rubber they used. I really love these boots and they are pretty cute too. I got the 7.5 and they fit a hair larger than my 7.5 sketcher shoes. However, I tried the 7 and they were a hair too small so I am still a 7.5 like all my other shoes. This is nice because if I wanted an insert or foot warmer in there or wear thick socks then there is room for that; most wear thick socks in the winter so this is so perfect.. I like that they do not fit snug on my toes, there is room so they don't get sore or squished. Ohh, and they don't make my feet sweat either. I wore them in 50 degree weather and did not get sweaty, to my surprise. These boots are actually rated to be in -25 degree weather. Ill never be in that temp so I cant rate on that but they are warm in the 20 degree where I do go in. I included pictures, the boots fit well under pants or if you lace them looser they will fit your pant leg under them; really versatile. Mine are a size 7.5 and my pictures will show how they are not bulky and still have a cute look to them. The toe and partial sides are a suede and the bottom sides are a rubber like material and the upper sides are a canvas like material. They are also waterproof! Ill buy these again if needed.

back. These boots are worth every penny. I have come to be a major fan of Columbia outerwear in general and these boots were no exception! From the moment I put them on I knew I would love them if they kept the warmth in and the wet out- which they do! These boots are extremely comfortable! I can wear them all day and don't want to take them off! They aren't a fashion accessory but aren't ugly either which is nice. I bought them to do a job, not look darling, but I actually really like the way they look as well. They look just fine under my jeans. They fit great and are "substantial" without being super clunky and are surprisingly light. Most importantly they keep your feet warm and keep any and all moisture OUT! You could trudge around in sleet, snow, puddles, mud for hours and stay toasty and dry, and I have chronically cold feet so I would know! The tread is really substantial as I mentioned and I feel totally comfortable hiking in these in winter or just hanging Christmas lights on a ladder outside. I can't praise these boots enough! If you're look for the cutest and least boot looking waterproof boots in the world, these are not for you, but if you want a real winter work horse boot that you can actually wear under boot cut jeans to work and not look completely silly, these are a winner! I love them and they have survived 2 full winters with me and still look new! See my pictures to compare what this boot looks like next to a regular shoe. I am a true 8.5 size.

this winter!

slipping, thats just the nature of ice. The boots seem to have a wide fit in the toe box that make them look a little chunkier than necesary and feel really large overall even when I wear with really thick wool socks, so im taking off a star because I feel the sizing/cut could use some improvement to distinguish a size range between this wide fit and a more regular fit. Im usually a size 7.5/8 and ordered an 8 but if I had time to exchange them before my trip, probably would have sized down to the 7.5 and still have been comfortable with my thickest wool sock on and more support. The largeness doesnt allow me to have proper ankle support even when fully laced, I feel the strain a bit on my ankles soon after moving around in them, so I will consider buying a smaller size in future winter seasons, but these seem so durable I might not get a chance to rebuy them anytime soon, so am just doubling up on socks to wear these down in the mean time. Even still with the extra room, these are quite comfortable and reliable in the conditions and are fairly stylish given the performance and practicality. I was worried that snow and wetness would seep though because of the suede look of the outer in the product shots on amazon, but in person the outer is a tougher more nylon like material that just looks like its suedey for more style but still plenty of practicality. Honestly the best part was putting these on after being in uncomfortable ski boots all day. With the extra toe room and the fuzzy inner lining, feels like youre walking on clouds by comparison.

think these boots will do the trick.