Kate Middleton's comfy snow boots are a style saviour for cold and rainy weather and look elegant with jeans
So many of us make do with our favourite boots even if the weather is awful - but I'm tempted to pick up a specifically waterproof pair
The Princess of Wales's high heel collection is something so many shoe lovers would envy but it's her practical footwear that's inspiring my own autumn/winter wardrobe. She has a few staple styles that she reaches for whenever she's undertaking engagements in the rain, mud or snow and her Sorel ones might be the most useful.
Kate owns an older version of the brand's iconic Torino boots and they're waterproof and lined. She wore them a lot during her and Prince William's 2018 visit to Norway and Sweden and hers are the black colourway. This year Sorel is selling them in a range of different shades, including black and brown, which is still a major fashion colour trend for the season.
Shop Kate's Style
If you've been looking to invest in a pair of snuggly, waterproof boots to see you through the colder months then the Sorel Torinos are a brilliant choice. The black colourway looks the most like the Princess of Wales's boots and they've got microfleece lining for added warmth.
Chocolate brown is a softer alternative to black and it's also a big colour trend at the moment, making this version of the Torino boots particularly tempting. They're heftily discounted right now and have a waterproof suede upper with PU coated leather mudguard. The collar is faux fur and there's a microfleece lining.
These affordable boots come in black and khaki-beige and are crafted from wear-resistant microfiber leather with a mesh lining. Both are waterproof and breathable, helping to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. They also have a standard steel toe cap and a slip-resistant sole.
Shop More Cosy Boots
The Skechers Trego boots can be styled with everything from leggings to your favourite jeans. They're designed to be anti-slip, waterproof and warm, thanks to the faux fur collar and lining. You can get them in various hues and the soles are flat and ridged for grip.
Available in a range of different shades, the Sorel Out N About boots have a sporty, trainer-like aesthetic. They feature plush insoles, cosy fleece lining, ankle support and laces to keep them secure on your feet. There's also a heel pull tab to make it even easier to slip them on and off.
Made with leather uppers and a cosy lining, these boots have the benefit of Next's Forever Comfort® technology too. They are also available in brown and the soles are sturdy and cleated to provide extra grip. Perfect for autumnal walks or simply running errands.
The chunky cleated soles provide excellent grip and woman&home Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr described the fleece lining as being “like a hug for your ankles” in her full Sorel Torino Boots review. The Princess would've no doubt appreciated this level of comfort too, as she wore these shoes to play some Bandy hockey and walk around in the snow, all while being pregnant with Prince Louis.
Although many of the best wellies are stylish as well as functional, a pair of waterproof, warm boots is a must-have for the colder months. Kate cleverly went for a neutral colour that will go with everything and because her Torinos are ankle-height, they're easy to tuck trousers into.
In Norway when the Waleses visited Holmenkollen she stuck to black ski trousers but for the Bandy hockey match in Sweden, the future Queen opted for black skinny jeans instead.
Even if you're not someone who usually loves fitted jeans (me neither!), this shape is perfect for neatly tucking into boots. Straight-leg jeans are a slightly comfier alternative and if you want an ultra leg-elongating effect then go for a close colour match.
Black jeans, leggings or trousers and black boots seamlessly flow into each other, though lighter boots and blue denim is another great option. Sorel and many other brands sell waterproof snow boots that come up higher, though shorter styles like Kate's are just a bit more versatile and understated.
You could easily wear shorter boots day-to-day as well as for hikes or snowy weather, compared to taller footwear which can look a bit out of place if you're not actually walking in deep snow or torrential rain.
I have plenty of pairs of leather and suede boots that I love for autumn/winter but this year I'm tempted to invest in some that are specifically made to keep feet dry and warm.
The Princess of Wales has proved that they can still be chic and although we haven't seen her stepping out in her Sorel Torinos publicly for a while, who knows how often she reaches for them in private when she's heading out in the countryside around the Waleses' Norfolk and Berkshire homes.
