From clogs to weather-beaters, stride through the season in style

With winter just steps away, it's time to put your best foot forward in boots with snow-stopping style.

Style standouts include knee-high equestrian riding boots and mid-shaft lace-ups in gleaming leather, flat-soled suede knee cappers and even more substantial weather-beaters.

“Laced booties are all the rage this season. Whether on a wedge or stacked on a heel, this vintage turned modern look is offered in styles that are as edgy or romantic as you wish,” says Ingrid Muroff, a Montreal-based vice-president of operations at La Canadienne.

Many of the latest boot styles manage to marry style with practicality, so that you can look good while staying toasty.

“Don't sacrifice style for comfort … look for a boot that's multifunctional and think about dressing for different occasions by purchasing a boot that can be dressed up or down,” suggests Trisha LaBelle, the head of Rockport's women's division in Canton, Massachusetts.

Boots that can be dressed up and down for different occasions include those trimmed with real or faux fur and shearling.

Boots fashioned from mixed materials such as rubber, quilted nylon, leather and suede are also riding high.

Platform soled numbers range from dressy single- soled styles to those with more substantial lug soles.

Heel heights extend from flat and low-heeled rubber soles, built with traction to take on ice and snow, to wedge, stacked leather and wooden clog-like heels that are tall on style.

“This season we're seeing loads of wooden clog and wedge heels,” says Josie Pietroniro, a Canadian senior sales executive for Ugg Australia.

Distressed, smooth, suede and manmade leather are all on tap. Convertible fur and sweater-like sock cuffs that fold over, or snap on or off the tops of boots, are stylish novelties that are found on many styles of winter boots.

Colours start with basic black but options of gray and brown give black a run for the money. Muted shades of dark green, burgundy, rust, camel and a few brightly saturated shades such as mustard, amethyst and red also come into play.

Patterned boots, including those adorned with checks, snowflakes, swirling ombre patterns and animal prints, are popular, as are those given texture with embossed snake print and mock crocodile materials.

Exposed zippers, buckles, wrap-around straps and studs are among the hardware novelties found on some boot styles.

If you're seeking boots that will walk you through winter in warmth and style, those made of natural materials can help to keep your feet dry while allowing your feet to “breathe.” Switching from boots to shoes while indoors and allowing boots to dry thoroughly after each wearing also helps, as can treating your dry boots with waterproofing spray after every few wearings.

If ice and slippery conditions are factors in your neck of the woods, boots with an outer sole made of a softer grade of rubber generally offers greater traction.