Downtown with my car during this wonderful season isn't always easy. I put on my wannabe boots, and venture reluctantly outside with my shovel in hand, trying to find my white car in the snow bank. An hour later, my cheeks are red from the cold, my hands are frozen and what’s worse, my feet are wet. I mutter to myself two things: first, I really am in need of REAL winter boots, and second, why do I need a car during winter?! This article will attempt to answer the first topic. Which boot will make me a Snow Cinderella this winter?

At first glance, these three boots seem more or less the same. The middle one is the one I wear currently. Apart from appearance, it has none of the technical qualities that I am looking for. After a long analysis, here are my top 5 winter boots for women. If you want to learn more about the criterions, may I suggest Max Altitude’s terrific article for the good choice of a winter boot. He focuses on men’s footwear, but the determining factors are the same. The qualities to look out for in order to have a warm winter: insulation, protects against water, have soles that stop you from slipping even when it’s really cold out. Since these boots all have these features, I will concentrate on what makes each one of them unique.

1. Merrell Women's Oslo WTPF

Price: 209,99$

The Oslo from Merrel is not only feminine, but also of great quality. Its full grain leather is very durable and breathable. It requires a little more care than a synthetic boot, but its durability is well worth it. You won’t need to worry about the cold, these beautiful Norwegians will keep you warm with its synthetic fur and Polartec® lining treated with Aegis™ Antimicrobial solution (against odours). They are also waterproof. These boots are super comfy because of the Q-Form® technology with strategically placed air cushions, specifically made for female morphology. All in all, you’ll love them for their style, and you’ll adore them for keeping you warm and dry without compromising your fashionista reputation.

2. The North Face Women's Nuptse Knee High

Price: 179,99$

Nothing beats the feeling of snuggling your feet into your slippers? You have found the next best thing, but in winter boots! With its 550 down filling, they are probably the most insulated of all all the while staying breathable. The inconvenience of these two qualities however, is that they are not waterproof since they don’t have a membrane. Coated with water repellent, the Nuptses are water resistant, but they work better in snow than in slush. The sole adapts and is very effective as the temperature falls. Put them on in a jiffy thanks to the zipper on the back, and stay warm from knee to toe. Available in many colours, we like the shiny and puffy look, as long as you don’t think of the Michelin Man.

3. Bogs Women's Classic High

Price: 129,99$

For worry-free boots, go for Bogs which offer comfort, heat and protection against water. Very easy to put on thanks to the built-in handles, the neoprene seamless upper molds your calf for a perfect fit. You will be sure not to fall with its non-slip, non-marking and self-cleaning outsole, and your feet won’t stink with the Aegis™ Antimicrobial odor protection insole. Its rubber base will keep your feet dry and the neoprene upper help maintain heat, as wetsuits do for divers. Concerning the look, Bogs look like the classic rubber boots, and are really cute when paired with skinny jeans or leggings. What’s more, they are available in an array of colours and patterns.

4. Merrell Women's Nicolette

Price: 219,99$

You love the look of laces, but can’t stand losing time tying your boots up? The Nicolette is made for you! With the side zipper and front-lacing system, adjust your boots perfectly to your feet for a maximum of comfort. Like the Oslo, the Nicolette is made of full grain leather and has synthetic fur and Polartec lining with Aegis™ Antimicrobial (your boots won’t stink!). All that, and they are waterproof too!

5. Salomon Women's Tundra Mid WP

Price: 199,99$

This boot is the sportiest of my top 5. Described as the warmest of the Salomon collection, the Tundra is outfitted with synthetic fur lining and Aerogels™ insulation, combining performance and lightness. The waterproof-breathable shell protects you against the elements, keeping your toes dry even in the most extreme conditions. They are also very comfortable, with the die cut EVA sockliner and the padded tongue that reduces the pressure of the laces on the top of your feet. They even have protective rubber heel and toe caps. With the molded heel in the back, you’ll also be able to use your snowshoes with them.

I hope this article helped elucidate how to pick warm and comfortable winter boots. On that note, I wish you a wonderful winter in the snow and slush!

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2 winter jackets: The North Face Take Me Down and Arc'teryx Fission SV

Altitudipedia : Winter Jackets

I'd like to welcome you to our new monthly feature where we share with you our favourite products, all with a pinch of humour. A pinch or a punch, depending on how you like it. I believe Pierre Desproges said it best when he offered that "You can laugh about everything, but not with everyone."

October's favourites are the Arc'teryx Alpha SV Glove and the Bogs Alex boot.

We were a bit late on the October one, eh? Better than late never... I hope!

Luckily, we're already working on november's favourites.

By the way, if ever you have a favourite product or simply one that you are interested in, please us know by leaving a comment.

Thank you and see you soon,

Click on the following links to see other months's picks

December Picks: The North Face Take Me Down and Arc'teryx Fission SV

November Picks: Canada Goose Freestyle and The North Face Apex Android

October Picks: Arc'teryx Alpha SV gloves and Bogs Alex winter boots

That hellish weather sure takes a toll on your footwear. Especially if you're inclined to wear running shoes or sneakers. Boots simply aren't made for everyone. I for one prefer shoes simply because my bike is my main mode of transportation and you pedal better with sneakers than with boots. Not to mention that once you are inside, shoes are much more comfortable. We all have our reasons and whatever those are, we want something for the winter.

Here's why I like my Snow Sneakers:

In the past, I was left with freezing feet and destroyed shoes. No longer my friend, no longer. Behold the Snow Sneaker by The North Face. Like an Oasis in the desert, the first time I even saw the world Snow Sneaker, I thought it was too good to be true. Boy was I wrong.

The Snow Sneaker in its natural element

The Snow Sneaker seems to have been designed with me in mind. Insulated? Yes. 100gr of Primalof Eco. Waterproof? Check. Ice-friendly grip: check.

And although it's not quite the look I desire (I would have preferred a more cityfied look), it is low key enough to blend into a variety of situations. You won't look like you belong on Aconcagua.

They also have neat

features like a D-ring for gaiter compatibility and a heel cup for use with snowshoes.

It's the perfect shoe to get you though the winter.