By Jamie Ducharme, News Staff
If a quick glance at Northeastern’s campus is any indication, winter footwear in New England means one thing: boots. Appearing in every style, color and material, boots are undeniably hot when the weather gets cold.
While students trek around campus in everything from galoshes to suede booties to full-fledged snow boots, some trends rise above the rest in the minds (and on the feet) of Northeastern students.
Freshman health sciences major Meghan Mazurowski said she has seen a range of styles gracing the streets this winter, and while “they all have their place,” her favorite remains the timeless leather riding boot.
Mazurowski is not the only fan of equestrian-style boots.
“I see a lot of high riding boots, usually in black and brown leather,” said middler psychology major Marie DeCarney. “Those are my favorite.”
On the streets of Boston, the riding boot prevails as a favorite as well. Janelle Wynn, sales supervisor at the Steve Madden boutique on Newbury Street, said the store’s top selling style is a tall leather boot with a slight wedge heel. The boot comes in several shades, but she said most buyers choose cognac brown.
“It’s a great dress boot, but also casual at the same time; it’s very transitional,” she said.
Wynn said riding boots can be worn in both winter and spring. She recommended pairing the boot with a sweater and jeans in winter, and with a dress and tights or with bright colors like electric blue and yellow in spring.
For a more rugged winter shoe, Wynn mentioned a combat-style boot lined with cable-knit fabric for warmth.
Cathy Vang, sales associate at Thom Browne on Newbury Street, said combat boots have been sought-after at her store as well.
“They are getting less popular as we go into spring, though,” she said.
As for the style students love to hate, the ever-present Ugg boot seems the clear answer.
“I personally am not a fan of Uggs, but [wearing them] seems to be what the general consensus is,” said junior civil engineering major Insiyah Lightwala.
DeCarney agreed. “I think they look ridiculous. They might be comfortable, but they’re not my style,” she said.
Vang urged boot wearers to treat their footwear, regardless of style, with weather proofing spray to prevent salt stains and water damage. The longevity of a boot, she said, “depends on how often you wear it,” but the lifespan can be lengthened with proper care, a blessing for the intrepid Northeastern student making the snowy, slushy morning commute to class or co-op without sacrificing fashion.
