Just like any other item of clothing or equipment, to make a purchase that suits your needs, you'll need to think carefully before making your selection. There are a number
of factors to consider to ensure you make an informed decision in line with your lifestyle :

• Do you tend to get cold feet?
• Do you sweat a lot from your extremities?
• Will you be walking a lot?
• If so, on what type of surface?
• Do you spend hours outside, standing still?
• Are you looking for style or comfort?

So many questions, so many answers.  But it's an important consideration to make
to ensure you make the best choice. Let us help you sort it out!

First, you need to establish what you're going to use it for. If it's a boot for playing outside, it won't be the same as if it's a boot for going out on the town and eating in a nice restaurant! If your need is to find the ideal boot for walking on ice, for a fishing trip on a frozen lake, you won't buy the same thing as if you're walking on sidewalks to catch the metro (although I admit it sometimes feels the same)! In the same way, your choice will be different if you're going snowmobiling or shopping for the week.

Next, it's important to think about the warmth factor you're looking for, for your feet. If you tend to get too hot, a less insulated boot
will do just fine. But if you're always cold, consider buying a warmer boot.

Good warm boots are fairly easy to find. But they're often not very pretty... When you think of a boot that performs well against the cold,
you think of big furry boots or boots with a rubber base (mukluk). It's true that they perform very well. But they're not aesthetically suited
to trendy city outings!  That's why you should consider having two pairs. One pair, more delicate and aesthetic but less warm and more suited to city outings, and a second pair, bulkier, less elegant, but designed for outdoor outings in the snow or on ice.

The sole is also a crucial element. If you walk a lot, try to find a boot with a non-slip, lightweight and comfortable sole.Otherwise, you'll get blisters on your feet, risk slipping and falling on ice, and a heavy boot will make it hard to get around, even if your feet are warm!

Finally, did you know that the material is just as important? To be comfortable in a winter boot, it's crucial to know what it's made of.
That way, you can wear it with the right type of sock and have a winning and effective combination. It's best not to mix natural and synthetic materials. They don't work in the same way and, as a result, could well be the main cause of you sweating, feeling cold, or forming blisters.

If you like natural wool socks, consider getting a leather or rubber boot with a felt lining. These materials work in the same way.
They hold moisture close to your foot, trapping it away from your skin. Whereas boots made from synthetic fibers are, for the most part, breathable and use your body heat to keep you warm. But if you're wearing woollen socks, the moisture trapped in your stocking is sure
to make you freeze! So be sure to wear stockings made of synthetic fibers like polypropylene or fiber blends (rayon, nylon, polyester etc.).

Once all the elements have been considered, and your list of needs determined, you can do some research online to find out about all the options available, or visit a store and ask an advisor to help you make the best choice, according to your needs. Feet are often the first to feel the cold. So, make sure you protect them and don't deprive them of comfort, and you'll have a much better winter!