winter boots |

There’s more snow forecast in the UK in the coming weeks and the pavements are still covered in slush and ice, so now’s a great time to invest in a pair of sturdy snow boots.

We’ve rounded up five pairs of high street winter boots that will provide maximum foot warmth and minimum risk of a bone-breaking fall. They may not be pretty, but they sure are comfy. Plus, with some sales still on they start at less than £30 a pop.

1. Teig black patent snow boots, £26.99 (were £60), Aldo

Waterproof, with a slip-resistant heel, a nice bit of faux fur trim and a practical ankle height – these boots are seriously good value for money.

2. Neeve Ella GTX brown snow boots, £64.99 (were £130), Clarks

Using Gore-tex fabric and something called Active Air cushioning, these boots are way more high-tech than their sensible brown suede exterior suggests. The waxed finish means they’re hard-wearing too.

3. Black nylon Moon Boot, £79.99, New Look

Some people might shudder at the sight of these, the winter equivalent of the Ugg. But given the choice between a Moon Boot and a pair of soaked Converse on a sub-zero day and I know which I’d choose.

4. Helly Hansen Iskoras snow boots, £130, John Lewis

If The Killing’s Sara Lund wanted a pair of boots to go with her iconic jumper, I think she’s choose these. Not only do they have a suitably Scandinavian sheepskin upper, they’re sturdy enough to chase after murderers in.

5. Valenme Snow Flake Bootie, £169, Topshop

OK, admittedly these boots aren’t the best for braving snow-covered roads and freezing temperatures, mainly because they’re made of wool, but look! The little snowflake! Isn’t it cute?

I have found my dream wintertime boots. A cross between walking boots and brogues with a cute little embroidered cuff trim around the ankle, these will see me right through the cold, dark days of November and December and out of the blues of the New Year into the Spring. (Well, as long as I spray them with suede protector and get them re-soled before they completely wear through – I usually leave it too long to rescue shoes.) They are by Urban Outfitters, who seems to have a talent for affordable, stylish footwear. I’ve always been a tad intimidated by brogues, but it was love at first sight with this pair. They remind me a bit of old fashioned ice-skates as well, which helps boost their seasonal appeal.

In one of my favourite books when I was little, Elizabeth Goudge’s The Little White Horse, the heroine, Maria, is feeling sad and cheers herself up by looking down and wriggling her toes in her beautiful new boots. “Humanity can be roughly divided into three sorts of people,” says Goudge, “those who find comfort in literature, those who find comfort in personal adornment, and those who find comfort in food.” Personally, I disagree – I find comfort in all three. But she is right about the comforting effect of a new pair of boots.