Unsurprisingly, one of the most important features you want to look for in your next pair of fall boots is waterproofing. You may be surprised how few makers will produce footwear that is both warm and can keep water out, making shopping for a good pair of autumn footwear a task much harder than it should really be.

If you live in a climate that sees any level of precipitation during the months of October and November, you need to make sure that the shoes you choose will be up to the task of keeping you dry and comfortable.

One of the things that will influence the way a design performs in wet weather is the material it is made out of. Most companies will make autumn footwear out of leather, seeing that it is a great material that is both stylish and functional, and it provides the wearer with unique comfort and plenty of wear time.

However, one of the downsides of leather is the fact that it’s not waterproof, and can even be damaged when exposed to rain or snow. If you have chosen to purchase leather boots, make sure to treat them with a water-repelling agent that will not only keep you dry but will also prolong the life of your footwear.

Rubber rainboots are another excellent option for autumn, seeing that they are completely watertight, and you can rest assured that you can go through any puddle without fear of ending up soaked.

However, they do have two downsides. One is related to warmth, as a great number of rubber boots are not insulated, meaning that they will work better for mild climates with heavy rainfall. The other downside is the fact that rubber footwear is not breathable, and can become quite the breeding ground for bacteria and odor, especially if you spend a lot of time wearing this type of footwear.

This means that rubber rainboots are not suitable for everyday wear, and you should only opt for them if you already have a design that will do well on dry days and will provide you with a warm but breathable fit.

Last but not least, you could opt for one of the techier models on this list, and go for a pair that is weathertight, has a gore-tex lining or that is seam-sealed. Having these options will ensure that your pair has an outer that looks good, but your feet will get the benefits of complete waterproofing, no matter the situation.

It is very important to consider the weight of your next pair of fall boots, especially if you intend to spend a whole day in them, or if you are purchasing them for outdoor, hiking use.

As a rule, the heavier a pair of shoes get, the more tired you will feel after having worn them for a few hours. So, for example, if you are in the market for a pair that you can wear to your job, you need to consider the fact that you will be spending over 8 hours wearing these, making it really impractical to choose something that is clunky.

Instead, try to opt for footwear that is as light as possible, but still offers the features you need, including a lining to keep you warm and weatherproofing to prevent you from having to walk around with damp socks all day.

While some people will need the protection of a higher shaft, fall boots can be a great choice when it comes to weight, seeing that they are often made as ankle booties – giving you the perfect combination of protection and warmth without the unnecessary, heavy addition of a high top that can be saved for winter and colder days.

A higher score on this criterion means the shoe will be heavier overall.

While durability and a cheap price are not always mutually exclusive, it is important to decide how much you are willing to pay based on how long you intend to wear your fall boots. Some people prefer spending less and purchasing new ones every few months, while others will be willing to pay a higher price and have a pair that will last them a lifetime. Whichever your preference is, there is a couple of things you need to consider.

One is the reliability factor of your chosen autumn footwear. While you may be tempted to go with the least expensive item you find, it’s important that you don’t waste your hard-earned money on something that will fall apart or start leaking after just a few wears.

On the other hand, you might find that investing a couple hundred dollars could actually buy you a pair that you will wear for the next twenty years.

Whether you are shopping for just one season or for a lifetime of wear, it’s good to consider the reputation of the brand before making your final choice. For example, models made by Red Wing, Wolverine, Timberland and L.L. Bean are all excellent choices as they make footwear that is ready for any challenge, providing you with plenty of wear time.

Dr. Marten’s is also excellent, as are brands that make footwear for the Armed Forces such as J. Crew and Alden.

There are fall boots that are drab and boring and made only with productivity in mind. And then there are others that look so cool and stylish that you want to wear them even when the cold weather has passed. It’s a great thing to be able to choose a pair of shoes that are as versatile as possible. This not only relates to style – as we all want a comfy pair that look good with a casual as well as a more dressy outfit - but also to functionality.

The perfect designs will perform just as well in rain as they do in dry weather and will be comfortable to wear in both cold weather and on those days when the sun decides to peek through the clouds. If you manage to find a design that can even work in the summer, you can consider yourself to have made a really great purchase.

So, what makes an option versatile? First of all, consider the shaft length - shorter designs, such as ankle boots, are more likely to go with both pants and skirts and dresses than taller designs. Secondly, consider the color - neutral colors such as black, brown, tan and grey go with everything and are easy to pair with any color combination. Finally, try to avoid too many accessories such as charms, studs, buckles, and bling, as these make it harder for you to combine your new fall boots with both casual and dressier outfits.

Another thing to consider is that these designs can offer versatility of use outside the autumn season. If you’re someone who needs a pair of shoes for those long hikes, rock concerts or even a good pair of protective work gear, they will prove to do well on these occasions.

Climate Protection
Leather is versatile, but water, snow, and salt are its enemy as these tend to age it too quickly and turn it into a cracking, unrepairable mess. Basically, leather is not the best choice of material to wear out in places where there’s more snow than solar panels.

You can preserve leather by cleaning it with saddle soap. Or you can buy fall boots that have been made from the ground up to survive in the cold, with a waterproof membrane, Thinsulate, leather mixed with silicone during the tanning process, or even a mixture of these choices. It’s a great idea to look at brand reputations for making high-quality weatherproof footwear, and starting with names like Baffin, Sorel, Woolrich, KEEN, and Kodiak is a good option.

Functionality
While durability, waterproofing, traction, versatility, and warmth all come into play, you still need to consider what makes a perfect pair perfect for you, personally. Some people might prefer a thigh-high style for aesthetic reasons, while others appreciate it because of the added warmth it supplies.

Designers and popular shoemakers have wised up with their potential customers, recognizing the need for footwear that will both look good and perform well in certain types of situations. A great example of this is calf width and how it relates to the construction, as well as the need for more orthopedic features for maximized comfort and support.

Having zippers on tall, over-the-ankle models is probably the best idea ever; getting rid of the time it takes to fit the feet into the boots whilst avoiding the moving of cushions on the insoles. Amazingly, great looks don’t need to be compromised in exchange for functionality, which is our definite favorite part of each and every one of our top choices. There are not many things that are as great as getting to wear shoes that match your wardrobe to a tee, yet can still keep your feet dry, warm and protected.

Insulation
While traditional footwear used wool and animal hide, which are widely used today as well, you have the advantage of available technology (despite its side effects on the environment) to create insulation.

Take the example of 3M’s “Thinsulate” – a thin and highly insulating fabric made from polypropylene fibers. 3M had trademarked that name and it can be found in most autumn and winter choices. A few other companies try either to create their own style of insulation or use straight-away polyurethane foams which also provide good protection from the cold.