I hate shopping for winter boots almost as much as I hate shopping for bathing suits - the comfortable boots are ugly and the pretty boots are uncomfortable - you really can't win - that is until I discovered:

Bearpaw Krista Boots - $124.99 - available in 4 colours: Black, Slate Blue, Olive and Hickory (as shown) - and full sizes from 5 - 12 - 5.5" tall with suede uppers and 1.5" tall Slim Tread Wedge blown rubber outsole for superior cushioning with a little bit of extra height. They have a wool blend lining and sheepskin footbed  and are treated with NeverWet  technology so your feet will always be toasty warm and dry!
There is one little detail - the wrap around tie - that while it makes the boot extra cute, it also makes them hard to put on - fitting the laces through the back flap requires you to have some yoga flexibility or small children with tiny fingers! So my tip is don't totally undo the laces - just loosen the top one as much as possible so you can shove your foot in without totally undoing it!

They're cute, they're comfy and they make me taller these boots are a must-have!

You can score your own pair at bearpaw.com where you will also find lots of other styles as well as boots for the boy and/or your kids!

Keen Terradora Waterproof Hiking Boots - $175 - in sizes 5 - 11 including 1/2 sizes and four colours: Dark Purple/Purple Sage, Astral Aura/Liberty, Raven/Rose Dawn and Gargoyle/Magnet - a lightweight hiking boot designed specifically for women can double as an around-town trekker. With a glove-like fit and a cushioned ankle panel, it delivers flexible freedom and all-day comfort.

They have all kinds of tech and features including: Cleansport NXT - for natural odor control; 4mm multidirectional lugs; breathable mesh lining; a cushion panel that takes pressure off the achilles; dual density PU footbed; ESS stability shank for support; KEEN.DRY - waterproof breathable membrane that lets vapour out without letting water in; lightweight breathable mesh and synthetic upper; low-density EVA midsole; and non-marking rubber outsole.

I actually picked them because I needed winter boots that I could actually walk in - I have a pretty long walk from transit to my office and my traditional winter boots weren't at all comfortable for walking!  My new Keen ones are super waterproof and made for walking so very comfortable and mostly warm enough, although on really cold days I add a pair of wool socks to make them cozier. They also come in really fun colours if you are sick of the usual black and brown winter boot choices!

They also come in a lower shoe version for $165 - I like the higher boot style because of those deceptively high curb puddles and the ankle support!

Available at retailers across Canada including Sport Chek, Sporting Life and Walking on a Cloud and online at www.keenfootwear.com.

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results then you can colour me crazy! Every year I swear I will start shopping for winter boots early, inevitably end up waiting until it snows and end up with limited choice so I buy a pair that I don't particularly like and aren't what I wanted out of desperation!

Not this year, there's no snow yet but I  already have a pair of boots in my closet awaiting the soon to be falling white stuff! And strangely from a company that you might not have thought made anything except work boots:

CAT Footwear Carolina Boots - $175 - available in black and brown with full grain leather uppers, regular width and in full and half sizes from 6 to 9.
It's hard to find boots that look cool and are comfortable - usually you have to pick one or the other - but these are both. They also appeal to my inner rocker chick, look great with jeans but equally good with tights and a skirt - and the rubber tread on the bottom makes it much harder for me to fall on my clumsy ass!

And to make sure your feet stay dry all winter, it's important to waterproof new boots - don't bother with the crap that comes in a can and promises to waterproof - just rub them with beeswax and bake them in the oven on low - no more wet feet!

Available at shoe stores across Canada - check out www.catfootwear.com to locate one near you or to order online.

Winter has barely ended but that didn't stop The Sherson Group from showing us what we have to look forward to for Fall/Winter 2014! If you have to put up with crap weather you might as well do it in great shoes and Nine West, Enzo Angiolini, Anne Klein, Easy Spirit, Bandolino and Circa Joan & David were on hand with their seasonal offerings along with a few new brands - Adrianna Papell, Taryn Rose and Adrienne Vittadini - headed for a Nine West store near you come fall.

Enjoy and drool over the themes, shoes and bags!

There's even going to be a kid's line (if you like that kind of thing) - but you'll have to get through summer first though my friends and after this past winter, I am not rushing fall on!

I'm not usually a big fan of Fall previews before spring has even begun but with the weather being what it is in Toronto these days, I had no trouble believeing that Fall is here and that I will be needing these shoes now! Of course having seen them, I do want them now!
Lynned Bootie by Anne Klein - the different yet coordinating materials used give it a wow factor and I just love the wine colour and visible zipper!
This Morolee Bootie in black leather with the ruffles says that you can kick ass but still look cute doing it!
Everything in this collection has great details to make feminine shoes a little more business-like!
I just loves me some harware and the buckles add such a nice touch!
These Ansah houndstooth pumps look so nice and punchy with the addition of the red to the houdstooth pattern!
Dollton heels by Enzo Angiolini again does a mix of materials - it doesn't show up well in this pic bu the back spotted part is a feathery material - stunning!
And that kick-ass ruffle bootie is back again, this time in blue suede!
Love the black on black hardware in this line - the black studding on the bag makes it look cool without being as aggressive as a metal stud is!
Someday when I have tiny little calves, I will wear those boots!
The lace adds a ladylike touch and the black makes it perfect for the evening - I am in love with the clutch!
The blue suede makes them a little less "cowgirl" and the buckle over the instep adds interest!
Loving all these strappy boots!
These Xandra flats by Anne Klein - pony hair with a studding detail around the opening just make me happy!
Smoking shoes are hot (ha, ha smoking=hot - get it?!) and there will be lots of choices for you...
I especially love these LavalU2 ones - the peacock pattern is wonderfully vibrant!

I realize that it's almost cruel to be showing these to you long before you can have them - take heart knowing that I'm suffering too!

Expect them to start trickling into the stores this summer!