Best Winter Boots for European Christmas Markets

Winter in Europe is one of my favorite times of the year. I don’t live in a wintry climate, so each year I travel to a place that has a true winter, and it’s usually to Europe to experience the European Christmas markets. I’ve written a blog dedicated to what to wear to the markets, and I thought a boot-specific blog would be really beneficial to readers, as there are so many options. Since I have more boots than anyone living in the southern United States should have, I thought I needed to share my experiences. Apparel is one of my favorite topics, and I know you’ll gain a lot from discovering the different brands of boots I’ve found to be tried and true.

As I’ve discovered through the years of going to the markets, most people are not going to care nearly as much about what you’re wearing as you do, especially if you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista. Being one myself and enjoying looking nice when I go out into the world, I realized quickly that function is much more important to me than looks. The good news is that you don’t have to pick one over the other. Fashion and function have collided and collaborated, and many boot brands are doing right by us and giving us the variety we need to look and feel good about our boot choices. I’m excited to dive into this particular topic, as boots are my thing. I actually plan the rest of my outfits around which boots I take to the European Christmas markets.

There are a lot of boots that have the right style, but possibly not anything else that is helpful to making a Christmas market trip comfortable. When I first started to do research on different boot brands, I knew that first and foremost I wanted my boots to be waterproof. The markets can get sloshy for various reasons, including rain and/or snow, and I didn’t want to have to hop around puddles trying to avoid getting my feet wet. Not slipping easily is also something I really wanted in a boot, so traction became rather important in my search as well. Luckily, as I’ve discovered, there are several boot brands that are appropriate to take to the European Christmas markets. The more research I do, the more cute and functional boots I find. It’s quite satisfying.

Blondo

Blondo was my first purchase of the all-around boot that makes the most sense for the Christmas market trip I was going on. I bought two different styles, the Dyme and the Hallie in brown, and I took both of them on the first trip. As I’ve gone to not only the markets, but other winter trips, I notice that the Hallie boot is likely my favorite of the two, as I like the look and I like that the sole is flat and there’s no heel. I own the brown color and the bone color. Black is always the easiest to pair things with, but the bone looks awesome with everything.

My other ankle boot from Blondo that I own is the Dagger style, which isn't available anymore. A similar one is the Danika. This one is a perfect slight heel and I like the buckle on the side as well. I’ve bought several other Blondo styles, including loafers and over-the-knee boots, but the ankle ones are the easiest to pack to the Christmas markets (and in general when you’re trying to pack light) so those are my winners. Size up if you have a wider foot. They tend to run a little narrow.

La Canadienne

I discovered La Canadienne in some of my research about boots and fell in love with the look of them. Most of the reviews were stellar, noting that they were comfortable to walk right out of the box in and all day at that. Because I am obsessed with the color red (shocking) I bought two pairs of red ankle boots: one in a darker burgundy and one in bright red. Both are gorgeous and both have been worn several times already.

The darker ones (these are similar) came with me to one of my Christmas market trips, and I have to say they really did well. I rotated them with one other pair of boots (the Blondos) and was so impressed. Not once did I have to worry about my feet hurting, and I do a lot of walking. This is a brand I’m going to be loyal to for as long as they keep making gorgeous and functional boots. This brand ran very true to size for me.

UGG

UGG is a brand I've known for a couple of decades. I've owned a few pairs, one of which has lasted me over a decade and counting. It's a classic brand for many people who like wearing warm boots, and they are made really well. They've made my recommendation list because they're familiar to most people into style and fashion. While I wouldn't say UGG makes the sexiest boot, they make a fantastic winter shoe that will last you years.

I'm going strong with the classic short boot, as you can wear them over leggings or jeans, and they go with everything. They are water-repellent, so not totally water-resistant, but that's usually enough. Whatever color you get, you'll find yourself going back to them over and over. For the European Christmas markets, I would bet you won't have to wear any other shoe while there. They are that comfortable. Totally off-topic, but their slippers are some of my favorites as well.

Vivaia

VIVAIA is a brand that I am thrilled to feature. They were all over my Instagram feed, and I couldn't resist reaching out to them to see if they had any interest in doing a brand partnership. When I asked, it was a yes for them, and they sent me two pairs of boots, which I got to choose. One is going to be particularly perfect for my long walks in Paris.

The urban boots that I got are not only water-repellent, they are a combination of a sneaker and a boot. I can hardly believe the comfort of them - they are truly remarkable. Even the back of the shoe has padding, making the entire shoe like a slipper around my foot. They also weigh almost nothing. I HIGHLY recommend these. My other boots are a waterproof puffer style boot. It's a short boot, but I got a separate leg warmer that matches the boot and turns it into what looks like a taller boot. Both of these are perfect for the Christmas markets, and I can't say enough good things about them. This, my friends, was a good partnership. I'll definitely get more of their shoes in the future.

Eric Michael

Eric Michael is a boot brand that I have loved for years. It's not a well-known name, but somehow I managed to find them and bought a few pairs of their boots. I still own them today, and one of the pairs is a favorite I wear on repeat during the winter because of the warm lining. In doing market research for Christmas markets, I found that they make water-resistant styles, and I had to include them. You'll blend right in when walking around the markets.

Another reason I love Eric Michael brand is because their shoes are made in Europe, mainly in Spain and Portugal, some in Italy. The quality is some of the best I've seen and the price is right for European-made shoes. When I went hunting for some styles I like specifically for the Christmas markets, I found the Carissa and fell in love. The look of a lace-up boot is so stylish, and it goes with anything you wear. This is a top pick for boots for the Christmas markets.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock is a brand that I walk all over in. When I moved to Europe, they are the ones I reach for when I know I'm going walking, so I had to include their waterproof boots in my list of recs for the Christmas markets. If these are your boots of choice, be sure to wear them ahead of time to break them in and get them molded to your foot. Wear them for a little while here and there so the shoe adjusts to your foot.

The pair I am choosing is the Highwood Mid Waterproof boot. The chocolate color is especially good-looking to me, and I love that the shade would go with black or brown clothing. These are a pair of boots that you can look stylish and be very comfortable. Birkenstocks are always worth the price tag, as you'll keep them for years and wear them on repeat.

My list here is short, but these are the most quality options for what I’m looking and what I’ve found and worn. As I continue to find more options, I will add them to this list. The European Christmas markets are magical and wonderful, and being comfortable at them is truly what will help you have the best time. My love for apparel only grows as I travel and find better solutions to share with you. These boot brands will end up being staples in your whole winter experience, no matter how long or short your winters are. The fact that they are all weather-proof is a bonus, and frankly I feel like all boots should be. Enjoy the Christmas markets, and enjoy looking your best in one or all of these boot brands. 

If you enjoyed this blog, you might also like to see which coat brands I love and what I pack for the European Christmas markets.

For an extensive packing list for the European Christmas markets, here is the link!

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