Women's winter sneakers on clearance

Leather effect, leather or canvas: which upper to face the rain

The synthetic leather effect, like on the Nike Court Vision or some Victoria, doesn't fear water and can be wiped clean with a sponge, but it breathes less than natural leather. Real leather gets nourished and waterproofed to go through several winters without cracking. Finally, canvas soaks up water at the first puddle: it’s best kept for dry days. The Victoria models that combine leather effect and split leather, softer to the touch, require a protective spray before the first downpour, as the suede of the split leather marks easily.

Other clearance items

Women's winter clearance also includes:

• Puffer jackets.
• Parkas.
• Coats.
• Jackets.
• Sweatshirts.
• Trousers.

All clearance items are gathered on the women's winter page.

Thick soles: isolating from the cold ground

A thick sole keeps your foot away from the frozen pavement and puddles: a few centimetres of material insulate better than a thin classic sneaker sole. The Buffalo Cerbo, Orbit, CLD Chai or Paired Glam offer this generous sole in more or less distinct styles, while the Steve Madden Possession and Mistica feature a sturdy, stable platform thanks to its width. On wet ground, check that the rubber is well textured: a smooth sole, even thick, can slip on cobbles and fallen leaves.

Shoe size, fit, insole: keeping feet warm

A tight foot cools down faster because the blood circulates poorly: choose a shoe size that allows room for the toes, even with thicker socks. The generous fit of the Tamaris, a brand from the German Wortmann group, works well for this purpose. The Skechers Uno retains a comfortable memory foam, but its perforated upper lets in cold air: it is better suited for dry days. An insulating insole, made of felt or wool, slipped into a slightly loose pair, cuts off the cold rising from the ground.

Salt, snow and mud: winter care for sneakers

After a trip in the snow, the salt you use for de-icing dries out the leather and leaves white marks: wipe it off the same evening with a damp cloth, then nourish the natural leathers. The mud should be left to dry before brushing it off, to avoid embedding it in suede or canvas. The mesh uppers of the Asics Gel-Quantum or Nike Initiator dry filled with paper, at room temperature. A waterproofing spray applied at the start of the season, then every few weeks, remains the best protection for lighter models.

Frequently asked questions

Are platform sneakers stable on snow?

A wide, textured platform remains stable on compacted snow, but a very high sole makes the ankle more vulnerable on ice. In icy conditions, a thinner, highly grippy sole is safer.

How to wear white sneakers in winter without damaging them?

Protect them with a waterproofing spray before the first outing and wipe them down as soon as you get back. Smooth synthetic leather models are much easier to clean than white canvas, which quickly turns grey.

Can winter sneakers be machine washed?

It's best to avoid this for leather, suede and glued soles, as hot water can damage them. Hand cleaning with a brush and soapy water preserves the pair for much longer.

How to avoid odours when feet are kept closed all day?

Remove the insole every evening to let it dry, and alternate between two pairs from one day to another. A sachet of baking soda slipped into the shoe overnight absorbs moisture.

Should I choose a high-top sneaker for winter?

A high-top sneaker offers better protection for the ankle against the cold and splashes, but a low-top with a thick sole is sufficient for urban trips. The choice mainly depends on how much time you'll spend outdoors and the weather.