This post is dedicated to women everywhere who can't quite grasp the ankle bootie or shootie trend. Whether you disdain the look due to cankles or a general mistrust of a boot that can't manage to cover any part of your leg--this one's for you. I've rounded up seven of my favorite stylish yet comfortable boots--all given high scores for comfort in customer reviews.
1. Timberland Charles Street Tall boot: Waterproof leather and rubber lug sole make it possible to look great without slipping and tripping your way to work this winter. $159.95 at OnlineShoes.com, free shipping and exchanges.
2.Sofft Mela Suede Slouch boot: If you thought slouch boots were a thing of the past, or to be more precise, a thing of the 80s, take a look at this photo. Think you could pull it off? I think so. I've said it before, I'll say it again--nothing beats the Sofft footbed for comfort from toe to heel. Available in sizes 6-12 at OnlineShoes.com for $151.95.
3. Sofft Tyla: You can't see this feature very well from the photo, but there is lacing all the way up the back, which makes this boot, for lack of a better word...HOT. The heel may look impossibly high (3 1/2"), but there is a 1/2" platform to offset the height a bit. You can read the glowing reviews for yourself at OnlineShoes.com, $169.95. Also on sale at Shoebuy for $135.95, free shipping and returns. Nordstrom carries the Sofft Tyla II which has a wide shaft for wider calves.
4. Naot Divine: Not a budget boot, but Naot excels in comfort technology, so well worth it. Cork-latex insole molds to your foot and provides excellent arch support. $294.95 at Shoemall, free shipping.
5. Ugg Classic Tall: over 500 five star reviews at Zappos. If you suffer from Raynaud's or just have chronically cold feet in the wintertime, there's nothing like Ugg shearling boots--soft, cozy and super warm. $164 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.
6. Merrell Spire Peak Waterproof: I'm a firm believer in the Merrell Q-form alignment system™. The footbed keeps feet from pronating and aligns feet, knees and hips while walking. The waterproof leather and Polartec® lining make this a great winter commuter boot. $154.95 at OnlineShoes.com.
7. Born Persimmon flat boot: With barely an inch heel and a generously padded footbed, the Born Persimmon gets my vote for best comfy flat boot. Comes in a really pretty charcoal nubuck too. $159 at Shoeline.com, free shipping.
