Warm and Fashionable Winter Sneakers: How to Choose, Style, and Care

Warm

Stylist and image consultant Anna Kustova notes that when selecting winter sneakers, the material of the upper should come first. The top choices are genuine leather and membrane fabrics.

There are woolen or insulated options that look premium yet may not be as functional as synthetic membranes. When opting for a membrane, it is wise to pair the sneakers with thermal socks designed for heat retention and moisture control.

Stylist and fashion historian Yana Demchenko stresses that the key factor in truly warm winter footwear is a thick sole. A substantial sole offers the best defense against the cold.

The sole should be not only thick but also sturdy to prevent slips and provide solid grip on ice. A distinct tread pattern helps the shoe hold onto icy surfaces and reduces the risk of slipping, according to Marina Bitsadze, press manager for Rendez-Vous.

The removable insole adds warmth. If feet get wet, the insole can be taken out to dry. Replacing the standard insole with wool or fur is another insulation option.

It is important to check the sneaker tongue for a snug fit. If the tongue leaves a gap, warmth can escape and feet stay cold, Kustova cautions.

Fashion

Color and model choices should align with how the sneakers will be worn. For instance, thick models pair well with ski suits or overalls.

When hunting for urban winter sneakers, look for styles that work with classic clothing. Sneakers have long complemented timeless looks, and winter is no exception, according to Kustova.

Bitsadze notes that major fashion houses and mass-market brands are moving away from overly aggressive, chunky soles. The trend favors calmer, natural colors and restrained, classic silhouettes. Vintage vibes and transparent elements are making a comeback, with animal prints like leopard and zebra gaining popularity this winter.

Fashion editor Yana Polyaninova also points to vintage styles, especially the Adidas Samba and New Balance classics. These are often best suited for European winters and car travel, he points out. Some brands now offer classic models with fur or synthetic insulation for extra warmth.

Another trend this season is sneakers with a metallic finish, offering an alternative to plain white footwear. Such sneakers work best when complemented by other metallic accents in the outfit, including a hood, bag, backpack, or down jacket, according to Kustova.

Bright sneakers add color to dreary winter looks and can rejuvenate a years-long love for the down jacket. For a color pop in a monochrome outfit, consider sneakers in rich orange tones that pair well with black, khaki, or denim, Polyaninova suggests.

Demchenko favors bold color mixing; more shades and varied patterns on uppers, inserts, and soles create modern, versatile outfits. Models from brands like Loewe and Prada illustrate how such designs can coordinate with multiple wardrobe pieces.

What to wear with

Sneakers have become a staple from casual to formal looks, including in winter. They pair easily with down jackets, fur coats, and long coats, as long as all outfit elements form a cohesive whole.

Demchenko sees a pattern in pairing sneakers with outerwear: longer coats often look best with sneakers. He cautions against buying models that seem suited only to one purpose. Versatility is key, and unnecessary embellishments signal a poor investment, he says.

Polyaninova adds that chunky sneakers work well with oversized outerwear, while simpler sneakers suit a classic wrap jacket or a minimalist look.

How to care?

To keep sneakers lasting several seasons, pre-treat them with proper care products. Regardless of material, a water-repellent spray helps shoes resist snow, dirt, salt, and reagents.

If a whitish salt film appears, specialized cleaners lift the salt to the surface for removal with a soft cloth or brush. Wet sneakers should not be dried on radiators, as heat can deform them. After straightening the shoes with blocks, unlace them and let them air dry at room temperature overnight.

Shoes should be washed with a dedicated cleaner, and leather models should be conditioned and dried gently. If possible, avoid wearing genuine leather every day to preserve its appearance longer, Bitsadze advises.