Everyone Should Own This Edgy Winter Boot

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All it took was one slip on an ice patch to realize I needed the best lug-sole boots in my life. As a newly-minted New Yorker, my footwear was all sandals, sneakers, and sleek ankle boots. But in tough weather, it takes a boot that can keep you anchored.

Where luxe snow boots have a place on the slopes and I reach for kitten heels when I want to look sophisticated but don’t plan on walking much, lug-sole boots happen to sit happily somewhere in between. “‘Lug’ refers to the thick, chunky outsole patterns designed to provide excellent traction and grip,” explains Kate Shevack, Blundstone’s head of US marketing. “Whether the terrain is rough and uneven, or wet or dry, this boot style is ready for it all.”

The good news for me: these durable, chunky-soled styles have taken off as a major trend over the last few years with luxury labels like Prada and Bottega Veneta sending their own takes down the runway. Not only is a lug sole designed to help navigate the perils of winter walking, they’re also stylish enough to wear to the office or a date.

Shevack adds that the best lug-sole boots can add a little bit of edge, especially in the form of a biker silhouette or a sleek Chelsea boot. So whether you style a pair back to jeans and a leather jacket or you punk up a frilly dress, you’ll be ready to stomp through whatever terrain may be in your way.

The Husky Boots

Channel comfort at the office with a pair of lace-up lug-sole boots. This sleek design looks stylish worn with trousers or a mini skirt.

Size: EU 35-41

Material: Calf-Leather

Color: Black

Yose Puffer Boot

Brave the coldest moments of winter with a pair of boots that will keep your feet cozy. These puffer boots provide toasty warm insulation and a lightweight fit.

Size: 5-12

Material: Textile, Synthetic leather upper

Color: Mustard seed, burnt olive, white, black

Monolith Mini Bag Lug Sole Combat Boot

Prada's lug-sole boots have been around for a few seasons, but their power and height still commands attention. Note the tiny pouch attached to the shaft for an extra bit of storage.

Size: 4.5-10

Material: Leather

Color: Black

2240 Lug-Sole Chelsea Boot

"The inspiration [for our lug-sole boot] came from our line of Work and Safety Boots, when we found that customers were purchasing the #990 Work Boot and wearing it around NYC," says Kate Shevack, Blundstone’s head of US marketing. "We tailored the original design to be a bit more versatile." The result? This curved, easy-to-wear style.

Size: 6-11

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Arosa Boots

When you're done with a day on the ski slopes, these lug-sole boots will keep your feet cozy. They're lined with the plushest shearling and have a waterproof sole.

Size: 35-42

Material: Leather

Color: Brown

Paneled Chelsea Boots

One of my favorite ways to style lug-sole boots is with a contrasting style like a voluminous, ladylike dress. These shoes would be the perfect foil for the occasion.

Size: IT 35-41

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Haddock Boots

Bottega Veneta's riff on the classic work boot silhouette features the brand's signature woven detailing at the top.

Size: IT 35-41

Material: Nubuck

Double T Lug Ankle Boots

On days when you want a little height, these lug-sole boots are pitch perfect. The embossed Tory Burch logo in the corner adds a nice touch.

Size: 5-12

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Bucket Boots

When you're looking for a pair of tall boots, why not opt for something with a lug-sole? I find that Reformation's shoe department is often a slept-upon spot for durable and stylish footwear.

Size: 5-11

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Lug Sole Chelsea Boots

Black boots may be the classic, but try a white pair when you need an option for wearing with colorful dresses or summery pieces that transition between seasons. I love the look of Proenza Schouler's lug-sole boots.

Size: 35-41

Material: Leather

Color: White

Brooke Waterproof Lug Sole Boots

San Francisco-based Freda Salvador has been an under-the-radar favorite brand of mine for simple yet stylish shoes. These suede boots are durable and cool.

Size: 5-11

Material: Suede

Color: Brown

Lug Ankle Boots

Consider this ankle boot a happy in-between. It has a slight heel for an added boost without being so tall that it makes it hard to walk.

Size: 5-11

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Domino 95MM Leather Biker Booties

So you want a style that will stand out? Lug-sole, high-heel boots emblazoned with Fendi's signature F print should do it.

Size: 35-42

Material: Leather

Color: Nero

Toni Lug Sole Platform Boots

For added height without a heel, these platform lug-sole boots will add some inches. Break them out for long nights when you plan to be on your feet for hours.

Size: 5-12

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Biker II leather boots

The biker boot is back. The style that dominated the mid-aughts has re-entered the fashion vernacular for winter 2024, this time with a bit of an extra lift.

Size: IT 35-43

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Leather Creeper Chelsea Boots

You may never have imagined breaking out a pair of cherry red boots, but the reality is these are a fun way to bring a bit of color to your look. Plus, they easily slide on and off like the best Chelsea boots.

Size: 35-40

Material: Leather

Color: Red

Julietta Leather Knee-High Lug-Sole Boots

Sleek, and yet with a bit of lift, Coach's take on the lug-sole boot draws inspiration from sleek equestrian shapes.

Size: 5-11

Material: Leather

Colors: Brown, black

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