| The winter season means a lot of different things | | | | Heels should be wedges or non-existent (flat). |
| depending on where you live: for Californians it can | | | | Wedge heels have a solid surface area touching the |
| mean a few degrees difference, for Kentucky | | | | ground from toe to heel, which means more of the |
| residents it can mean ice storms, for New Yorkers it | | | | shoe on the ground to grip than with other types of |
| can mean rain and snow and for those even more | | | | heels. |
| north it can mean seriously deep piles of snow. It | | | | The third element to consider is snow conditions. If |
| seems obvious, therefore, that the perfect winter | | | | you live in the snow and will have to walk through it, |
| footwear would need to include both necessary | | | | you'll need a boot that is tall enough to keep your |
| elements based on your location as well as any | | | | feet warm and dry even after you sink into the |
| fashionable elements. In the paragraphs that follow, I'll | | | | snow piles a few inches (or more). You will probably |
| let you know the best winter boots for you sorted | | | | also want to make sure the boot is flat or has a |
| by those made for mild winter environments to | | | | very low heel to prevent twisted ankles or other |
| severe ones. | | | | injuries. Remember that when snow falls and melts, it |
| First let's take a look at temperature. If temps fall | | | | becomes wet just like rain, so keep the snow boots |
| below freezing on a regular basis during the winter | | | | waterproof too. |
| months, you'd probably be well advised to look for a | | | | And forth, let's talk about boot styles. Now I have |
| boot with some kind of insulation. Boots can be filled | | | | just mentioned boots above but there are more |
| with down like puffer jackets & coats often | | | | specific categories to think about: ankle boots, |
| are, they can be lined with high-tech waterproof | | | | mid-calf boots, knee boots and thigh-high boots. If |
| materials designed to keep feet dry and retain body | | | | you have to deal with deep snow, you should |
| heat, or boots can be lined with fuzzy materials like | | | | probably go for as tall a boot as you feel |
| fur, fleece, shearling and faux versions of each. If the | | | | comfortable with and one that is as tight as possible |
| temperature in your area stays above freezing, lucky | | | | around your legs; If any snow falls in, your feet will |
| you! You have your pick of almost any boot out | | | | be wet and miserable all day. If you only get a few |
| there! But try to stay away from most boots that | | | | inches of snow or none at all, you can choose the |
| are lined or filled as they might become too hot and | | | | boot height of your preference and style. Watch out |
| uncomfortable. Many designer fashion boots are | | | | for ankle boots though if you commonly see deep |
| made with unlined leather or man-made materials or | | | | puddles, sometimes even those are not tall enough |
| even a very thin leather lining. There are also a few | | | | to keep your feet dry. If you prefer to wear your |
| sheepskin boots, like Uggs, that are lined but claim to | | | | pants over your boots instead of tucked in, you may |
| keep feet at a comfortable temperature whether | | | | also want to make sure the boots are not too tall |
| outdoors is hot or cold. | | | | and poofy or you may spend the rest of the day |
| Second, almost everyone has to deal with rain in the | | | | pulling your pants back down around them. Likewise if |
| winter to some degree. If your rain is not all that | | | | you tuck your pants into your boots often, be sure |
| cold, you may just need a pair of rubber rain boots | | | | the boots are wide enough to fit everything in. |
| to get you through the winter. If you don't think | | | | Now check magazines, websites, trend sheets and |
| they'll be warm enough, you can now find rubber rain | | | | your favorite stores for the colors and styles that |
| boots that are lined with some of the materials I | | | | are popular this winter season and incorporate those |
| listed in the paragraph above. If your rain freezes | | | | into your winter picks too! Color is the easiest way |
| constantly or you live in an area with ice storms, | | | | to stay on trend in the winter when you have to |
| you're going to need to look for a waterproof boot | | | | consider being outside in the real world, but often |
| with traction. Look for rubber soles that have various | | | | things like lace up detail, straps, studs, or even |
| raised areas so they are not completely flat on the | | | | specific brands can become all the rage and add a bit |
| bottom. If you fall in love with a boot with a | | | | of runway fashion to your everyday boots. Just |
| completely impractical smooth leather sole, remember | | | | because you need rugged non-slip soles does not |
| that cobblers can often add a rubber pad or re-sole a | | | | mean you can't look trendy and fabulous. Happy |
| boot to make them less slippery in winter conditions. | | | | shopping! |