Salt, slush and snow are no friends of style. You can't beat Mother Nature, so focus your shoe game on a one-size-fits-all solution: Seek out Chelsea- or brogue-style boots with rubber soles, to get a better grip on icy surfaces. Make sure they come with a waterproof coating and maintain that coating every month with a protective product (try Walter's Wax Shoe Polish). Keep a towel by your shoe rack so you can easily wipe off your new boots in the evenings. Don't be lazy: Letting salt stains linger hurts your new boots, and your pride.

Source: Ethan Song, co-founder and CEO of Frank & Oak; frankandoak.com.