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Snow fast approaches the metro area, and that means The List has to stop wearing ballet flats with no socks. She consulted managers at ShoeFly in Arlington and SimplySoles in Georgetown for winter footwear wisdom.

1. Don’t wait until snowfall is imminent

   “You kind of see a lot of people wait till the last minute,” says Jon Shaffer, manager of ShoeFly. “Or the next day when there’s a little bit of snow on the ground.” Wait and you’ll be facing a depleted sale rack.

2. Choose footwear appropriate for the stage of the storm

   If you are shopping last-minute, consider the storm stage. Just before the snow, “a lot of people would be coming in looking for warmth,” says Shaffer, like fur-lined suede. “Afterwards, they’re looking for rain boots.” Shaffer advises a rubber rain boot after the snow to contend with the salt and moisture.

3. Treat leather and suede, but expect color variation

   Shaffer recommends treating all suede and leather winter-wear, even the more water-repellent patent leather variety. “Depending on the colors, some of the treatments can darken the leathers a little bit,” he cautions. This can also, he notes, add character.

4. Those mindful of animal rights might struggle to winterize their footwear

   “I know a lot of people who use mink oil,” says Shaffer. “But a lot of—especially vegetarian—people don’t like that.” He suggest beeswax products as an alternative to those who find the use of mink oil offensive. The List points out that this, too, could be objectionable to vegans. Shaffer agrees but offers no further suggestions.

5. Don’t pay someone else to weather-proof your shoes

   “I wouldn’t,” Shaffer says. “There’s really no secret to it, so I wouldn’t pay anyone to do it. With the sprays, there’s nothing to it.”

6. Don’t bother weather-proofing suede heels

   Austin Thomas, manager of Simply Soles in Georgetown, has never heard of spraying heels or dress shoes but thinks the situation is best avoided. “I wouldn’t really recommend going out in the snow in a nice suede shoe,” she says.

7. Avoid clogs; don’t be fooled by a fur lining

   Shaffer says the store received clogs for the fall and winter, “but they’re not very wintry.” He adds, “It’s warm in your toes, and not so warm in the heel.”