I didn't buy these boots because they were pretty. I didn't buy them because they'd compliment my calves, or make me look taller or thinner. I already have riding boots for that, and while they're pretty and pretty comfortable and they make me feel pretty, they're absolute garbage in anything resembling actual winter or rough weather. I live in Wyoming, and our winters are notorious for being unmerciful and unrelenting. After experiencing highs of -30 for three days straight, and landing on my butt in front of people at least three times because my riding boots were garbage in actual winter conditions, I decided to take the plunge and buy myself some proper winter boots, looks be damned. About a week in, here's the verdict: PROS: >Warm warm warm warm warm. So warm. And comfy. My feet feel loved. >Excellent traction. A little bit sketchy on some black ice, but overall, I'm confident that if I walk somewhere, I won't embarrass myself slipping on ice. >My feet are somewhat janky, but the arch support feels solid. >Definitely buy a half-size up; I'm an 8.5 but bought a 9, and I'm not disappointed. >Bogs don't look so ugly you'd be ashamed to wear them in public. But they do have the air of workboots. If you're okay with that, then you'll love them. CONS: >Unfortunately, I can be a bit of a gym rat, and as a result, I have been cursed with rather muscular calves. As such, these boots are a little bit -- TIGHTER -- than I'd like. It's not so much so that I feel like my legs are being strangled, but the calf fit does take some getting used to. >Arch support is...okay. I have some plantar faccitis (I spelled that wrong), and as a result, I feel these boots are going to be a bit painful to wear in. But they feel forgiving, so that's a start. TO BE SEEN: 1: How do they fare in deep snow? ANSWER, 2019: They're great! Wear good socks and they will not steer you wrong! 2: What about slush? ANSWER, 2019: Slush, puddles, maybe wading into the shallows in a river: so long as you haven't worn out that wonderful neoprene liner (and I"m about there) these are legit WATERPROOF. 3: And extreme blizzardy death cold? ANSWER, 2019: You need good socks to support these for extreme cold. But that should go without saying. As the season goes on, I shall answer these questions. As of now, however, I don't regret this purchase in the slightest. Highly recommended.