With winter right around the corner, you might be wondering how to acclimatize your footwear. Luckily, the fall season brought about several trends that are not only fashionable, but functional and comfortable as well.

1.  The Lug Boot

       A “lug sole” is a term for the sole of a boot that’s made of rubber and includes deep indentations or grooves to provide added grip. The pattern was invented by Vitale Bramani. Bramani, an experienced alpine mountaineer, developed the boot soles after a particularly ill-fated expedition in the Italian Alps that resulted in the deaths of several of his friends because their footwear didn't allow for a safe descent off the mountain.

      The lug sole in combination with a rubber outsole, are designed for maximum traction and stability. They can withstand slippery conditions; hence their popularity in the fall and functional versatility to wear into the colder winter months. The thickness of the rubber sole creates a heightened platform, without compromising comfort for your feet.  The Lugg Boot has been a staple since Fall 2020 and will likely remain a style favorite for seasons to come.

footwRx fav: lug boot

        Few wardrobe staples have stood the test of time like combat boots. The heavy-duty footwear first came to form in the military, dating as far back as 1943 in the depths of World War II. The styles have been slightly modified overtime.  Not only do they look good, but they are highly functional and transitional. Combat boots classically have a lug sole or rubber sole, designed for grip. For optimal foot comfort and protection, opt for a pair with a lower heel, made of leather material. They provide inherent ankle stability via their lace up mechanism.

        The riding boot will never go out of style. Originally, they were designed for riding horses and date back to the 10^th century, but even if you’ve never stepped foot in a stable; they are worth trying on. They were designed to make riding more comfortable, with features such as a protective leather knee high shaft, sturdy toe box and solid heel for the stirrup. Riding boots are designed for function and comfort. A riding boot classically differs from a regular boot in that they contain a textured sole for ease of walking. Rarely does a riding boot have a heel higher than 2 inches.

footwRx fav: riding boot

       Chelsea boots are close-fitting ankle boots featuring stretchy elastic side panels. The original design was called the “paddock boot” and dates to 1837 when they were created by bootmaker J. Sparkes-Hall for Queen Victoria. She had requested a boot without laces because they would get stuck in her stirrups while riding. The new style had the advantage slipping on and off with ease. The name “Chelsea boots” didn't appear on the market until the 1950s and '60s, when they became popular in the UK. Chelsea boots were first seen on the King's Road in the London Borough of Chelsea.

        Many Chelsea boots have a loop or fabric tab at the back to allow for easy pulling on. They classically have a round toe box and the shaft extends beyond the ankle. These ankle-high boots are famous for their versatility and simplicity. Opt for a low heel, and wide toe box for optimal foot comfort. They can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making them a valuable piece to any wardrobe.