(Style)

The History Of Snow Boots: Some Important Moments To Know

Tap ahead for all the facts.

by Marina Liao
Slim Aarons/Getty Images

The evolution of snow boots reveals that throughout history, the shoe had important style moments. Read up on several interesting facts about this practical and stylish winter staple ahead.

Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images

3000 BCE

In 1991, when archaeologists discovered an ancient iceman (who was no less than 5,000 years old) in the Alps, they noted he wore an early style of snow boots that was constructed with wide fur soles and soft grass on the inside to keep the toes warm.The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images

1860

Snow boots, as we know the term today, were originally referred to as carriage boots in the 1860s. This type of shoe was often fur lined or trimmed and worn over delicate evening shoes to protect one’s feet during chilly carriage rides. Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images

1930

In the late 1930s, snow boots were usually lined with fur, shearling, or a soft cloth with a collar that could fold up for higher coverage. The designs included a thick and sturdy sole along with heavy laces.Touring Club Italiano/Marka/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

1940

In the 1940s, when salt was used to melt icy roads and sidewalks, rubber replaced fabric soles of both heeled and flat snow boots. The shoes were often sold in black with black or gray fur.vintage dancer

1950

Pull on boots or step-in boots started to replace lace-up snow boots in the ‘50s. The top folded down to create a large cuff and was lined with faux fur. Found Image Holdings/Getty Images

1969

Big changes were coming to the design of snow boots. When Giancarlo Zanatta, a boot maker from northern Italy, saw Apollo 11 land on the moon in 1969, he felt inspired to design similar chunky shoes worn by Neil Armstrong and his crew. The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images

1970

Zanatta commissioned the design team at his company Tecnica to whip up a shoe known as the Moon Boot and it hit the market in the ‘70s. Linda McCartney, below, wore a pair in 1973.Arthur Sidey/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

1980

Along with Moon Boots, another traditional après ski shoe — the Yeti boot — was a popular ‘70s winter footwear style that people continued to embrace well into the ‘80s.Slim Aarons/Getty Images)

2000

Moon Boots entered the mainstream fashion trend cycle in the early aughts as a symbol of retrofuturism. Everyone from Snooki to Harajuku street style lovers to Paris Hilton owned a pair.J.Sciulli/WireImage

2018

One of the most memorable moments in Moon Boots history was when Jeremy Scott collaborated with the brand for his Fall/Winter 2018-2019 collection at NYFW. Metallic gold thigh-high boots as well as pink furry options went down the catwalk.Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

2019

Snow boots have evolved from being a functional and “ugly” shoe to a must-have stylish winter staple. Back in 2019 for instance, Chanel released luxe options that ranged from lace-up shearling styles to platform wedge booties.Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

2021

Designers continue to experiment with fresh iterations of snow boots. Miu Miu brought back everyone’s love for furry shoes in its Fall/Winter 2021 collection, for example, while Prada offers a nearly identical Moon Boot-esque style for this season.Miu Miu

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