I moved up north after recently living all my life in Florida, hugh? It's a wife thing! After surviving 2 brutal winters it was time for the big bulky snow boots. Not an expert in winter apparel, but I am a bit of a fashionista(wife works in a high end clothing store). So for the the quality + style + fashion = a good value; that's how I shop equation. Boots have done there job they are waterproof, good fit, & relatively warm. For the price I think they are a good fit for winter. They look pretty good on also. I'm sure for more rugged & intense or severe winter conditions there are better boots. You would have to spend alot more money though, I'm sure.