Recommendations for warm winter boots for country walks.

[thelastallosaurus]

I want the sort of footwear that would look good in a forest or the local park and that I could wear with a casual parka and jeans.

The practical solution would probably be my hiking boots and gaitors but I'd like to keep the hiking outfits for hiking and wear something more stylish for casual walks in between school runs. I have raynauds and get frozen toes very easily and I am yet to find a pair of hiking boots that keep my toes properly warm when stationary for any length of time anyway. I have a pair of ariat harper ankle boots that I bought for casual walks, they are very warm but let water in around the laces and are too short to keep my legs warm so I tend to use these as just a warm pair of casual ankle boots, they also have barely any grip!

I want something that feels reasonably light on my feet, can handle some mud and puddles without being ruined and doesn't flap about on my calves or go baggy (have heard this happens to dubarry galway boots?). They need to be able to cope with snow and ice as we get a large amount where I live but actual snow boots seem like they would be overkill for chilly days in autumn and spring. They need a reasonable amount of grip. If they will look ok going from the school run to the dog walk to mucking out the pony that would be ideal. I don't ride myself, it is dd's pony so I still feel like a novice when it comes to the world of horses and yard wear. Also don't want to look like a copy-kate or like I'm deliberatly trying hard to appear 'posh' (i.e I like the look of the fairfax and favour explorer boots with their chunky tread but think they also look like clones of the duchess' penelope chilvers boots?) I always thought her boots looked a bit for show, does she actually wear those on walks? They look like the sort of thing one would wear to a country fair or on the horse but not in mud in genuine countryside? I may be totally mistaken in this and they may hold up to casual dog walks very well. I like the ariat alora boots but came to the same conclusion, they are too much of a riding boot to wear on a dog walk?

Would a neoprene lined welly be better than a leather country boot or are they not warm enough for snow? Recommendations very welcome thank you!

Dubarrys are your friend here. I've had mine for ten years, worn almost daily, if not daily, because I have horses and dogs to walk. They have been used in snow, ice, thick mud, deep water, the sea, etc etc and still going strong.

They are also fashionable and I do wear them out socially if it's a Sunday lunch type thing, or if I want a 'country' look.

They are warm, but not as insulated as my Ariat wellies.

Have a look at Muck Boots. Although they may not be as stylish as you are looking for.
Very comfortable, waterproof and come in lots of different styles.

I really love decathlon snow boots
Very light weight very very warm and easy to put on and off

Not exactly stylish 😬😬😬 but I've got small feet and buy the kids ones £19

My kids also prefer these to wellies as they are very warm and light

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/sh100-x-warm-jr-snow-hiking-boots/_/R-p-4395?mc=8287476

Just splashed out on some high sheepskin lined fellhofs for the exact reason. They are leather, with decent tread for snow and ice, warm on legs.
I have snow boots, hiking, wellies, timberlands but wanted something warm to wear with dresses or skinny jeans for times I am trying to look semi decent. I tend to wear black timberlands otherwise.

shop.fellhof.com/de/stiefel-simbra

I have dubarry boots too and can confirm they keep your feet snug, comfy and dry.

Have you looked at Sorel boots? Some of them are more snow boot-style, some are a bit more casual/smart.

The warmest boots I ever had were Merrell waterproof mid-calf leather boots (admittedly not much grip/tread) and nubuck Ugg boots (not the slipper kind) which were toasty but not completely waterproof.

I also have Merrell walking boots, which are waterproof but not that warm (and probs not that stylish 😁) and Geox black leather chunky chelsea boots, which tick a lot of boxes but aren't very country.

OH wears dubarry when not wearing wellies. Last for years. I wear UGG leather short boots or short wellies. I did see some very trendy FLY boots yesterday tried a pair on very comfortable, trendy colour style, just didn't like the tyre tread effect

I have sorrels for actual snow, but I found the rubber soles wear down fast if you wear on regular tarmac or paths.

You need Ariat wythburn H2O insulated boots! Waterproof, warm, can be hosed off but also smart. I like the mid calf as I’m short but I think they come in a knee length version too now.