Stompy boots and finding the right socks for winter
Photo: Sarah Brick
Winter boots demand the right socks. For optimum comfort and extra warmth, socks shouldn’t be an after-thought, you have to find the correct pairing. Particularly if, like me, you enjoy a good walk around the park (or what TikTokkers are now calling #softhiking). Stompy footwear has specific requirements. Personally, I prefer thick, woolly walking socks with big boots to ensure a good fit around the ankle, the right length ( ideally they should sit above the top of your boots), and avoid any rubbing. If your socks are too thin, your feet will slide around inside your boots like Tonya Harding on a good day. Always remember the style equation:
Chunky boots + substantial socks = maximum comfort.
This combination can be visually pleasing, a peep of sock brings a little energy to an outfit. It helps break things up, and offers an opportunity to introduce colour, texture and interest. My favourites are the thick, cushioned walking socks from Community Clothing; knitted in Leicestershire, they are a wool-blend with a good amount of stretch and come in an array of colours including: ‘Seaweed’ ‘Slate’ and ‘Port.’ (I’m wearing a pair in the photo above). One of my most stylish friends teams Pairs walking socks with her classic Red Wing boots. The responsibly-sourced wool socks are designed for comfort and made in Scotland by a small independent company.
Elsewhere, I’ve heard good things about the Last Long socks at Finisterre. Sustainably-made with British wool, the socks have over-600 five star reviews on the website. Falke is arguably the most luxurious sock-maker in the business; another friend rates the cosy wool boot socks and rustic rib boot socks. For affordable prices, I often pick up socks at Muji (though the sizing can be a bit confusing), they wear and wash well. I snagged a couple of pairs of the men’s grey sports socks in New York, earlier this month. And, Uniqlo’s HeatTech is always a good idea.
To perk up a pared-down outfit try the off-beat jacquards, florals and colour-pairings from Japanese label Tabio. Statement socks can also be found at Penelope Chilvers and Rototo. Knee-highs are an excellent option, and worn with a midi skirt or maxi-length, your legs will be warmer and no-one will be any the wiser. Try Catherine Tough for patterned pairs or Swedish Stockings for plain.
I know what you’re thinking: bare legs in mid-winter, that woman really is a hardy northerner. Admittedly, the top photo was taken in autumn, and initially I tried the outfit on with a pair of knee boots but it just didn’t feel right. Tights are too much of a faff and so I tend to avoid Hosiery Hell. If you have to… Snag Tights are designed to be worn by all sizes and a good fit.
A selection of stompy boots and substantial socks. And more on the benefits of walking HERE:
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STYLE NOTES
My cashmere crew neck jumper is from a previous Uniqlo partnership (similar colours available HERE). The mohair tank top was a gift from Brora and is now less than half price in the sale. The denim skirt was a gift from Toast (sent after my feature on denim skirts you can walk in). I bought my boots from Solovair and the walking socks from Community Clothing.
Discussion (19 Comments)
Thank for the reminder! I forgot to add Genevieve who I’ve collaborated with a couple of times on socks for the TNMA Edit. That is my age…
Fiona Chandler says:
Love your look and the socks and stompy boots edit! Beautiful socks give me joy!
Rock and Ruby also do great quality and fab coloured socks in wool or cotton, a small uk company. And second the reminder about Genieve Sweeney… great socks.
Sarah P says:
Nishiguchi Kutsushita make lovely wool patterned socks. They are pre-shrunk and very cosy. You can buy them at Toast, or a few places online. They come in various colour schemes including navy and white, grey and white, red and white, and yellow and blue.
Liza Green says:
Fun outfit Alyson. M&S, after several winters in the sock doldrums, have got some lovely thermal socks, both ankle and knee high. And I bought some Finisterre socks for my husband this Christmas which he’s wearing on repeat, so that’s a good recommendation. Bought a great pair of chunky Chelsea style boots this year, usually wear lace up, can anyone tell me how to get them off without ruining the backs!
Nikki says:
After trapping my fingers several times on a new pair of Chelsea boots, I’ve bought a long shoe horn and it’s saved the boots from the charity shop. I spent a few pounds on one from IKEA.
Nicola says:
What a fantastic idea Nikki. I have the Hunter ankle boots for dog walking and drive the dog practically insane taking too long to struggle into them. The strong elastic makes them leakproof but they are beggars to get on and off! A shoe horn sounds like a good plan.
Thanks Nikki, now I come to think of it I may have a long shoe horn hiding in a cupboard, need to seek it out!
Alysen Beacon says:
The best socks, bar none, are the Corrymoor Companion (although they have a new company name now, since the owners sold out in 2023). Mohair, warm, and a good range of colours. Bliss for feet. Wash well, don’t shrink and last for years.
MRS JENNY MACLEOD says:
Love your look Alison, I really like Nordic socks. They have beautiful patterns, some wool, some cotton and often have really good reductions.
Lynn says:
LANX, in the Ribble Valley, has some lovely boots and socks. All made in the UK, too.
Sara says:
Lovely to see Lanx recommended. I have two pairs of their excellent boots. Incredibly well made and I think very flattering. I am expecting them to last forever!
Thanks Lynn & Sara, I had an email chat with Lanx HQ last year so watch this space!
Mrs Tonia says:
Some very good suggestions here. I’ve got some good hiking boots both nylon and warm lined leather ones. For socks I like the look of the multicoloured mark ones here but have found my feet to be more sensitive to itchy textures since I had an accident while hiking and ripped ligaments in my left ankle. Slow recovery despite physio treatments and doing all the prescribed exercises. For everyday wear I am favouring bamboo mix socks even over beloved cashmere Brora socks which I used to find the cosiest thing to put on my feet. I bought a few pairs of an excellent striped half wool sock made by Danish company Clemente.dk. These I find supportive when wearing hiking boots, warm and not too itchy.
I like your outfit with the fair isle tank top a lot. However I’m strictly a tight wearing person with skirts or dresses. A better line and far warmer. Coloured opaques my preferred ones by Falke or Calzedonia.Cherry says:
Here in Canada I wear Icebreaker merino wool socks all winter in my boots , they come in many different weights and lengths and keep my feet toasty in all weather.
Loved your article on fogo. Am almost 70 and work with young staff and teenage drug users in Perth, Australia. Told the manager last year he needed to stop talking about my age derisively, said it is time to cease it and think. He did apologise but we have to call it out regularly. I have never liked someone saying i am good for my age – and call it every time. I say i hope that was not meant as a compliment coz it’s not. We would never say to someone ‘you look good for a fat person’ – it would be an insult. So why is the age qualification ok?
Julie 
Jean S 
lizzie g 
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Genevieve Sweeney – Do amazing socks , made in Britain .Including sparkly ones .!….well worth a look.