Apparently it's almost winter, and I've wanted to buy winter boots for a while now, but can't make a decision. I keep offering, but no one will buy me 20 different pairs of winter shoes to test out. So here are ones through research - the internet kind (customer reviews, website reviews); word of mouth; and friend recommendations - that kept popping up. For me, I'm looking for ones that are cute (not hideous, at least?) and have good traction. However, some people like to play in snow and stuff (what?), so I added ones highly recommended for warmth and water-resistance, too. Boots are in alphabetical order by brand. Happy trudging!
Columbia 'Minx Mid' Women's Winter Boot (photo)
These appealed to me because of a what-seems-to-be good combination of attractiveness and functionality. They're cute and "breathable, comfortable, and well-insulated". These are also titled "omni-heat", which Columbia says is "breathable material with little silver dots that reflect body heat". Other than the easily-fixed gripe that it runs small, this boot has a majority of positive reviews regarding its comfort, fit, warmth, and water-resistance. Wearers note the boot is lightweight, soft, and flexible. Other wearers have said that the traction is good, but not great. Overall, a good, stylish choice if you're looking for a boot that performs decently in all catagories.
LL Bean 'Wildcat Lace-Up' (photo)
This boot, to me, is not-so-hot looking (and the couple of other colors it comes in aren't much better), but it seems to really stand-up in every other category. In one of the few detailed, truly-tested, comprehensive boot reviews to be easily found online, the testers named it the second best boot (saying it was close to their first place choice, Columbia's 'Bugaboot', and $20 cheaper). The site liked the hiking boot style and wide toe which assure superior agility and warmth (blood should be able to flow to your toes, this keeps you warm, who knew?).
The North Face 'Greenland Zip II' Women's Boot (photo)
Friend: "I walked from work to my apartment - and then back - for two winter months in Morgantown. So, they're good. They're not so cute, but they definitely handle snow and they definitely have traction."
Pajar 'Grip Classic' (photo)
These seem to be higher on the looks and water-protection and low on comfort (and affordability). Reviews seemed mixed and I don't know anyone who personally has owned these. Positives are they come in a chic, pristine white color and sporty army green color (in addition to whatever color that is in the photo) and the narrow shaft makes it perhaps possible to fit them under pants (if that's your thing - but, wet jean hems are the worst!). Negatives are that some wearers found them not comfortable, not super-warm, and worst, "when you walked you heard a buckling sound" - not good. I found them in a beautiful pinkish/purple. . . but I still don't think the mixed reviews bode well.
Sorel 'Joan of Arctic' Waterproof Snow Boot (photo)
Sorority Big Sis who lives in Chicago: "They keep my feet really dry and warm. They are great. I wore them all last winter during the polar vortex."
Sorel 'Tivoli' in Herringbone (photo)
These are ones I'm leaning towards because they are high in the not-ugly factor and look easy to put on. Since they're more stylish, I was surprised to find out that by most accounts they fare well in the elements. A few reviews said they weren't the warmest and are not 100% water-resistant. Apparently Oprah likes these, so make of that what you will (she does live in Chicago and can afford anything; she probably never walks in snow).