Best shoes for Swedish autumn and winter

Hammargruppen Guides

Best Shoes for Autumn & Winter

As temperatures fall, different demands are placed on materials, soles and construction. In this guide, we look at which shoes and boots are best suited to autumn and winter conditions – from rainy everyday wear to cold weather, snow and slush.

Autumn & Winter

Four Ways to Wear Them

Different weather conditions and occasions place different demands on materials, soles and construction. Here are four simple starting points for choosing the right shoes for autumn and winter.

01

Rain & wet streets

Choose durable materials and a rubber sole with good grip. Waxed calf, grain leather and treated suede are often excellent options.

02

Office & everyday wear

A refined Derby, Oxford or Chelsea boot with City Sole or another discreet rubber sole works well both outdoors and indoors.

03

Cold weather & winter

Warm-lined boots, more substantial leather and robust soles offer greater comfort as temperatures fall.

04

Snow & slush

Here, grip, durability and materials that cope better with moisture take priority over thin leather soles.

Material Guide

Which Material Should I Choose?

Choosing the right material makes a significant difference during autumn and winter. Here are four options that perform particularly well as the weather becomes colder and wetter.

01

Wax Calf

A robust calf leather with a more durable and weather-resistant character. An excellent choice for boots and everyday shoes during autumn and winter.

Robust · Weather-resistant · Boots

02

Scotch Grain / Pebble Grain

Textured calf leather that works particularly well on Derby shoes and boots. The embossed surface gives the leather a more substantial appearance and helps make minor marks less noticeable.

Textured · Durable · Derby & boots

03

Suede

Suede performs better in autumn and winter than many people expect. With suitable protection and regular care, it can handle damp weather very well.

Soft · Versatile · Requires protection

04

Shell Cordovan

A highly durable, long-lasting material that develops a distinctive patina over time. Cordovan requires specialist care, but with the right treatment it can last for many years.

Learn more about Shell Cordovan → Durable · Patina · Premium

Sole Guide

Which Sole is Best for Autumn and Winter?

The sole affects grip, comfort and how formal the shoe feels. Here are four common options for autumn and winter wear.

01

Dainite

A robust and durable rubber sole with good grip for rainy autumn and winter days.

02

Vibram

Offers good grip and often a more substantial feel, making Vibram particularly well suited to boots.

03

City Sole

A more discreet rubber sole for those who want to combine a refined appearance with improved grip and weather resistance.

04

Leather Sole

Elegant and classic, but less suitable for very wet, cold or slushy conditions.

Explore Further

Want to Compare the Soles in More Detail?

Read our complete guide to Dainite, City Sole, Vibram and leather soles.

Read the Sole Guide →

Style Guide

Which Shoe Style is Best for Autumn?

From refined everyday shoes to robust winter boots. Choose your style according to how much weather, cold and wear the shoes need to handle.

01

Derby Shoes

A versatile choice for autumn. Slightly more relaxed than an Oxford and particularly well suited to heavier leathers, grain finishes or rubber soles.

View Derby Shoes → 02

Chelsea Boots

Elegant, easy to wear and simple to combine with both denim and more refined clothing. A natural choice for autumn and milder winter days.

View Chelsea Boots → 03

Derby Boots

A more robust option for rain, cold weather and more demanding autumn conditions. Classic lace-up boots work particularly well in heavier leathers and with rubber soles.

View Derby Boots →

04

Warm-Lined Winter Boots

When temperatures really fall, wool- and shearling-lined boots provide extra warmth and comfort. Here you will find winter styles from Ludwig Reiter, among others.

Men's Winter Boots → Women's Winter Boots →

Weather Guide

Choose Shoes According to the Weather

Material, sole and style all play different roles depending on the conditions. Use the table as a quick guide for autumn and winter weather.

Weather	Material	Sole	Style
Rain	Wax calf / grain	Dainite	Derby / Chelsea
Dry autumn weather	Calf / suede	City Sole	Derby / Oxford
Cold weather	Grain / suede	Vibram / rubber sole	Boots
Snow & slush	Robust calf / grain	Heavy rubber sole	Winter boots
Office + outdoors	Calf	City Sole	Oxford / Derby

This table is intended as general guidance. How well a shoe performs in different conditions also depends on its construction, shoe care and how long it is exposed to moisture.

Hammargruppen Recommends

An elegant women's Chelsea boot in durable wax calf.

View the style →

Shoe Care

Shoe Care for Autumn and Winter

Proper shoe care makes a significant difference when footwear is exposed to rain, cold weather and road salt. A few simple routines can help leather, suede and soles last considerably longer.

01

Before the First Wear

Protect suede and other exposed materials with a suitable waterproofing or protective treatment before wearing the shoes in damp weather.

View Suede Protection →

02

After Rain

Allow the shoes to dry naturally at room temperature and use shoe trees to help them retain their shape while the leather dries.

View Shoe Trees →

03

Condition the Leather

Moisture, cold weather and road salt can dry out leather. Use a quality cream or conditioner regularly to replenish moisture and nourishment.

Discover Saphir →

04

Rotate Your Shoes

Avoid wearing the same pair every day, particularly when the shoes have become damp. Give them sufficient time to dry completely between wears.

Shoe Care by Saphir

Prepare Your Shoes for Autumn and Winter

Protective treatments, creams, brushes and shoe trees help protect your footwear and extend its lifespan.

View All Shoe Care →

Common questions about autumn & winter shoes

For rainy days, shoes in wax calf, grain, or well-treated suede, together with a rubber sole, are a good choice. Derby, Chelsea Boots, and more robust boots work particularly well as they combine durable materials with better grip.

Yes. Suede handles autumn and winter better than many people think, provided it is waterproofed and allowed to dry thoroughly between uses. However, avoid wearing suede shoes in deep snow or heavy slush for extended periods.

Dainite is durable and works very well on cold and wet streets. It provides better grip and weather resistance than a traditional leather sole, but on ice and very packed snow, caution is still needed.

The City Sole is thinner and more discreet, making it suitable when you want to maintain a dressed-up look. Dainite is more robust and better suited for rain, colder weather, and more demanding use. The choice therefore depends on how and where the shoe will be used.

Robust calf, wax calf and grain are often good options during winter, but no leather should be left with salt on its surface. Wipe away salt and dirt as soon as possible and moisturize the leather regularly to reduce the risk of drying out and cracking.

Leather soles work best in drier conditions. For rain, slush, and cold winter days, we usually recommend a rubber sole such as Dainite, City Sole, or Vibram for better grip and durability.

For milder winter days, Chelsea Boots and Derby Boots with rubber soles work very well. When the temperature drops further, warm-lined boots with wool or shearling lining are a better option.

Wipe off dirt and any road salt, allow the shoes to dry naturally at room temperature, and preferably use shoe trees. Never place leather shoes directly on a radiator or other strong heat source. Once the leather has dried, it should be moisturized and cared for with products suited to the material.