Originally from Florida, and toughed through a few winters wearing ballet flats with knee high's, and cheap Walmart version of UGGS before it hit me- perhaps I wouldn't be so darn cold and hate winter so much if perhaps I had on the right footwear.  So, I started asking around to my fellow New Englanders about what they recommend- and nearly everyone pointed me to Sorel.  It didn't take me long to find a basic and inexpensive pair on Amazon, and they arrived right before a snow storm.
The boots themselves are heartily made, good materials and solid construction.  The reviews online regarding size were mixed (some said order small, others insisted ordering a size up would be better).  I decided to order my exact size.  The fit was a bit tricky, I have fairly wide feet so getting into the soft inner lining of these guys takes some doing.  These are not 'slip on to go scrape my car off and shovel my walkway' boots.  They are more 'push in, strap on and tell the snow to back up off me' type boots.  I felt like I was going to battle putting these things on.  They don't have much give based on the way they are put together, so while I felt really secure, stable and dry in them I also knew I wouldn't be going anywhere very fast either.  I've only worn them twice so far and would say they are absolutely as advertised- a solid snow boot that will keep you dry and slip-free in the worst of storms.  Fashion statements they are not, and I would definitely recommend going up a half size or full size if you want to be able to slip the on more quickly.  Overall- well worth the money, and I'm extremely satisfied!