Winter is coming, and with it an onslaught of cold weather, snow, ice and slush. When picking out appropriate winter boots, it’s important to not just look for a fashionable pair of boots, but also ones that will stand up to the tests of winter weather. Luckily, it is possible to find boots that will look cute while trudging through drifts of snow. Make sure to keep these features in mind while shopping for winter boots.

Warmth
One of the main concerns when picking out a pair of winter boots is, of course, whether or not they will keep your feet warm. You’ll want to look for a pair of well-lined boots that provide good insulation, while still leaving room for your feet to breathe. Consider a pair of Toe Warmers women’s Magic Boots ($111.95). These boots feature both an upper lining and an inner sock lining to keep feet protected against the cold, and the basic black look is easily paired with any outfit.

Durability and Comfort
Unlike summer weather, in which you can wear sandals, flats or heels depending on your mood, the boots you pick for the winter will see plenty of wear time. Make sure to pick a comfortable and durable paid. You don’t want your feet pinched all winter long, or to have a pair that wear out after a week of wet conditions. UGG’s Adirondack Boot II ($240) has a sturdy and waterproof outer sole that can easily stand up to winter conditions, and a soft sheepskin lining to keep feet cozy and comfortable.

Traction
Winter weather makes things slippery. Choose a boot with good traction to keep you upright and standing. Look for rough rubber soles and channels on the boot’s bottom. The rubber will prevent you from slipping on wet surfaces, and the channels will provide grip and stability that make navigating slippery surfaces and uneven terrain a breeze. Sperry’s Gosling snow boot ($75) features both rubber soles and a channeled bottom, as well as a cute lace-up design and pop of neon color from the inner shaft.

Waterproof
While walking through large drifts of snow, puddles of icy slush, cold rain and sleet, you will want a pair of boots that keep your feet dry. Not only do you want a waterproof exterior, you should look for a boot with a cuff lining at the opening. The cuff will stop snow and water from coming into the boot, guiding it down the outside instead. Sorel’s Joan of Arctic boot ($150) not only has a fully waterproof exterior and faux fur cuff, but also comes with bright red laces, providing a pop of color against the gray winter sludge.

A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, Nov. 13 print edition. Bryna Shuman is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].