Teach me about women's boots

Keep in mind that, while they seem rugged and performance oriented, Doc Martens have relatively little tread. I have a pair that I use as my winter boots, but they have caused me to slip in slush countless times. They're especially bad on wet surfaces. They're no worse than something with no tread at all, but considering how they look they're unusually treadless.

Go to REI for hiking boots! They have a great return policy if you are a member, which is important when shopping for hiking boots. you can also ask about their "garage sale" where they sell returned gear at steep discounts. If you go that route, try on different things in the store, so you know what brands you like before you go. I also have a cute pair of Merrel and a cute pair of Teva boots that I wear in the winter. They both fit with business casual and are really comfy and warm. Keen is another brand to check out. I live in a wet climate, so waterproofing is crucial, and I've found that brads that also make hiking or outdoorsy boots are the best for finding good boots without heels. If those kinds of boots don't have enough tread for you, you can wear your hiking boots when you go walk the dog or check out Sorel.

I'm a http://www.blundstone.ca/portfolio/06-the-chisel-toe-in-black/ convert. They are stylish winter work boots- everything you need in one boot! They are cute with knee high socks and skirts/ dresses and are rugged enough for long walks and light hiking, even in winter. They are SO COMFORTABLE to walk in, especially once you break them in a bit. And you just pull them on, no laces!

Just a quick question: could you give the measurement around the widest part of your calf? If you have athletic legs, you may need boots for wide calves (this isn't uncommon at all), which would shift the possibilities somewhat.

It gets cold but not freezing in the winter where I live. I wear ballet flats year round. But I'd like to have some cute boots that will keep my feet warmer and look more seasonally appropriate. I work in a business casual office and mostly wear skirts and dresses. I cannot wear heels of any kind or height. What kind of boot should I be looking for? and where? Last winter http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_boots were all the rage, but I don't think they will also be fashionable next season. http://www.drmartens.com/ are a traditional staple, but I don't know if they will mesh with your style (they're trendy with dresses and skirts, anyway).

(What *I* wear in winter is a pair of https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeCfP4q-KTw/UPR5vHe-p7I/AAAAAAAAAbc/lxAOzIenCLs/s1600/WP_001104.jpg like the ones on the left in the linked picture. I have no complaints and while mine are canvas, they have leather versions too. The brand is French, so I didn't link them in my first comment ^^;)

REI is a great choice for hiking boots and when it gets into fall/winter, also has some great choices for winter walking boots. Finding the right salesperson there is key - someone who knows about the different boot styles and can help you find and test the right fit. Often REI stores have a fake rock slope in the shoe section where you can "hike" and test the grip of the boots. Also they have great customer service generally and can order you a size or a style if they don't have it in store. You don't have to be a member to shop there. [I'm not a shill for REI btw :)]

Thanks for asking about my calves, I should have included that -- they are large, about 19-inches around at the widest point.

Hiking boots are generally not tall enough that your calf size comes into play, and I agree with previous commenters that REI is a great place to shop for those. For your ballet flat replacements (office-appropriate boots), you'll probably have better off-the-rack luck with "ankle boots" than knee-high. Nordstrom is excellent for this in-season; Zappos as well. Things like http://www.zappos.com/women-boots/CK_XARCz1wE6BNAT7xKqAQEBwAEB4gIGARgCBwcV.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/ and http://www.zappos.com/women-boots/CK_XARCz1wE6BNATqBWqAQEBwAEB4gIGARgCBwcV.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/ have been popular the last few years. You will also see mention of "booties," which more often than not just means the top of the shoe comes right up to your ankle bone, so no actual boot "shaft;" I suspect you're better off ignoring them if ankle support is important. If you have a decent amount of budget to play with, I have heard good things about http://www.duoboots.com/us/; their line runs up to 19.5" calves, and this may let you investigate what are often called "riding boots." These are knee-height, either pull-on or zip-up, and generally run between 0" and 1" of heel (this will depend on the brand and their style). They will likely lack non-slip soles, though; those are harder to find for office-appropriate boots. A http://www.zappos.com/women-boots/CK_XARCz1wE6AqIVqgEBAsABAeICBQEYAgcV.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/ will give you more visuals, though their business boots top out in the 17" range at the moment. There are also http://www.zappos.com/women-boots/CK_XARCz1wE6BNATohWqAQEDwAEB4gIGARgCBwcV.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/, though what's available right now seems to be in the 1-2" heel height. In general, for non-slip boots, they need to have "lugged soles." A current search on Zappos for your calf size displays http://www.zappos.com/women-boots/CK_XARCz1wGaAQEOwAEB4gIEARgCEw.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/, all of which have lugged soles. Their search tops out at 20", though it doesn't look like they currently have business-casual boots in anything above the 18"-18.75" range.