Shoes can be a pricey, albeit necessary, expenditure and it’s not always in everyone’s budget to invest in a pair of fancy winter shoes that you’ll only wear for a few months out of the year. Or maybe you’re someone who commutes to work and doesn’t want to pack an entire separate pair of shoes to change into once you get to the office.
Luckily, you don’t have to drop loads of cash to winterize some of your favorite shoes and make them temporarily compatible with inclement weather.
If you’re not entirely sure what we mean, a short scroll will reveal a selection of products like rubber galoshes that can fit over your existing shoe to make it waterproof, insulated boot covers that’ll keep your feet toasty and more.
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Swims’ classic galoshes are cleverly designed to slip over your existing shoes to transform them into rain- and puddle-ready footwear, without feeling cumbersome or weighed down. Made from a utilitarian rubber material with a water-repelling surface, Swims also promises a tractioned outer sole to prevent slipping in icy or wet conditions. Regarding sizing, the brand offers sizes M-XXL which will roughly accommodate men’s shoe sizes 6-13. There are also up to eight colors to choose from.
Note: They’re on sale on Amazon but also on the Swims website if you add the “NewYearSale” coupon code at checkout.
This Tingley rubber galosh offers a bit more coverage than the option above thanks to its ankle-high design and tear-resistant material that stretches over even bulky shoes like work boots. They have a seamless construction so they are fully waterproof and cleated bottoms for added non-slip protection plus, at the back of each galosh is a thoughtfully designed heel tab so the overshoe can be easily removed without the need for hands or bending over. Shop them in five flexible and gender-neutral sizes.
Ideal for trekking through the snow, black ice sleet, or even navigating rocky terrain Yaktrax walking traction cleats — which experienced a bout of TikTok fame not long ago — are slip-over cleats that offer traction to regular footwear, even in the slipperiest of conditions. They use an innovative and erosion-resistant coil design wound over a thermoplastic rubber sling for 360-degree stability evenly distributed underfoot. You can find these in sizes XS-L, which accommodate men’s shoe sizes 1-13.5 and women’s 2.5-15.
Promising review: “I purchased these spikes/grips for a winter trip to Norway. I was staying outside of town and had to walk about a half mile on icy/snowy roads to catch a bus, and these were absolute lifesavers.The contrast between myself wearing them and my friend not wearing them was significant, and I never lost my balance or felt unstable when walking on snow and ice. These grips are very easy to put on and take off, but they do take a bit of adjusting to get perfectly centered on your boot. Also, if you are getting them for winter boots, I recommend sizing up. I have size 9 winter boots, but because they’re so bulky and insulated, I ended up needing a larger size grip than the size chart recommended. I used them every day for a week, so I can’t speak to longterm durability, but they definitely held up for a week of nonstop use.” — Mango53
These heavy-duty ice cleats from the Winter Walking Store are prepared to offer a grippy underfoot for icy and snowy conditions and winter-time activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, mountain climbing and more. The toe and heel of these cleats are covered with molded-in tungsten carbide studs that offer a more aggressive tread and a reduced-elastic sole for greater abrasion resistance. They can be found in five sizes.
If you’re after a pair of overshoes that will add both superior warmth and waterproof functionality, the ArcticShield over-the-boot insulators might be a good choice. These zip-up covers claim to help retain heat and fend off rain and wind, despite their lightweight design, and they come in three colors and five flexible and gender-neutral sizes.
This industrial-strength leather conditioner claims to keep leather supple and protected from rain, sun or rock salt that might cause cracking or damage to shoes. This water-repelling formula uses natural beeswax in a suspension that offers a time-release lubrication for reliable leather hydration over an extended period.
Nikwax waterproofing spray is meant to waterproof suede and nubuck while maintaining the material’s unique texture and breathability, in addition to extending its lifespan. This leather-reviving and aerosol-free spray is water-based, so it’s also safe for shoes that might have Gore-Tex.
If you don’t have a pair of Uggs, you can still have that snuggly, warm feeling that can be had from the brand’s genuine shearling lining with these Ugg shoe inserts. These plush insoles — which, come in women’s shoe sizes 5-12 — are naturally moisture-wicking and have a dual-density construction for cushioned wear.
Promising review: “I have loved my Skechers house slippers for the last year or so, but the thin fabric on the washable insoles started pealing off after many washes and were not so comfortable. After replacing the original insoles with the UGG insoles, my feet and body are so pleased! I am so happy with the UGG insoles I bought another pair for my “outside shoes”. I also bought a pair for my adult son, who put them in his work shoes. He expressed how happy he is with them after he wore them a while to work out a “too snug” fit. They will flatten out a little, but not too much, which is what happens with most cushioned insoles. I also found that my feet don’t sweat as they did in the past, or maybe the Ugg insoles merely absorbs the moisture. On that note, I plan to hand wash them at some point to see what happens since there was no info on that. If washing fails, I will use my 2nd pair and buy a 3rd!” — Vicki Randolph
If you do own a pair of Uggs and fear the potential of wearing out the soles or staining the leather in the rain, then these Ugg-branded silicone covers are worth the $50 investment. The Ugggaurd 2.0 is a protective galosh compatible with several Ugg shoe designs and available in three colors and gender-neutral sizes.
Easily throw these lightweight and foldable boot covers in your bag ahead of a rainy day or a snowy forecast. Made with a reinforced non-slip rubber sole, a full-length zipper and a drawcord top, these covers can protect shoes from water, mud, snow and whatever else awaits your on a winter day commute to work or running errands. Find them in four colors and seven flexible and gender-neutral sizes.
Compatible with all types of shoes, these size-customizable inserts can make shoes warmer using heat-trapping microfibers that help insulate shoes, while letting moisture out. They also have a pillow-top cover to help cushion feet. You can get buy a single pair or a set of two.
For a disposable warming option, look no further than these single-use toe warmers by Hot Hands, the trusted brand behind those adored heating pouches for the hands. This version is shaped to fit right under the entire forefoot without crowding shoes by promising an ultra-thin construction. They have and strong adhesive base to stay put in the base of the shoe and use activated charcoal for a safe natural heat source.
These boot liners are a simple way to add an extra dose of serious warmth to your shoes this winter. They are made from a special type of fleece that offers insulation and temperature regulation and keeps feet dry, even if you’re prone to sweating. Available in two colors and four gender-neutral sizes, the liners are also designed with flat elastic seams so there’s no uncomfortable bulging underfoot or around the ankles.
If you’re an outdoor cyclist whose biking routine doesn’t change just because it’s winter, these overshoe covers can protect your cycling shoes against the elements and keep your toes warm. These wear-resistant covers are made from an SBR fabric on top that keeps wind out, and a Kevlar fabric underneath. They are available in two flexible and gender-neutral sizes, which can offer more of a customized fit using the adjustable strap.