Uggs, while popular, aren't usually a wise decision in Colorado's wet winters. (CU Independent/Aly Daugherty)
Wintertime provides a plethora of fashion dilemmas, chief among them would be finding shoes that can face the elements. College campuses are large and filled with students walking, and are not the place to wear a pair of shoes that can’t get you from class to class without efficiency.
This CU Independent reporter went out to find what students are putting on their feet this winter.
Comfort is essential, but appearance should not be neglected. There is plenty of fashionable fall footwear than provides comfort and support for long walks across campus.
One of the biggest problems that CU students face when it comes to footwear is finding boots that stay dry when the path to class is crowded with puddles from snow melt. The popular Ugg boots do not seem to be the solution when looking for something waterproof.
Most Uggs will soak up water quickly and tend to get ruined easily. There are many alternative boots that will look great and keep your socks from smelling up the entire classroom.
Students say they enjoy the variety of waterproof boots offered by North Face. The boots come in popular knee high styles, as well as short and simple ones.
“I love my black North Face boots because they keep my feet dry and they match my black leopard print pants,” said Adrianna Uthoff an 18-year-old freshman open-option major.
This season’s rain boots have been revolutionized with a wider variety of unique and funky designs. There are styles that fit every wallet, ranging from Target’s reasonable pricing to Nordstrom’s designer rain boots.
“I didn’t think I would need rain boots moving out here, but the snow is hard to walk in without good traction and they’re waterproof so I can play in the snow, they’re perfect!” said Theo Browne an 18-year-old freshman open-option major.
Brands like Sorel and Columbia have been creating fun and functional boots for years, and are popular among students. Sorel is able to fit the fashionista’s footwear needs with funky patterns, while Columbia’s styles will always fit the bill with their traditional and reliable design.
“I have some Colombia’s they come up to my knees, they’re ridiculously warm and really cute,” said Imaria Corrick an 18-year-old freshman environmental studies major.
Leather boots have been picked up by many shoe companies this season and are no doubt the trendy buy-of-choice this year.
From stores like Steve Madden to vintage shops on the Hill, finding leather boots around Boulder isn’t a difficult task and the sleek look is worth the hunt.
Students suggest pairing the boots with a dress and tights or even jeans on a night out.
More people are shopping with the intention of meeting their practical and style needs.
“Definitely with the economy people are buying more of what they need, not what they want, so not as much heels but thigh-high boots and cowboy style boots because boots are more practical with the weather,” said Kate Tannura a 19-year-old sophomore integrated physiology major and Steve Madden employee.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Elana Staroselsky at Elana.staroselsky@colorado.edu.
