Finding fashionable winter boots that are as functional as they are cute is hard but not impossible. After many years of wearing gross chunky boots, I had sort of given up hope and gave in to the idea that winter = ugly footwear. I have exactly four IKEA Billy bookcases full of shoes, mostly designer, which typically go into hibernation mode for winter. Let me just say, there’s no way you’ll ever find me wearing everyday shoes in the rain or snow. I’d rather go barefoot. 

Fast forward to fall/winter 2018 and Canadian shoe company Cougar has just released their exclusive, limited edition Small Batch collection made out of premium natural hide, full grain leather, and fur trimmed boots. While I generally stay away from fur for personal reasons, I’m aware that fur has a place for our extremely freezing winters. I’ve seen the use of it on my trips to Iceland and Banff in the dead of winter and learned it has the ability to keep away the cold (therefore frostbite) and repel water. 

Since my winter boot wardrobe desperately needed an update, I went for Cougar’s stylish Darbi boot made out of natural cowhide with a leather trim. They feature a stacked 2” heel and anit-slip sole. They’re also part of the exclusive Small Batch collection which will only be available for a short time, so once they're gone, they're gone. 

Like many of Cougar’s shoes, the entire Small Batch collection is waterproof and temperature rated from -24°C to -30°C to keep your toes warm but they’re also appropriate for milder weather. I wore my Darbi boots on a 12°C fall day while Geoff and I grabbed coffee and went for a stroll. My feet were comfortable and not overheated like I had originally feared. Honestly the best part is just finding a badass winter boot that’s not gonna mess with the flow of my outfit.

WHAT I’M WEARING: Frank & Eileen hoodie in LAB501 Blackout and trouser leggings in LAB600 Blackout (under the dress). Equipment silk dress. The Kooples leather jacket. Cougar Shoes Darbi Small Batch boot. CHANEL patent leather bag.

Geoff makes his second appearance on WoahStyle blog wearing Cougar’s Cranston boot from their men’s collection.

WHAT GEOFF’S WEARING: Frank & Eileen Luke twill shirts layered on top of each other in black with gray grid and black and red plaid. The Kooples cords. Topman wool overcoat. Alexander McQueen scarf. Cougar Shoes Cranston boots.

Disclaimer: In collaboration with Cougar Shoes. Photos by Melanie Rees. All opinions are my own.