From trudging through slush to shuffling across icy paths, winter boots can be both a practical necessity and a stylish statement. The Phillipian interviewed Andover students about the footwear they are wearing throughout the winter season and how they demonstrate both purpose and flair.
Kaya Hurteau ’27
“[My boots] are pretty and they have lots of pink fluff on them. They [also] have these little shoe laces that just tie around them. My boots are also waterproof, so they’re actually very convenient for the weather. With these I have to try to wear tighter pants or pants that aren’t flared at the bottom because otherwise my pants would get really nasty. I try to match colors [such as] wearing a pink shirt, that’ll [compliment] the pink boots. People have been joking with me about them [though], because they think they’re funny looking. It’s funny because I have this one pair of fluffy pink earmuffs that kind of match the boots so everyone’s [says], ‘Wow, it matches perfectly.’”
Soren Heintz ’28
“My boots are thick and kind of look like astronaut boots, like something you’d find on a spaceship. Personally I don’t like wearing ugly winter boots, but I find these acceptable. That’s why they’re significant to me, because they’re something that I can wear while still looking good and being warm, and not have my feet get wet. These boots say a lot about my boldness. I’m a very bold person and these boots are a big statement to any outfit, so it says a lot about my personality before I even open my mouth.”
Catalina Smith ’27
“My boots are black and leather and they go up mid-shin. My mom gave them to me, actually they’re hers, but that’s why they’re so significant. I [first] saw these boots on my mom and I was like, ‘Oh those look cute, can I have them,’ and she said yes. My inspiration for styling them mainly just comes from the stuff I have in my closet and sometimes what I see on social media. I’ll wear the boots instead of sneakers, especially during the winter. A lot of the time I’m rushing to class in the morning and I don’t want to slip on all the ice, and the boots have a lot more traction than sneakers or slippers do.”
Nevada Charity ’26
“I really enjoy playing with interesting and unique fabrics, textures, and shapes, so I love the bright color that the boots radiate. They’re definitely a great statement piece in my closet and they show that I’m not scared to be expressive and try new and different things with what I wear. When I’m wearing these boots, I’m aware of all the attention that they’re getting. It can be easy to kind of get lost in an outfit and the way that it’s being perceived by others, but it’s important that I wear these boots and other pieces in my closet with a sense of confidence. I want people to be inspired by the fact that I’m wearing these boots so that they can also wear some more color with their outfits, bring a statement piece in, or a pop of texture, [and] just be more playful with what they wear.”
Dikko Garba ’28
“I got the classic [Timberlands]… They’re fitty and trendy and cool. It’s a really popular shoe and a bunch of people back at home wear it so I like wearing it. They don’t really keep me warm but they have nice traction, or at least they have better traction than other shoes. [I’m inspired by] just the way you see people in my community wear it back at home in New York. My mom wears them too. It’s good to feel proud in the way you look. They aren’t for everyone, but if you wear them and look good in them, then that’s good.”
