After years of practicing the theory that one winter day is like the next, I’m on to the reality that it’s not true.

One day it’s dry but really, really cold. The next day it’s cold with 2-feet of snow. A day later the snow melts and there’s 6 inches of slush off each curb. Then four days later it’s 45 degrees and raining. That’s why we all need more that one pair of winter boots.

The following are do and don’t categories of boot wear.

EVERYDAY BOOTS

Aquitalia booties for everyday winter wear

DO:

Knock yourself out in this category because there are a ton of boots available everywhere you go – from over-the-knee, to knee high, to mid calf and bootie style. If you wear a boot like a shoe, you need several pairs of everyday boots, at least one pair with a heel.

DEEP SNOW & COLD

Merrell brown leather boot

DO:

Sorel

Merrell

Timberland

Ugg’s – they finally make a decent snow boot

All too ugly you say? Just try them. You’ll want to wear them every day.

DON’T:

Pajar – Cute but not all are fully waterproof and often only come in full sizes.

COLD & SLUSHY

Aquatalia waterproof suede boot with knit cuff

DO:

Aquatalia

Santana

La Canadienne – trust the Canadians to get a cold weather boot right, oh and the Italians aren’t half bad either.

DON’T:

Frye – who can wear these? Love the way they look, hate the way they feel.

RAIN

Hunter Boots for winter 2015

DO:

Hunters: At your own risk.

La Canadienne or Aquitalia: Trust anything lined that’s waterproof.

DON’T:

Hunters: A lot of people swear by these boots for heavy rain and slushy snow. Me, I swear at them. They aren’t warm and they have no give, making them impossible to pull on and off, plus you can feel the water through the boot.

And that’s my tutorial. Boot-Up.