My winter boots so comfy I ditched my trainers for them and mum wants a pair are £29 in Oodie's Black Friday sale
by Rachel Pugh · Manchester Evening NewsLast month, I made the ultimate sacrifice, and ditched my trainers for good - well, almost. Anyone who knows me knows I'm an avid trainer fan, and have a strong sneaker collection of around 30 pairs - with a rainbow of Nikes in almost every colour, as well as styles from Clints, Patta, Adidas and Represent.
As a petite woman, I spent my youth wearing heels, but as a 30-something, these days comfort is key. But that's not to say I ever compromise on style - that's something I'll never do.
While trainers are comfy, they're not always the most practical, especially if you're a lover of Nike. They crease easily if you wear them liberally to drive, walk the dog or carry out the more mundane of tasks - and once creased, they're expensive to clean up, or are doomed for the charity shop.
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That said, I went on a mission to find a comfortable pair of winter shoes I could wear comfortably for everyday stuff, but I wanted a pair that still looked good while I was doing so. That's when I came across Oodie's Puffer Boots - which have been slashed from £59 to £29.50 in Oodie's 50% off everything Black Friday sale - now live on site.
At first glance Oodie's Puffer Boots reminded me of North Face's Puffer Shoes - a £65 style I've had my eye on for a while. But as well as having an edge on price, coming up £7 cheaper, Oodie's had another benefit - a gorgeous sherpa fleece interior lining, meaning you don't even need to wear thick socks to get a cloud-like feel on your feet.
With both style and practicality boxes ticked, I took the plunge and got my order in, and I'm glad I did. Since my Oodie Black Puffer Boots arrived, I can wholeheartedly admit I've worn them every single day.
Because they have the feel of a slipper, with a fleece lining and padded heel support, but a rubber sole design that allows you to wear them outside without fear of them leaking or wearing down, they're the ultimate multipurpose shoe for autumn and winter. In the house, I wear them to keep my feet warm while I'm pottering about (without needing socks, might I add) - which saves on having to put the heating on.
(Image: Rachel Pugh)
And as un-glamorous as it sounds, they're absolutely fantastic for sliding on to take the bins out, thanks to a loop at the back which means you can pull them straight on. I've also worn them for countless dog walks. Because they have a rubber sole and a waterproof outer, I can wear them in the park without worrying about damp feet.
I don't tend to leave the house when it's pouring down (my French Bulldog takes after my princess traits and refuses to go in the rain), so I can't attest for just how waterproof they are, but for walks when the grass is still wet, they're fab. They're also now a favourite for driving, so I don't have the fear of creasing my expensive Nike collection.
Oodie's Black Puffer Boots are already proving hugely popular in my household. My mum and my aunty - both in their 60s - have already said that they want a pair. Hopefully they're not reading this, but I know what they'll be getting for Christmas.
It's not just me that's fallen in love with Oodie's Black Puffer Boots, either. They have a very almost-perfect five-star rating on the Oodie website, with only one four star rating, and nothing below that.
One impressed Oodie shopper raved: "These are very fluffy and you won't need to wear thick socks." A second said: "I bought these after my feet froze at a market I sell at. I don't even have to wear socks and they are so comfy and warm. They also didn't soak up the water on the dewy lawn."
(Image: Rachel Pugh)
A third penned: "I absolutely love these! If I could wear them everywhere I would. I have feet prone to being cold and these shoes keep my feet warmer that All birds and Sketchers! Highly recommend these! Brilliant!"
"Comfortable, practical best shoes I've brought," said a fourth. And a fifth wrote: "This shoe is so comfortable I wear them on cold days without socks. They are easy to put on and take off. The shoe is lined with fleece so your feet get that cosy feeling."
Somebody else commented: "This boot combines the soft comfort of oodie goodness inside with a sturdy, water proof outside that lets you take them outside for walks. They are a firm fit but come with a great ankle tab to aid in putting them on."
But another five-star review said: "The boots are so well made and fit perfectly. They are easy to put on and keep my feet toasty and warm. I highly recommend them."
You can buy Oodie's Puffer Boots for £29.50 instead of £59 on the brand's website here. Alternatively, if you're looking for a slipper boot more similar to a welly, Hunter Intrepid tall buckle snow boots in black are currently £135, down from £180 on ASOS.