An insider's guide for getting the best of what’s in store.

Boot Camp
Slouchy, stacked, or embellished with studs, suede boots are this winter’s hottest footwear.
By Sheila Marikar

They’re lining the shelves of stores all across the nation: buttery soft suede boots. But while this season's must-have footwear is unfailingly stylish in sunny weather, winters can be harsh on delicate suede. Add a little snow, sleet, or rain to your daily trek, and you may as well be walking through a minefield. Luckily, there are some supple styles that are both chic and durable, as well as a few simple tips that enable fashionistas to jump puddles looking de rigeur.

The Shape of Things
For on-the-go girls, flat boots are a godsend. The polar opposite of stilettos in terms of comfort, they promise a winter free of blisters and squashed pinky toes. These boots work with practically any pants or jeans and, depending on the style, can also be worn with knee-length skirts and dresses. Eileen Lewis, director of fashion strategy at Zappos.com, advises buyers to go for a tall pair that offers flexibility. “One of the cutest boots right now is the tall flat that can be worn scrunched or knee high,” she says. Look for details that will set yours apart from the rest, such as faux fur on the shaft and pom-pom laces.

Another seasonal style that also happens to be one of the most versatile is the Western boot. Donned by celebrities and mere mortals alike, they can be thrown under a lightweight dress, making a summery piece look cold-weather appropriate. Worn over jeans, they add trendy flair to an everyday staple, and they can also be paired with more unlikely garments. “On Rodeo Drive, people are wearing cowboy boots with shorts and skirts,” Lewis reports. And no doubt, these boots are made for walking. Most sport a flat bottom or modest heel so urban cowgirls can strut down the sidewalk with ease. Steve Madden’s Saddle Boots sport a substantial two-and-half-inch heel that’s perfect for pounding the pavement, along with toe and collar detailing that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Of course, sometimes a girl needs a bit of a lift—a benefit wedge heels offer without the usual pain. If you’re looking to lengthen your legs, pull on a pair of these with skirts or dresses. Unlike stilettos or kitten heels, they’re designed for wear and tear. A boot with a platform and wedge—so they’re elevated in the front and in the back—makes for even more comfort, which is why they’re Lewis’s boot of choice when she’s in New York City: “I wear the platform wedges,” she says. “The heels are rubber so they tend to wear really well in the snow and water. They’re comfortable to walk in, and they look good, too.” Boots in a bright color spice up any outfit; the teal hue of Nine West’s Qajon Wedge Boots, for example, makes them all the more fashionable.

Of course, for die-hard stiletto wearers, there’s also an array of sky-high styles from which to choose. Some of the best, like Michael Kors’s Colby Boots (shown), are embellished with front lacing and whipstiching detail at the toe. And the Uggs you splurged a few seasons ago? They’re just as wearable now as they were then, says Lewis: “Uggs are still really big, and I think a lot their appeal is in the function now—they're great on skiing trips and in cold weather.” What’s more, the company has unveiled several variations on the standard Sherpa-lined suede that are definitely worth a look and possibly another splurge. The studded Rockstar Boot, for example, offers an edge that the original lacks.

Handle With Care
It’s inevitable that your boots are going to encounter snow, slush, and rain. How to keep them looking as good as new? Desiree Stimpert, About.com’s shoe addict and expert, says that protection is the first key. Before wearing your boots for the first time, treat them to a coat of a non-silicone spray, such as Brown’s Best Footwear Shield or Kiwi Protect All Leather and Suede Protector, to prevent water damage and ensure that if stains do happen, they'll be easy to remove. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, take them to a shoe-repair shop for a protective mist. In addition, it’s a good idea to invest in a suede cleaning block (also known as a suede eraser) and a suede brush with brass or nylon bristles. The eraser works wonders on stains—just rub the eraser across, and watch them disappear. Running the brush over your boots will revitalize suede fibers and keep them looking like new.

In general, you should avoid wearing suede boots in wet weather, but if yours do get damp, gently stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to dry them out. Stimpert warns against taking shortcuts and setting them by the heater: “Don’t ever leave boots on top of the radiator. It’s a terrible, terrible idea because the heat can shrink and misshape them” She also urges consumers not to create their own home remedies. “I see a lot of home remedies for cleaning suede, such as using vinegar, but I stay away from that,” Stimpert says. “If it’s not sold specifically for suede, don’t use it.”

If after all this, you’re anxious at the thought of ruining your suede boots, the experts say that you shouldn’t be. Again, by avoiding extreme weather and treating them to advanced protection, you can greatly minimize potential problems. As Stimpert emphasizes, “For the most part, if you’re careful, they’ll wear very well.”

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