The Footwear Edit
Moon Boots and Luxury Snow Boots: What to Wear Off the Slopes
On a ski trip, you spend more hours in your snow boots than in your ski boots. They take you across the frozen lake in St. Moritz, through the village in Courchevel and down the icy streets of Aspen at night. Here is how I choose Moon Boots and luxury snow boots that keep you warm, keep you upright and still finish the look.
Tall white fur snow boots in falling snow. On a ski trip, the boots are what finishes the look.
Why They Matter
Why Luxury Snow Boots Matter More Than You Think
Ski boots are for skiing. Everything else on a snow holiday happens in snow boots: the walk to the gondola, lunch on a mountain terrace, an afternoon at the Snow Polo on the frozen lake in St. Moritz, a stroll along the car-free Promenade in Gstaad, and the walk back from dinner when the pavements have turned to ice.
That makes your snow boots one of the hardest-working pieces you pack, and one of the most photographed. The right pair is warm, has real grip and looks as considered as your coat. The wrong pair is the thing you notice in every photo, usually as you slip on the way into a restaurant.
White fur, Chanel earmuffs and tall fur boots on the mountain, and an après-ski coffee in shearling lace-up and metallic snow boots.
An Alpine Classic
Why the Moon Boot Became an Icon
The Moon Boot was created in Italy in 1970, inspired by the boots worn on the first moon landing. More than fifty years later, it is still the snow boot you see everywhere from Courchevel to Aspen, and it has never really gone out of style.
Its appeal is simple. The padded silhouette is warm and easy to wear, it slips on over thermal socks, and it works with almost everything, from a ski suit at lunch to a long coat in the evening. The classic Moon Boot Icon is the instantly recognisable one, while faux-fur, shearling and glitter versions turn the same shape into a statement.
The Moon Boot Icon in white, and the faux-fur Icon in black. Two of the most loved pairs in our collection.
Before You Pack
How to Choose Snow Boots for the Alps and Aspen
Grip first. Village streets in St. Moritz, Courchevel and Aspen are often packed snow or ice by evening. Choose a sole with real tread, and leave smooth soles and heels at home.
Warmth for standing still. The coldest moments are not on the slopes but standing still: watching the polo or White Turf on the lake, waiting for a table, or queueing for the gondola. Insulated, padded or fur-lined boots make those moments comfortable.
Height for deep snow. A taller boot keeps snow out when you step off the path. If you are heading somewhere with very deep snow, such as Niseko in Japan, height matters even more.
Comfort for walking. Resorts like Gstaad and Aspen are made for walking between boutiques, bars and dinner. Choose a pair you could happily walk in for an hour.
Tall white fur boots against the Alpine peaks, and shearling lace-up snow boots with a long fur coat.
A great coat gets you noticed, but your boots decide whether you arrive elegantly. Grip is the most glamorous thing a snow boot can have.Mariane Franca, Founder, 2nd LANE
Styling
How to Style Moon Boots and Snow Boots
With your ski suit. Swapping ski boots for Moon Boots is the fastest way to go from the slopes to lunch. Tuck slim ski pants inside, or wear flared pants over the top for a longer line. White or black boots with a one-colour suit always look polished.
With a coat for the evening. A long shearling or fur coat, a fine knit and a pair of quilted or faux-fur boots is my favourite evening formula in St. Moritz. Keep the boots in the same tone as the coat for the most elegant result.
Tone-on-tone. All white, all cream or all black always reads expensive. A white snow boot with a white ski suit, or black boots with a black coat, lets the textures do the talking.
When to add shine. A glitter or metallic boot is made for après-ski and nights out. Pair it with a simple suit or coat so the boots are the one statement. For more evening ideas, read our What to Wear to Après-Ski guide.
Designer alternatives. If you love a more tailored look, a quilted après-ski boot from Miu Miu or a clean white snow boot from Prada feels a little more fashion and a little less sporty, and works beautifully with knitwear and tailored trousers.
For a more tailored look: Miu Miu quilted après-ski boots, and Prada white snow boots.
The Edit
Four Luxury Snow Boots to Hire This Season
Moon Boot Icon, White
The original silhouette in white. Perfect with white and cream suits, and the most St. Moritz pair in the edit.
Moon Boot Icon Glitter, Silver
The après-ski statement. Wear it with a simple black or white look and let the boots shine.
Miu Miu Quilted Après-Ski Boots
Quilted, polished and very fashion. Available in white and in black.
Prada White Snow Boots
Clean, minimal and quietly luxurious. The pair for tone-on-tone white looks in Gstaad or Aspen.
Fit and Hire
Moon Boot Sizing and Why to Hire
Moon Boot sizing. The classic Moon Boot Icon comes in size ranges rather than single sizes, for example 39 to 41, so check the range on each listing. If you are between ranges, think about how thick your socks will be. Our skiwear sizing guide has more fit advice.
Why hire. Designer snow boots are worn for a week or two a year, and the right pair changes with your suit and your destination. Hiring lets you wear white Moon Boots in St. Moritz one season and glitter Moon Boots for après in Aspen the next. 2nd LANE is Australia's largest luxury skiwear rental, and cleaning is included with every rental. We also hire the Moon Boot Icon in shearling, faux fur in brown and black, and lace-up and logo-tape styles.
Still Have Questions?
Moon Boots and Snow Boots FAQ
What is the difference between snow boots and ski boots?
Ski boots are rigid boots that clip into your skis and are only for skiing. Snow boots, such as Moon Boots, are warm, comfortable boots for walking in snow and cold weather, worn everywhere off the slopes: in the village, at lunch, at après-ski and at dinner.
Are Moon Boots good for walking in snow?
Yes. Moon Boots are designed for snow and cold, which is why they are so popular in ski resorts. They are made for walking, not for skiing, so you still need ski boots on the slopes.
What snow boots do people wear in St. Moritz and Aspen?
Moon Boots are everywhere in both resorts, worn in white, black and metallic. You will also see designer après-ski boots, fur-lined boots and quilted styles, usually matched to a long coat or a ski suit in the same tone.
How do Moon Boots fit?
The classic Moon Boot Icon is sold in size ranges, such as 39 to 41, rather than single sizes. Check the range on each listing and allow for thick ski or thermal socks.
Can you wear Moon Boots to après-ski?
Yes. Moon Boots are one of the most popular après-ski boots. Wear them with your ski suit straight off the slopes, or with a knit and a long coat in the evening. Glitter and faux-fur versions are made for nights out.
Can I hire Moon Boots in Australia?
Yes. 2nd LANE, Australia's largest luxury skiwear rental, offers Moon Boot hire along with designer snow boots from Miu Miu and Prada, with cleaning included. Browse the snow boots collection at 2ndlaneaus.com.au.
Finish the Look
Dress from the ground up. The right boots carry you from the last run to the last table.
Tell us where you are skiing and what you are wearing, and we will help you choose the pair that finishes it.
Mariane
Founder, 2nd LANE