feminine twist on their original style. They have even been spotted on celebrities like Chloe Sevigny and Jaime Winstone.They also come in a Chelsea boot style named the Darla.
3.) Rainboots are good for the snow: Rainboots typically have a lot of traction, they’re meant to get wet, and they come in a large variety of colors and patterns. The only drawback is that they are often pretty heavy, which can become tiresome when you’re going up and down a hill like the one at Tufts. Although Hunter boots seems to be the most popular option, I would advise looking for a brand with a lighter structure. There are even a wide variety of heeled rain boots. I’m not sure how I feel about the concept of heels and rubber, but if you can pull it off, go for it! (Kate Spade Randi Rainboot, $125)
4.) Lace it up: Lace up boots add a little style to your winter look and are a great option, as long as they also have a practical sole. Jeffrey Campbell and Dolce Vita have both embraced the trend, but for a more affordable version, Urban Outfitters carries their own military-esque pair that comes in black and brown for $88.
5.) Last but not least, if your dream pair of winter boots happens to be leather, invest in a water repellant spray. They’re usually only around $10 and they’ll keep your boots looking clean and lasting longer.
Photo Credits: Chloe Sevigny – Bauer Griffin