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Boots for Women: Stylish and Practical

Do women’s winter boots have to look so utilitarian that they’re not fit for wearing to an office, to church or out to a nice restaurant?

Women have plenty of choices when it comes to fashionable boots. But in Central New York, women need practical boots, sans stiletto heels, pointed toes and slick vinyl soles. So many “winter” boots are a mere ankle’s height with a trace amount of fuzzy lining, hardly suitable for freezing temperatures.

Warm, thick insulation and stable treads go a long ways toward making winter boots practical for Upstate winters. But do women’s winter boots have to look so utilitarian that they’re not fit for wearing to an office, to church or out to a nice restaurant? Must women choose from dressy style with no practicality, clunky boots made to scale Mt. Everest, or cutesy booties adorned with pom-poms and knitted cuffs?

Fortunately, a few manufacturers and designers have caught on to the need for stylish, sensible women’s boots. Here are the top four.

Check out Zappos.com for the Esmeraldas pull-on boot made by Ecco (sku #7421274, $220). The soft milled, nappa leather upper keeps these boots on the dressy side of style, along with the slim profile treads, made of single-density latex. Practical touches include an adjustable buckle on the upper, 1.5-inch heels, and wool sock liners for toasty toes. Available in dark brown.

Shop at Shoes.com to find Merrell Saratov boots (style #EC1170329, $185). With waterproof, full-grain, leather uppers, these knee-high kicks feature a stretchy gusset in the rear to make them easier to get on and off. The shaft is fully lined with Primaloft insulation and a Polartec inner lining treated with Aegis antimicrobial treatment. The Ortholite foot bed and Air Cushion midsole provide all-day comfort. And speaking of practical details, the low heels and rubber outsole will keep you on your feet, not sprawled out on an icy sidewalk. Available in black and brown.

Another offering from Merrell at Shoes.com, the Women’s Plaza Peak (style # EC1037110, $200) features a waterproof leather upper, comfortable rounded toe box, stretchy panel in the back and a padded Polartec 100-covered insole with Agion anti-microbial treatment. Q-Form cushioning EVA and Air Cushion midsole support the foot’s natural form and function and the low-profile lug soles give excellent traction without sacrificing style. Available in black.

Available only at their online store, DSW Shoe Warehouse (www.dsw.com) offers the London Fog Wales waterproof boot (Item #192602, $99.95). Don’t let the fashionable patent leather fool you; these boots are sensible, too. The Thermoline lining under faux fur adds warmth and the rubbery outsoles help prevent falls. They also feature pull-on styling and a 1.25-inch wedge heel. The boots are comprised of all man-made materials and are available in black.

Whether you’re buying boots online or in person, ask about the return policy. Sometimes, after wearing boots for a few hours, the fit won’t feel the same as when you first try them on. If you buy boots on the Internet, check the shipping policy, both for your order and for returning any items.

If you are buying boots in person, shop at the end of the day because your feet will be slightly larger than in the morning. Keep in mind if you plan on wearing heavy socks, regular ones or hosiery with your boots, as this impacts the fit. Some very warm boots won’t require heavy socks.

Don’t forget to protect leather or suede boots with waterproofing treatment unless the boots already come treated. Follow any recommendations given by the manufacturer.

Remember, “water repellent” means the boots will hold up to occasional, moderate exposure to dampness, such as walking across a plowed parking lot. “Waterproof” means the boots should withstand more frequent and extreme exposure, such as wearing them in a few inches of snow.