A New England winter is hard on shoes. Slush, road salt, ice and cold all arrive at once, and most fashionable boots are not built for any of them. The aim is a boot that keeps your feet warm and dry and still looks good with tailored trousers and a long coat.

What to Look For

• A rubber or lug sole with real tread for ice and wet stone.
• Waterproofing: treated leather, sealed seams or a waterproof membrane.
• Insulation: shearling, wool or a thermal lining for the coldest days.
• A clean, simple shape in black, dark brown or tan leather or suede.

The Styles That Work

Lug-sole Chelsea boots go from office to street. Lace-up leather boots with a commando sole look sharp with jeans and wool trousers. Tall riding-style boots with a weatherproof sole work with skirts and dresses. Shearling-lined ankle boots are warm without the bulk of a snow boot.

Salt and Slush

Road salt leaves white lines on leather and suede. Wipe boots with a damp cloth as soon as you are home, let them dry naturally away from radiators, and treat them with a protective spray or conditioner at the start of the season.

The Second Pair

On the worst days, a proper snow boot is worth owning, and many people simply carry their good shoes in a bag to change into at the office or the restaurant. Pairing a polished boot for most days with a true snow boot for storms is the most practical approach to a Boston winter.

Shop the Edit

• Moncler Aurea Lace-Up Leather Boot, Nordstrom
• La Canadienne Cye Leather Chelsea Boots, Bloomingdale’s
• Aquatalia Natta Suede Ankle Boot, Aquatalia
• Sorel Joan of Arctic Waterproof Boot, Nordstrom
• Jason Markk Stain & Water Repellent Spray, The Container Store