The arrival of autumn means its high time to start thinking about your choice of footwear for the seasons ahead. Here in Scandinavia, at least, we can more or less guarantee that the coming months will bring a mix of rain and snow, leaving streets full of slush in its wake. This kind of weather calls for proper boots – ones that can protect you from the cold, the wet, and from slipping on those unexpected patches of ice. And they should, of course, look good while doing it. With all of these criteria in mind, we take a closer look at five different models of winter boot.

The Classic Lace-Up

A lace-up boot in dark brown leather is without a doubt the most classic choice of winter footwear, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better all-rounder, whatever the season. Our pick of lace-up boot is the Islay model from Crockett & Jones, with their grained leather construction toning down the formality just enough to allow them to work just as well with a pair of jeans as they do with a suit.

The Chelsea Boot

Chelsea boots have become something of the go-to-choice for any gender. And it is easy to see why. With their streamlined profile and minimalist look, Chelsea boots suit almost any occasion. Add to this the comfort and practicality of never having to fiddle with laces, and you have a clear frontrunner for autumn and winter. To further enhance the look of your Chelsea boots, pair them with trousers with a slimmer bottom leg to create a seamless transition between the trouser and boot.

The Hiking Boot

When it comes to functionality, the hiking boot is perhaps the model that most closely matches our criteria. A robust sole, stable ankle support, and high levels of comfort make these boots the obvious choice for walks in the forest or when spending time outdoors. In terms of style, they are almost the opposite of Chelsea boots – instead of blending with the leg of your trousers, hiking boots tend to stand out and attract attention. Therefore, we recommend wearing these boots together with clothing that balances out their stark visual impression, such as a vibrant polo shirt or oversize parka.

The Chukka Boot

Chukka boots, or ‘desert boots’ depending on who you ask, have become immensely popular among the more style-conscious. Their clean, low profile suggests a certain elegance, while their military origins give them a hint of toughness. The chukka boot is most of often seen in dark brown suede or black leather and here, we have chosen the former, which works especially well with chinos in beige and navy.

The Curling Boot

On seriously cold winter days, or when faced with heavy snow, curling boots can come in particularly handy. This may be why Bally’s classic models have become a ubiquitous part of many a wintry urban landscape. The curling boot’s somewhat chunky profile can make it hard to pair with the rest of your outfit, but if you prefer function over form, it makes an excellent choice for the coldest months of the year.