By Madeline Fass

Although the first snowfall in New York doesn’t typically hit until late November or early December, you can never be too prepared for winter’s extremely unpredictable weather. To face everything from flash floods and sleet storms to bomb cyclones and snow, a solid pair of winter boots is the most practical item to buy. When heading out this winter, keep those beautiful fall boots, sneakers, and slippers free from salt stains and slushy streets. Don’t let the winter elements catch you by surprise. Instead, prepare yourself with a pair of the best winter boots for women.

No matter if you’re looking at a snow-filled commute, a chic mountain getaway, a long winter walk, or a morning spent shoveling the driveway, there are plenty of durable styles that will keep your feet warm and dry and your outfits looking cool and winter-ready. Consider equestrian-inspired Wellies or Katie Holmes’s favorite Sorel boots, which come complete with heavy-duty lug soles to withstand any kind of weather. Water-resistant stitching and rubber soles make heeled pairs a safe option when heading out into the snow (without sacrificing personal style), while waterproof duck boots and soft puffer styles—dubbed the “sleeping bag boot”—offer a modern yet more traditional take. Shearling-lined lace-ups are the ultimate boots to take you from the city to the mountains, and they will also give your look a dose of après-ski chic—even if you’re not headed to the slopes.

Meanwhile, all over down and fuzz-covered boots have taken the runways by storm this season literally. It was only a matter of time before extreme snow boots became extremely on-trend. And if you’re searching for extra inspiration, just look to the Miu Miu FW21 lookbook for reassurance. Yes, even the Italian high fashion house has deemed the snow boot cool.

Take a Hike

Jordan Boot In Black Leather

As seen in Vogue.