Before we jump into the best winter boots, there are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping around.

Like anything, there are endless considerations regarding winter boots. The first of these, of course, is warmth. Do you live in a frigid climate or spend weekends skiing, snowboarding, or winter hiking? If so, you’ll want a boot with ultra-warm insulation and a thick, cozy lining. If you’re in a more temperate zone, however, you’ll need something lighter to avoid overheating.

Then there’s waterproofing. If you live somewhere prone to slush, rain, and warmer temperatures, having a waterproof boot isn’t only a smart decision, it’s imperative. Yet, a fully waterproofed boot tends to also mean less breathability, so that may be too much if it’s warmer in your neck of the woods.

Boot height is yet another thing to keep in mind. Treks through deep snow might require tall boots you can pair with gaiters whereas walking around the city may be more suitable for ankle or mid-calf boots. Traction is another important factor. If your driveway is a hazardous sheet of ice, finding a grippy boot with reliable tread should be a top factor. If you won’t be walking on treacherous terrain often, traction is less important.

Last — and perhaps least — there’s style. Though this hardly affects the actual function of the boot in practice, there’s no denying that if someone isn’t particularly thrilled with the way a boot looks, they won’t want to wear it. Something to keep in mind, no doubt, but don’t lose sight of what you’re actually trying to accomplish with a proper pair of winter boots.

This classic Pac-style boot has been keeping winter adventurers warm for over five decades — and for good reason. The boot is built with some of the finest insulating materials on the planet and offers a simple, no-frills design. Its waterproof Nubuck leather upper surrounds 9 millimeters of felt with a Sherpa fleece snow cuff at the top, delivering blazing warmth down to 40 degrees below. Its vulcanized rubber shell and seam-sealed construction make it one of the most waterproof boots around and Sorel’s proprietary AeroTrac outsole offers reliable traction, as well.

However, this likely isn’t the boot you want to take hiking, snowshoeing, or on other adventures which require precise footwork, as the boots are heavy and don’t offer much of a snug fit. Yet, with a warmth rating superior to just about any other boot on the market, it’s the perfect option to keep around the house for outside chores or walks in the snow.

This comfy, ultra-warm Pac boot by North Face is built with 200 grams of PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation to trap heat and keep your feet cozy. The mid-calf boot is constructed with Nubuck leather draped in a knit collar that’s both stylish and warm. The injection-molded TPR shell around the foot area assures a dry interior in a slim, bulk-free package.

Ice and other sketchy terrain are easy to traverse, courtesy of the boot’s TNF Winter Grip outsoles with IcePick technology– a grid of temperature-sensitive lugs that provide traction. The only drawback to this awesome boot is that its snug design is bit tricky to get in and out of.

This mid-temp, all-around winter boot showcases Columbia’s Omni-Heat tech in the lining which traps heat with reflective silver dots while providing airy breathability. Along with 200 grams of insulation and an upper built with a blend of leather and nylon, the boot is also seam-sealed to achieve 100 percent waterproofing. Some may find it slightly stiff but its comfort factor makes up for it with a supremely soft Techlite midsole. Topping off the features is its rubber outsole constructed with Michelin anti-slip winter compound that keeps you sure-footed even on the most perilous terrain.