How to Wear the Hiking Boot Trend in 2019
I Bought These Winter Boots For Hiking, but They're So Versatile, I Wear Them With Everything
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If you hate packing as much as I do, you know the struggle is real when it comes to shoe selection for a trip that involves unpredictable weather and activities that range from dressy night outs to outdoor excursions. I was faced with this predicament while prepping for a two-week Fall trip to Norway and London, where I had the added challenge of fitting everything in one carry-on suitcase. How are you supposed to make room for stylish footwear when you have to fit in bulky practical shoes?
I started with my top-priority pretrip purchase, hiking boots, and I was shocked to find the holy grail of travel shoes. I bought the Sorel Women's Ainsley Conquest Boot ($140) on Amazon after spending hours scouring Google and Pinterest to find a shoe that would cover all my practical bases while still looking cute on non-hiking days.
The most surprising benefit of these boots was how easy they were to style with my favourite Fall and Winter outfits.
They saved me a ton of packing space, since they worked as rainboots, walking shoes, and hiking boots. I wore them on all my airport travel days to save additional suitcase room, and thanks to the shoelace hooks on the top, they were easy to loosen up and stayed comfortable even during the long international flights.
As their name suggests, they served as exceptional hiking boots. The lugged sole was essential for a very muddy and rocky hike that included some steep sections. I can also attest to them being extremely waterproof. I walked through creeks and stepped in puddles, and my feet remained 100 percent dry. I also thoroughly rinsed them off and they were much easier to clean than I thought they would be, only requiring a little scrubbing with a washcloth for the leather.
The most surprising benefit of these boots was how easy they were to style with my favourite Fall and Winter outfits. Since I was walking a lot on this trip, I wanted to wear comfortable shoes, and these were by far my most comfortable (even more than my sneakers). But I also wanted to feel good about my travel attire, and thankfully, chunky lace-up utilitarian boots are a trend that has stood the test of time, with Dr. Martens and various iterations of combat and work boots staying on trend in recent years. Whether styled with a long coat, skinny jeans, and scarf for a casual look or a midi dress with a sweater and tights for a nice dinner out, these boots were incredibly versatile and toughened up my classic travel uniform.
Shop the boots ahead, and keep reading for real examples of how to style the chunky boot trend with your cold-weather outfits.
Sorel Women's Ainsley Conquest Boot
The Sorel Women's Ainsley Conquest Boot ($115-253) are comfortable and waterproof. I went up a half size (normally a size seven, purchased a 7.5) based on customer reviews, and they fit perfectly.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Wear them with a long camel coat, black tights, and a red handbag.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Style them with a patterned coat, neon turtleneck, and jeans.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Use them to toughen up a classic midi skirt and trench coat look.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Style them with sheer tights, a checkered coat, and a graphic tee.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Wear them with an all-black ensemble and a shearling-collar leather jacket.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Stand out in a checkered coat, newsboy gap, and lavender top.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Throw them on with tights, a beanie, and a puffer for a cosy look.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Channel a '90s vibe with a cami, miniskirt, and oversize blazer.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Use them to transition your long Summer dresses for the colder months.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Pair them with a simple utilitarian dress for an easy outfit.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Style with a leather jacket and jeans for an easy weekend outfit.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Wear them with your go-to black pants, white-shirt, and leather jacket.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Style them with sheer tights, a miniskirt, and a varsity jacket.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Channel two '90s classics at once with a Clueless-inspired plaid yellow blazer and Daria-inspired boots.
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
How to Style Chunky Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Tuck your jeans in and top with a blazer for a cool rainy day look.
