Every now and then (read: almost never), we get a teeny tiny glimpse of what cities like New York and Chicago deal with three months out of the year – winter. A brisk breeze or two, a temperature drop of three (maybe four) degrees, and a few inches of rain. Let's face it, winter is not coming. But for the sake of fashion, we'll act like it is so we can switch up our wardrobe with a really great pair of winter boots.
We've rounded up 13 boots from L.A.-based brands that bring their boot A-game, including Esquivel, Charles David, and Matisse. From suede to Chelseas to knee-high to combat, winter's boot options abound. Keep scrolling to explore and feel free to shoot us an email if you have a recommendation you'd like to see added to the list.
Los Angeles Boot Co.
The Pacific Palisades boot was created for use in cold climates, much colder than L.A. could ever get. Nevertheless, it made the list because it reminds us of ice skates sans blades which gives us all the winter wonderland vibes. They're constructed with full-grain leather, light insulation, and a flexible rubber sole – perfect for going from errands to everywhere. Shop Pacific Palisades, $1,450
The Doña Maria, also from The Los Angeles Boot Company, features a glitter finish red leather that's soft to the touch and the brand's signature soft sole. Plus they're made to order from the company's factory in Leon, Mexico. Shop Doña Maria, $700
Esquivel
Every pair of boots by Esquivel – the eponymous line by footwear designer to the stars George Esquivel – is hand-made in Esquivel's DTLA Arts District atelier. Cutting, perforating, sewing, massaging, and hand-finishing are done by a craftsman or woman who's treated and paid fairly, so you can feel amazing about supporting the label. The celebrity-loved label's Blush Pink Dakota boots feature a powder pink suede, hand-painted accents, smooth leather lining, and stitched leather sole. Shop Blush Pink Dakota, $695
Esquivel's Black Leather Jolene boots with a fuchsia strap have to be one of the sleekest combat boots we've laid eyes on. With subtly textured Italian leather, a leather sole, and removable straps, they'll make every Moto jacket look 10x cooler. Motorcycle optional. Shop Black Leather Jolene, $895
Oro Los Angeles
Oro's Marini Combat boots are for the winter days when you want to feel tough without having to do anything tougher than deciding what else you want to wear that day. Hand-crafted in Spain, they'll take your neutral look to the next level. Shop Marini Combat, $450
Charles David
Catwoman is shaking in her boots. Charles David's Wyatt design is equal parts comfortable and edgy. With heel buckles, 4.3-inch heels, and vegan-friendly pleather, this pair has badass written all over them. Shop Wyatt, $74.50
The brand's Pinstripe stiletto boot includes a 16-inch shaft and stretch suede-leather combo to spruce up any winter fit, from denim and a white T-shirt to a formal party dress. Shop Pinstripe, $189.90
Toms
ICYMI, Toms branched out beyond its initial canvas options and now carries functional and fashionable boots like this one. Available in black, dark ember, taupe grey, and mushroom (pictured above), the Mojave features water-resistant black leather uppers, faux fur detailing, and Built-in OrthoLite® Eco X40 Hybrid™insoles for long-term cushioning made with plant-derived and recycled materials. We're not exactly sure what all that means but we do know they look like both a fortress and a pillow at once. Which is exactly the kind of treatment our feet deserve. Shop Mojave, $149.95
Chinese Laundry
Searching for the statement boot? Take the plunge with this red-hot ankle bootie from Chinese Laundry. Featuring a sleek pointed toe, 3.5-inch rectangle heel, inside zipper, and vegan-friendly fine suede, it'll give your go-to red heels a run for their money. Shop Erin Bootie, $89.95
Chinese Laundry's Richie Over the Knee Boot is ideal for those nights out when you're not 100% sure there'll be heat lamps where you're going. They have a 1-inch heel and 25.5-inch shaft plus they stay put and don't sag (knee-high lovers know the saggy struggle is real). Shop Richie Over the Knee, $59.95
Matisse
Matisse's PETA-approved Chase Chelsea Boot, which also comes in white, is made with vegan snake-embossed leather and has a 2-inch heel, making them the obvious choice for a date night that turns into dancing all night long. Shop Chase Chelsea, $100
Taylor & Thomas
Did you really think we'd compile a list of winter boots without including the pair inspired by Debbie Harry? Taylor and Thomas' Debbie boot is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, features a bold brass zipper, and will let you live out your lead vocalist dreams. Shop Debbie, $292.50
The Patti, a tribute to the iconic Patti Smith, is the brand's feminine take on the traditional Chelsea boot. It features a slim silhouette, almond toe, and cylindrical wood heel. Available in blackbird, mustard (pictured above), and saddle, it's sure to make you feel equal parts punk and professional regardless of the season. Shop Patti, $70.62
Main photo: Matisse
