Snow, ice, sleet, hail, and even just plain old chilly winter rain are enough to make a mockery of most standard trainers. Sure, chucks with low ankle socks might look pretty good, but who really likes having wet toes? No, when winter gets serious, it’s time to take a leaf out of Bavarians’ book and get serious back! After all, there’s no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong type of clothing, as any Munich resident will tell you.
Even in the wetter, milder winters of its north and west, Germans generally won’t be caught without a sturdy pair of boots. Often, they double up as hiking wear, too: their warmth factor can usually be modified by how high up they are tied and what kind of socks you’re wearing with them. Here’s a few German winter boots from our collection that will keep your feet nice and toasty – and keep you upright if you’re out in the snow and ice.
Beyond practicality and style, though, what’s the best thing about a good pair of Bavarian boots? That’s right: they go perfectly with lederhosen and are great alternative to traditional Haferlschuhe brogues, especially if you’re looking to combine an Oktoberfest visit with some mountaineering later on next year…
Johannes
Thanks to its thick sole and high shaft, Johannes is a strong winter-ready footwear option. Available in classic rustic brown or a stylish blue-and-beige combination, this heavy-duty leather boot can be worn with a variety of trouser styles: skinny-fit jeans sit inside and can be kept in place by tightening the buckle above the ankle; boot-cut or straight jeans fall just over the top. The side zips make getting in and out of them an absolute doddle compared to most winter boots (you can leave the laces tied), while the break across the toe minimises the additional girth that comes from wearing boots, making even the largest of feet look comparatively svelte.
Jarre
The Jarre model in whisky beige-brown is a more traditional leather boot, featuring a lace tie-up and few other fashion features. As such, it’s the perfect boot to be paired with classic hiking outfits (yes, that definitely includes lederhosen!), offering a sturdy sole and strong ankle support with stylish traits such as burgundy laces.
“Acme” Bavarian boots
Our favourite all-rounders have been in our range so long that they don’t even have names: these simple, standard Bavarian boots are available in dark brown and lighter Havana (to match darker and lighter lederhosen, of course) and have stood the test of time. 
Made of 100% buckskin suede and expertly stitched, they’re sure to last a while in your wardrobe, too; nothing – not lengthy hiking excursions, not Oktoberfest mayhem, not winter snows – can get the better of these trusty boots.
Of course, even the best of boots can feel chilly (as well as “chafe-y”) without the right socks, so if you decide to get serious this winter, go the whole hog and invest into some traditional socks, too. We would recommend opting for the classic knee socks: even if you’re wearing a pair of jeans and no-one can see your calves, bunched up around the lower calves, these woollies are guaranteed to keep you warm this winter.