The Tube, the school run, errands, a Sunday stroll: in town we walk far more than we think, and winter puts our feet to the test. To find comfortable winter walking shoes for the city, three things matter above all: grip, warmth and the sole. Here is how to judge them, and the Breya styles that tick the boxes.
The essentials
- Grip: look for a sole with deep treads rather than a smooth one.
- Warmth: a faux-fur or sherpa lining keeps feet warm, and a thick sole insulates them from cold ground.
- Sole: a lightweight platform cushions cobbles and tarmac over long distances.
- Ease: a lace-free style slips on in seconds, handy when you take your shoes off often.
Which shoes are best for walking around town in winter?
The ideal winter city shoe sits between the snow boot, too heavy for every day, and the canvas trainer, too cold. You want a warm pair that stays steady on a damp pavement, comfortable enough for several miles and smart enough for the office or a restaurant. In practice, a lined ankle boot or high-top shoe with a grip sole ticks most boxes.
Criterion 1: grip, so you don't slip
Wet leaves, Tube station stairs, smooth paving outside shops: towns are full of slippery surfaces in winter. Look at the sole before anything else.
- Deep treads: well-defined treads channel water away and grip better than a flat sole.
- A wide base: a sole wider than the foot adds stability.
- No thin heels: in winter, go for a flat sole or a platform.
A word of caution: on black ice, no city sole can replace ice grips. Slow down, take small steps and keep your foot flat.
Criterion 2: warmth, without overheating
Cold feet mean a shorter walk and a spoiled day. Three things affect warmth:
- The lining: a faux-fur or sherpa lining traps warm air around the foot.
- The shaft height: a bootie that covers the ankle keeps out the wind better than a low shoe.
- Sole thickness: the thicker it is, the better your feet are insulated from frozen ground.
Pair your shoes with wool or thick cotton socks, and avoid socks that are too tight. To go further, read our guide to choosing faux-fur lined ankle boots for women.
Criterion 3: the sole, for all-day comfort
In town you walk on hard surfaces: tarmac, cobbles, station floors. A good sole cushions every step. A lightweight platform, neither too stiff nor too soft, spreads the pressure and reduces end-of-day fatigue. Also check that the shoe isn't tight: feet swell slightly as you walk, especially with thick socks. All our criteria for a comfortable sole are in what makes a comfortable sole.
Our styles for winter city walking: Cortina, Alba, Bormio
The Cortina bootie, for long walks
The Cortina sherpa bootie is our most complete city style: a short sherpa-lined bootie, lace-free, with visible stitching and a platform grip sole. It covers the ankle, slips on in one go and works with jeans as well as a jumper dress. Sizes 35 to 44, in camel, brown, black, grey, beige and khaki, at €44.99.
The Alba outdoor slipper, from home to pavement
The Alba is designed for indoors and outdoors: faux-fur lining, embroidered trim, a pull tab and a platform grip sole. Ideal for short everyday trips (bakery, school, shops) without changing shoes. Sizes 36 to 45, in black, camel, brown, beige, grey and pink, at €39.99.
The Bormio lined clog, for quick trips out
The faux-fur-lined Bormio clog is lined right up to the collar and has a cork-effect grip sole you can wear outdoors. Open at the back, it suits short distances rather than long walks. Sizes 35 to 45, at €39.99.
| Style | Type | Sole | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortina | Short sherpa-lined bootie | Platform grip sole | Long walks, full days out |
| Alba | Lined outdoor slipper | Platform grip sole | Short trips, indoors and out |
| Bormio | Faux-fur-lined clog | Cork-effect grip sole | Quick trips, home |
Vegan suede in winter: what precautions?
Our styles are made of vegan suede, a microfibre with a soft "peach skin" feel and no animal materials. As with any suede-look material, it is best to avoid heavy downpours and slush. The right habits (brush once dry, let it dry away from the radiator) are explained in vegan suede in the rain: what to do in winter.
On sizing, our styles are true to size: if you are between sizes, go one size up, especially if you wear thick socks. Size exchanges are free and you have 60 days to change your mind.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most comfortable shoes for walking in winter?
A lined ankle bootie with a platform grip sole and no thin heel. It keeps your feet warm, grips on damp ground and cushions your steps on tarmac.
How do I stop slipping in my shoes in winter?
Choose a wide sole with deep treads, avoid thin heels and adapt the way you walk: small steps, foot flat. On black ice, no city sole replaces ice grips.
Can you walk far in outdoor slippers?
For short trips, yes, if the sole is thick and treaded. For several miles, a bootie that supports the ankle, like the Cortina, is the better choice.
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