Rating Valley Lane's Quilted Boots From Metrostyle

Having to walk everywhere, despite the snow on the ground, I decided I needed a sturdy pair of boots. Not fashion boots, though they shouldn't be horribly ugly, but some plain old boots that will grip the ice rather than slip free on it. I found Valley Lane's quilted black boots, and decided to give them a try. Here's my rating on these boots.

Price

The price is definitely right for a set of boots that aren't too ugly and have traction. They run for $40 plus shipping and handling on Metrostyle. They go up and around your calves, but do not have the length of a knee-high, just falling below that. Conveniently laces with elasticity in the boot uppers, you will find that they are as easy to slip into, as they are to order and get delivered to your door.

Usefulness

My whole objective in buying these is their usefulness. If they were merely another pair of fashion boots, with no practicality on unplowed sidewalks, than I could have paid less than $40.00 for Payless shoes. The soles are hard, but they do have grip and I haven't slipped on anything yet. They aren't overly sized so they feel clunky and bulky to walk in. I would give them an A on usefulness because they certainly perform well as a winter snow and ice pair of boots. So, as far as their real purpose-to roam around a winter wonderland without slipping-they are an A.

Style

The style is fairly nice. They aren't covered in faux-fur, which is hideous (you know, the kind that looks like you kicked a small animal and they are still caught in your laces). Instead they are basic black, have a quilted look upper portion, a rounded toe, and laces with pom-poms attached that match the inside lining. Aside from the ridiculous pom-poms, I'd rate these an A on style for this type of boot.

Durability

The first time I put them on I lost a pom-pom on one of the laces. It is just some lining sewn around a foam piece and then stitched onto the end of the shoelaces. I didn't really like them and considered pulling them off anyway. They aren't very well put on and you'll likely lose a few of them in the first month of wearing them. Otherwise they are durable enough to use all winter. They do get scuffed easily, however, so be careful not to run into things or kick any small critters. I think that overall durability rating should be a B, because while they will last, they might not look that great next winter.