It’s long been thought that keeping your hands and feet warm is the best way to stay cosy, with thermal gloves and fluffy socks huge stocking fillers at this time of year.
And with the possibility of months of lockdown looming, many people will find themselves on long winter walks with gyms in Tier 4 closed, and meeting one person from outside your household outdoors the only form of socialising allowed.
Those living in Tier 2 and Tier 3 will find themselves socialising outdoors as mixing households inside stays banned, meaning many will want a sturdy pair of warm boots to keep the cold away while getting some fresh air or a pint.
And with 99 per cent of the population in lockdown, FEMAIL reveals just how fashionable and warming a good boot can be.
Our volunteers put 11 designs to the test, searching for the best pair to keep us comfortable and warm this winter.
They found Daniel Footwear £65 ankle boots and the £139 KEEN waterproof boots were among the must haves this season.
But, amid the more expensive end the £155 Vivo Barefoot boots and the Clark’s Laina 85 Hi boots at £170 failed to impress.
Here FEMAIL reviews the offerings from some of the top brands..
Daniel Footwear Prentis Black Leather Ankle Boots
Cost: £65.00 (reduced from £149.00)
The ‘Prentis’ men’s ankle boots are part of the New Season collection from independent British brand Daniel Footwear.
The boots are crafted from premium leather with cosy fleece lining and a comfy rubber sole designed to keep feet out of the cold.
MailOnline’s Danny Hussain tested a pair.
Danny praised the £65 Daniel boots which he thought were warm, stylish and comfortable and could be worn dressed up or down
Danny said: I loved these. They’re very comfortable and easy to get on and look very stylish.
I could pair them with a suit or something more causal, they look good because of the sleek all-black design and wool trim.
They kept my feet warm because of the lining and I could wear them to pop to the shops, or (when allowed) out to dinner or on a long walks.
The low price makes them perfect for me!
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Daniel Footwear Plip Black Leather Biker Boots
Cost: £199.00
Crafted from premium leather with cosy fleece lining, tracked rubber sole and polished silver tone hardware, the Daniel Plip Black Biker Boots are designed to keep toes warm in harsher, chillier months.
The lace up upper and pull tab create an easy wear. Femail’s Bridie Pearson-Jones gave them a try.
Bridie loved the Daniel Biker Boots, which she said she could wear with jeans, a skirt or leggings
Bridie gave the boots five stars, and said that she’d wear them to the pub or for a long walk
Bridie says: I’ve never had a particular desire for biker boots, until the second I put these on.
They are great. I immediately felt warm, stylish, cosy, and cool. They go with almost anything, cute dresses, skirts, suits or leggings (which is more or less my lockdown uniform).
They were grungy, but on the right side of sleek that can be paired up and worn with anything. They had a Dr Marten feel to them, but a bit gentler and more adaptable, which I loved.
The lining is subtle and cosy and they could be paired with cosy socks or with tights on a milder day.
There’s also a zip feature on the side, which means you don’t have to faff about with laces, a god send when you want to change out of your slippers and put on something warm to nip to the shops.
My only slight disappointment is the heel is a little uncomfortable at first, but after an hour or so of wearing them it was gone, so I think it’s just down to new shoe needing to be broken in.
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KEEN Women’s Greta Tall Waterproof Boots
Cost: £139.99
Waterproof, oiled full-grain leather for improved durability; these boots from KEEN are designed for walking, with additional cushioning for long lasting comfort.
The insulation is rated at -32C / -25F, with 200g of isolation in the quilted layers.
Femail’s Hayley Richardson tried them out.
Hayley said she thought her winter boots from KEEN were stylish when paired with jeans an warm coat
Hayely wore the boots for a VERY muddy walk and they kept her feet dry and super snug. She added: ‘I think these would be brilliant for skiing as they do seem incredibly waterproof, even when trudging through puddles.’
‘The grip is also really good, and the fact they’re so long means your trousers don’t get as wet and dirty on winter walks’ – Hayley Ricahrdson
Hayley said: I have to admit, when I first saw these boots in the box my initial reaction was, ‘they’re huge!’ I worried they were so chunky they’d make my feet look enormous.
However, once I paired them with a pair of jeans and a warm coat, I actually thought they looked pretty stylish – very country chic! I love the autumnal colours on the quilted collar and the zip fastening made them easy to slide on and off.
I wore these for a VERY muddy walk and they kept my feet dry and super snug. I did find them a little tight around my calf at first, but loosening the laces remedied this and they didn’t feel any less secure on my feet.
I think these would be brilliant for skiing as they do seem incredibly waterproof, even when trudging through puddles.
The grip is also really good, and the fact they’re so long means your trousers don’t get as wet and dirty on winter walks. They were so cosy I didn’t want to take them off when I got home!
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Timberland Courmayeur Valley Hiker For Women In Brown
Cost: £170 (currently on offer for £119)
Made with premium nubuck Better Leather from a sustainable tannery, the Timberland Courmayeur Valley Hikers are designed for style and sustainability.
The waterproff membrane keeps feet dry during wet weather, while the bio-foam footbed and flexible insole provide extra comfort.
Bridie said the Timbelands were comfy and she’d happily wear them to the pub or to work
Bridie said: Timberland are a classic for a reason. As soon as these arrived I recognised them and thought of the countless famous faces that have donned pairs.
Getting them on wasn’t that easy, it took a bit of manoeuvring and I actually had to remove the laces to get them on – but I think this is just down to a first time wear and they would quickly mould to the foot.
Once on, they were really comfy, and felt so sturdy. I feel like I could wear these to work, on a walk, to a pub and then to a construction site and they’d feel fine.
My toes were kept very warm, but there’s not a massive amount of movement and flexibility in the boot, which can take a little bit of getting use to.
As a style, I think these are pretty versatile, especially in the current climate where we’re not going to be dressing for night clubs! I could pair these with jeans, dresses skirts and leggings and dress them up or down.
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Deichmann Ladies Fila Black Lace Up Boots
COST: £44.99, on offer for £ 22.49
These bargain black boots, from British sports brand Fila, have a grey fleece lining to keep feet warm with a white rubber outer sole.
Complete with a stylish grey lace, and white sole, they’re designed to be worn in winter months while out and about.
Femail’s Chloe Morgan gave them a try.
Chloe said from the moment she she tried the FILA boots on, she felt like she was in her slippers
Chloe added that for the quality and the price, she didn’t have any complaints with the £22.49 boots
Chloe said: Stylish and practical, what’s not to love? With lockdown resulting in more walks than ever before, a comfy pair of Winter boots are my new wardrobe staple. And as far as Deichmann’s Fila black lace-up boots are concerned, I have very few complaints!
Featuring the softest sock lining and a side zip for convenience, there was no need to wear these boots in around the house before taking them on their first adventure through the woods.
They were good to go from the moment they were taken out of the box and felt like I was walking around in my slippers.
With the tie-up laces and the rounded toe, they really remind me of the classic Timberland boot with a retro twist – but at just £22.49, are a fraction of the cost!
The majority of the boot is black which is perfect for the typical rainy British weather, while the monochrome of the rubber sole and laces (albeit very long laces!) give them that additional stylish edge. While I wouldn’t expect to see them on the catwalk any time soon, I would highly recommend.
For the quality and price, you really can’t go wrong!
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Deichmann Mens Venice Black Casual Lace-up Boots
Cost: £34.99, on offer for £27.99
These casual lace-up boots on from German budget retail store Deichmann are a footwear option that is made to be robust and stylish.
The reinforced heel support is designed to absorb impact as you walk, and the cushioned midsole combined with the grippy outsole ensure a boot that’s as comfy as possible, complete with a side zip for convenience.
MailOnline’s Jake Buzzing gave them a try.
Jake said the boots were a great looking robust boot featuring a stylist panelled design
‘They are quite wide-fitting, so would definitely advise thick socks when wearing,’ Jake said
Jake said: A great looking robust boot featuring a stylist panelled design. However, if I was being fussy, a plainer all-black lace would be more appealing.
They are quite wide-fitting, so would definitely advise thick socks when wearing.
The reinforced heel and cushioned midsole ensured extreme comfort no matter what distance you’re walking, while the stylish appearance of the boot allows them to be paired with any casual outfit, so they’re very easy to wear.
At the discounted price of £27.99, I’d say they’re a bargain!
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Vivo Barefoot: Tracker Hi FG Womens
Cost: £195.00
Vivo Barefoot design their shoes for walking and hiking, and was the name suggests to feel ‘barefoot’ with slim soles.
These are ta stylish update for the original barefoot hiking boot.
The lightweight boot is designed for warmth and to comfort and claims to be able to tackle the toughest terrains and the coldest weather. Femail’s Latoya Gayle put them to the test..
Latoya said the VIVO Barefoor boots kept her feet extremely warm she was very comfortable on a walk
‘Overall I think they’re great winter boots for those who want something comfortable and reliable for whatever weather conditions we encounter throughout the next few months,’ – Latoya Gaye
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Latoya said: I love long walks and hiking and so I was excited to try these boots.
They kept my feet extremely warm and were very comfortable once I got use to how flat they are, compared to my trainers.
I was able to wear them in the rain without worrying about my feet getting wet but they were quite slippery on more muddy terrain.
The black colour was easy to pair with my outfit, however the style isn’t something I would usually go for and I felt like my feet looked a little bit bulky.
Overall I think they’re great winter boots for those who want something comfortable and reliable for whatever weather conditions we encounter throughout the next few months. – Latoya Gayle
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Celtic & Co: Popper Boots: Knee Height
Cost: £235.00
Hand crafted in Cornwall from 100 per cent British sheepskin with double-stitched construction, the Celtic & Co boots are designed for the coldest of days.
The popper boots are designed to have a fleecy cuff inside which can be shown off or turned to keep your legs toasty on frosty days.
The tonal sole features a ridged texture to improve grip in challenging conditions.
Bridie Pearson-Jones tried the out.
Bridie thought her Celtic & Co boots would have been perfect in the noughties at the height of UGG fashion
Bridie said her only issue is they don’t stay particularity straight and even – meaning you can end up looking a little bit dishevelled, which isn’t ideal when forking out more than £200 on boots
Bridie said: These were very cosy, and would have been perfect in the noughties at the peak of UGG-fashion.
If anything, these are slightly too warm. I wore them for a quick dash to my local Sainsbury when it was around 51F (11C) and they were so cosy I almost go too hot, but they’d be great on a snowy day.
They are also incredibly comfy, and felt like slippers, although more sturdy, I could easily where them around the house all day.
The boots go all the way to the knee, but can be bent over to have a fluffy sheepskin top. The only issue is they don’t stay particularity straight and even – meaning you can end up looking a little bit dishevelled, which isn’t ideal when forking out more than £200 on boots.
As much as I like them, I do think because of the height – and the slightly dated nature of UGGs – they aren’t the most stylish.
I think they can definitely look great with the right outfit, and UGGs are meant to be back this year, but I think it’s fairly limited what you can wear them with.
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Palladium X Michelin PAMPA X TECH
Cost: £150.00
Palladium and Michelin, both known for their functional products have collaborated to bring out winter boots with the best grip.
This new outsole is based on the CrossClimate tire providing the ultimate grip due to its special rubber and profile for every surface.
The Pampa X Tech is a Waterproof+ boot to keep your feet comfortable and dry during your heavy city explorations.
Danny Hussain tried them out..
Danny said the boots were comfortable and easy to put on, but not very warm and the white design was limiting
‘I’d wear them but I actually think the style limits how effective they are as winter boots. You wouldn’t want to go on any post Christmas lunch walks’ -Danny Hussain
Danny said: These were comfortable and very easy to put on.
However, they’re not very warm and the all white design makes it very easy to get mud on them.
I’d wear them but I actually think the style limits how effective they are as winter boots.
You wouldn’t want to go on any post Christmas lunch walks.
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Clark’s Laina 85 Hi Burnt Orange
Cost: £170.00
Clark’s say, this luxe knee high boot, from their Laina collection ticks every style box.
The sculpted 8.5cm (3.3inch) flared heel adds elevation while premium burnt orange leather completes the stylish look.
With an eco foam footbed with Cushion Plus™ comfort technology is used to keep the feet warm and extra comfy.
Bridie Pearson-Jones tried them out.
Bridie said these could have been the near perfect boot as they’re very stylish, comfy despite the heel, and great colour that pairs with anything, but they were badly made and not a great fit, at all as they didn’t close
Bridie said the biggest issue with the boots is that the leather is very tight around the ankle, meaning you can’t zip them up
Bridie said: These could have been the near perfect boot, very stylish, comfy despite the heel, and great colour that pairs with anything, but they were badly made and not a great fit, at all.
I’ve never had this problem before, but I couldn’t zip these up past my ankles, and I don’t have big calves.
After putting these on, halfway, in a slight panic my legs had expanded in lockdown without me realising I had a look on the Clark’s website and there’s dozens on people complaining about the same thing, they can’t get the zip up.
They would be fine if not very tight above the ankle, as the fit on the foot was great.
If you have very narrow calves, these are great. The chunky heel is big enough that you could walk around all day wearing them, and they looks great with almost anything.
Those without tiny calves could brave wearing them with a zip open if brave enough for a certain slightly avant-garde look, but if I forked out £170.00 for a pair of boots, I’d want them to fit!
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Vivo Barefoot, Scott II Leather Men’s
Cost: £155.00
Made with hard-wearing, ultra-durable camel leather, known for its breathability and weather-proof qualities, Vivo Barefoot offer this men’s she designed for comfort and warmth.
Tough yet flexible, the concave hexagonal outsole design maintains traction over varied terrains, while allowing for full sensory feedback and freedom of movement.
The Scott II Leather features lace-up closure with durable metal eyelets and a bellows tongue construction to keep out grit.
Danny Hussain tried them out.
Danny said his shows weren’t particularly warm and were not very comfortable, adding the awkward shape digged into his foot as he walked
‘They were relatively easy to slip on, which I guess is a positive, but I can’t give them anything else’ – Danny Hussain
Danny said: These weren’t particularly warm and were not very comfortable, the awkward shape digging into my foot as I walked.
The weird wedge at the front also makes them pretty ugly and I can’t see myself every wearing them to meet people.
They were relatively easy to slip on, which I guess is a positive, but I can’t give them anything else.
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