<p>As winter is approaching, we are having a debate about winter boots. As Californians we truly have no clue about the best boots for a Tufts' winter. Apparently, there is a difference between winter boots and real snow boots. Style is as important as weatherproofing and warmth? Do you need to wear real snow boots; the ones that look a bit like moon boots? Or, will a good pair of water-resistant cold weather boots do? What features are important in shopping for boots...........If I am going to spring for them, I want them to come out of the closet when needed! Any suggestions for brand/style and where to get them. Online??? Thanks.</p>
<p>You really don't need moon boots. A lot of people definately consider style, but weatherproofing and warmth are much more important. It's mainly important that they be waterproof and have good grip so you won't slip on the black ice, plus have room for socks for insulation.</p>
<p>As a Californian, I shared your woes when the first winter came three years ago. As long as the boots are waterproof, that is sufficient (also, no matter what you do, your pants will get wet). Every year the winters in Boston become increasingly lenient and much less cold. Hallelujah for global warming!</p>
<p>Oh, no kidding! Environmental degradation has made Boston a lovely place to be in the "cold" weather recently. We had a 70-degree night here a week and a half ago; and it's high 50's-low 60's for the rest of this week. For this South American native, this is a godsend.</p>
<p>Please--global warming or not--winter in Massachusetts sucks and there will be at least one or two Nor'easters (big snows that hit the coast and often result in classes at the local schools and some of the colleges being called off ) and you can be sure there will be wet, nasty icy rain. A kid will need to bring boots of some kind that are waterproof. This isn't California by any stretch of the imagination. Even if you're from someplace slightly warmer like the DC/VA area--you'll be surprised by how much colder it is here in New England. As for style of boots--I'd say go with some type of waterproof hiking boot from REI/EMS/LL Bean or another of the outdoor stores. My dd (who is an '05 Tufts grad) wore those when it was really snowy and then wore Merrill's (sp?) when the snows were gone. I was on-campus recently with my high school senior and noticed that North Face fleece jackets and other North Face parkas are everywhere--they were almost like a uniform.</p>
<p>lol, I have pretty great Columbia winter boots that my parents bought me when we were going sledding about five years ago. I wore them all winter, they looked fine, and more importantly were warm and - yes, snuffles - even kept my pants dry! lol. blucroo, I can show them to Gabbi if you like ;-)</p>
<p>Columbia is alright...LL Bean is way way better though and they have a lifetime guarantee.</p>
<p>Yeah, if your child is a girl style will matter, if it's a boy just get him some Timbs and he can walk around pretending its Bedford-Stuyvesant circa 1992.</p>
<p>Seriously though, if she's a girl make sure you pick out a pair that accentuate the definition in her legs. With the right pair of jeans some winter boots can most definately bring out the very best in a womans stems.</p>