I Easily Walked 10,000 Steps Around New York City in Oprah’s Favorite Winter Boots — With Zero Pain

Oprah has never steered me wrong with a shoe recommendation before. As someone who previously worked as an assistant on her photo shoots, I’ve seen firsthand that she’s the queen of combining style and comfort. Case in point: I’ve walked thousands of steps around Paris in loafers by one of her go-to brands — and even converted my mom to a fan after gifting her an Oprah-backed sneaker. So when I spotted the Sole Bliss Wonder Boots on this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things list, I knew I had to try them.

As much as I trust Oprah, these Chelsea-style boots exceeded my expectations. They are the do-it-all winter boots I didn’t even realize my collection was missing. Made with high-quality leather and lined with shearling, they are warm, comfortable, and durable. Plus, they have a sleek and elevated appearance but are still well-suited to handle ice and frigid weather. I received the boots during a winter storm in New York City and immediately started wearing them on repeat.

Sole Bliss Wonder Boots

If this is your first time hearing about Sole Bliss, the podiatrist-approved brand is known for making stylish options for women with bunions, wide feet, and sensitive heels. Many Sole Bliss shoes include memory foam cushioning and arch support, and the Wonder Boot even has the brand’s signature hidden stretch panel for bunions. According to Oprah, fellow A-list fans of the brand include Gayle King, Julia Roberts, and Viola Davis. 

And, it’s not hard to see why they have such a fabulous fanbase. From the first wear, these boots were comfortable and made my feet feel cuddled in a warm embrace thanks to their shearling lining. They’re designed with a sturdy side zipper that makes them easy to pull on and off — no need to cram your foot into a too-tight shaft. Once zippered up, they’re fitted to your ankle so you don’t have to worry about snow getting in (though I will note that some shoppers say they’re too snug and not the best for those with wider ankles).

For me, the boots felt slightly stiff the first time I put them on, but since they’re constructed with leather, they softened with each wear — and quickly, I might add; by the second wear, I already felt them molding to my feet. 

As a native New Yorker and frequent traveler, I won’t pack a shoe for a trip without first wearing it in the city I call home. There’s just something about New York City streets that’s harsh on your feet, and if a shoe can make it here, it can make it anywhere. I wore the Wonder Boots to walk 5,000 steps through the Upper West Side and Soho, and my feet were pain-free, warm, and dry on the 20-degree Fahrenheit day. 

These boots also have a non-slip sole and retractable, stainless-steel studs to keep you sturdy on your feet. Later that day I had plans to take the train to visit my mom outside of the city for her birthday. My feet felt so good that I left my Sole Bliss boots on for the journey, bringing my total step count to just under 10,000. 

Another thing I love about these shoes is their versatility, which is why Oprah admitted she “would wear them with pants or skirts.” The ankle booties are designed to be folded down, with the shearling showing, or left upright. My first instinct was to tuck pants into the boots with the fur on full display. However, when left upright, they can be worn under wider pants. I’m excited to style them with a skirt and fleece-lined tights next. 

Sole Bliss Wonder Boots

Honestly, I’m so in love with these boots that I’m tempted to book a cold-weather trip just to get more wear out of them. While they certainly would take up more suitcase space than sneakers, they’re comfortable enough to wear on a travel day.

One thing to keep in mind is that these boots only come in full sizes. I tend to be either a size 6 or 6.5, and the size 6 fits me perfectly. The heel is actually slightly wide on my foot, so I would suggest sizing down if you’re generally in between sizes or have a narrow foot. To keep my heels in place, I’ve been wearing them with my favorite, thick winter socks from Le Bon Shoppe. 

At $439, these boots are certainly a splurge, but they’re the type of shoe that you’ll have in your wardrobe forever. In fact, these boots have been so useful for me that they’ve replaced multiple other pairs in my wardrobe. If you, like me, are now at the whim of all of Oprah’s recommendations, add the Sole Bliss Wonder Boots to your cart ASAP, and be sure to check out some other cozy shoes from her favorite brands.

More Oprah-loved Winter Travel Shoes to Shop: 

Vionic Women’s Unwind Booties 

Sorel Out N About lll Classic Waterproof Boots

Dearfoams Hannah Clog ​​Slippers

Dearfoams Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Warm Up Bootie Slippers

Sole Bliss Blizzard Boots

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.