This is the perfect time of year to invest in a good pair of boots to help keep your feet warm in the winter. So, what things should you look for when choosing a good pair of boots? 

Here are some of our top tips! 

Decide their purpose… 

There are many types and styles of boots available – so it’s helpful to start by thinking about where and when you’ll be wearing the boots. Are they for everyday? For going out? For exercise / outdoor walking? 



Once you understand what the boots will be used for, you’ll know what type of boots you need to find. You’ll also be able to prioritise some factors to help you choose. For example, for everyday boots you’ll be looking for comfort and style, whereas appearance may be another important factor for going-out boots, and durability and water resistance are essential for outdoor walking boots. 

NOT All boots are waterproof!  

Did you know that not all boots are waterproof? Over 85% of all boots produced are NOT designed to keep your feet dry! So, if you need waterproof boots, make sure you choose some that are advertised as being guaranteed to keep your feet completely dry, such as those that have some kind of Tex membrane. 

That’s why choosing the right pair of boots for the right occasion/activity is really important. For example, if you want boots for outdoor activities, then you need to be looking for dedicated walking boots that are designed to protect your feet with a rigid nonslip sole and extra support around your ankle. They also help to keep your feet dry with their waterproof technology. In addition, good quality walking boots will have extra cushioning in the insole, - so if you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking then boots like these will definitely be a worthwhile investment. 

Remember, unless a boot is advertised as being waterproof, it won’t be! 

So, what type of boots do you really need?  Everyday boots? Fashion boots? Or walking boots? 

Choosing a good pair of everyday boots.  

Whether for shopping, work, or even walking the kids to school – everyday boots play a huge role in your weekly wardrobe. 

When buying a pair of everyday boots, it’s a good idea to try them on first thing in the morning, but also towards the end of the day when your feet may have swollen due to being stood on them all day. After all, you definitely want everyday boots to be comfortable as you might be spending a lot of time wearing them! 

When looking for a style of everyday boot, consider what you will generally wear with them to help you decide the look you’re going for. Other style aspects to consider are the kind of heel you’d like, whether that’s flat, low or high. And talking of height, are you looking for ankle boots, calf boots or knee-high boots? 

Colour poses another question. If you want something for everyday use, many people play it safe and go for black boots or brown boots. However, there are many boots that are made in gorgeous bold colours or with prints, so consider whether you want to stand out by adding a little colour to your footwear. 

Choosing a good pair of fashion boots.  

Fashion boots were traditionally always heeled boots, but trends have completely changed since the pandemic and nowadays, chunky casual flat boots are very popular. Heeled boots are starting to come back though, now that we can start enjoying parties and going out again after the pandemic! 

Fashion boots may come in a variety of different materials, such as leather, suede or even synthetic material, in many various colours, patterns and finishes, and with different styles of heel, including wedge and platform. 

When considering buying a pair of fashion boots, the easiest starting point is to find some you like and try them on. Be prepared though. Sometimes you see a pair of boots in a shop or online that you think might be perfect for you, but when you try them on, you may find they’re just not right. Maybe they don’t look as you expected them to, or they don’t fit comfortably. Some styles look great but just don’t suit your feet, like if your toes don’t fit into the point of the boot! Whilst you want fashion boots to look good, they also need to feel right - otherwise it may be money wasted if after being worn for just one night they are then left in the bottom of your wardrobe for eternity because you couldn’t walk for 3 days after the last time you wore them! 

Your feet are important, so think about what you want , then take the time to find the pair that are right for you and your footwear needs. 

Make sure to get the correct size for your feet and try them on to make sure they’re comfortable for you. Everyone’s feet are different, so you’ll only know if something is right for your feet when you put them on and try walking in them. 

A good quality pair of boots for the winter months is always a good investment, to keep your feet safe and warm. 

So, if you’re looking for a new pair of boots, pop into our shoe shops in Lichfield & Uttoxeter to come and see the fantastic ranges of boots we have available at this time of year, in all kinds of styles, colours and sizes. 

Our experienced staff would be happy to help you find the right pair of boots for you. And you’ll be able to try them on in store to make sure they’re comfy too!