First, look at your budget. Some boots can be pretty expensive, well over one to two hundred dollars. And some boots are more in the line of affordable shoes, ranging in the $45 to $80 range. So consider the budget. A higher price does not always mean higher quality; often you are just paying for the brand name.

Look at the make of the boot, particularly if the bottom is made well. Boots are made for walking and a lot of walking can wear through some heels very quickly. You want to make sure there’s both good traction and the heel is sturdy, especially for high heel boots. The last thing you want is one breaking off!

Consider the shaft of the boot, especially if you or the person you are buying for has particularly thinner or thicker legs. Boots are often made somewhere in the middle, but others have narrow shafts or wider calves to accommodate. Check out the specifics and if you aren’t sure, ask a sales associate or customer service if you buy boots online.

The material of a boot matters as well. Many boots are made with pleather and they are fine for use here and there and if you need to buy on a lower budget. True leather boots run a bit more money, but hold better over time and break in well to the wearer, so they’ll really fit the foot and leg well. In the end it’ll be the wearer’s preference.

When you do finally find that perfect pair of trendy boots, you (or your recipient) are going to love them. It really makes all the difference to have the perfect pair for the colder season, one that will go with many outfits but also hold up to months of wear and well into the next year’s cold spell!