Jaunted

Men's are top three, women's are bottom three

Palladium Boots for men and women: $55-$300.
If they're good enough for airplanes, they're good enough for any weather. To explain, Palladium made tires for European aircraft from 1920 through World War II. Then they had to find something else to make...and hardcore boots it was. The French Foreign Legion took to them and now, instead of seeing them in the Atlas Mountains on troops, they're everywhere from the streets of Williamsburg to the subways of Tokyo.

These are for slush-stomping, short hikes to photograph the barren trees and frozen rivers, and for when you're trying to look more badass then you actually are.

Men's are top three, women's are bottom three

Keds and Pro-Keds: $55-$80.
There will always be a spot in our closet for Keds. Just this year, we've worn our Keds through three continents and in a variety of weather. They're lightweight, well made, stylish enough without being ugly or too trendy, and they're nicely squashable.

These are for wearing on your travel days when you're airport-to-airplane-to-train-to-wherever or for taking a walk when your legs are tight from skiing (or shoveling snow) all day.

Men's are top three, women's are bottom three

Hunter: $115-$295.
We know, we know; everyone wears Hunter boots to prove that they can afford to spend more than $60 on a pair of Wellies. It's a status thing, that's undeniable. What else is undeniable is that their leather collections are actually pretty solid, and the giant Hunter logo is a bit less conspicuous.

These are for wearing fireside in a ski lodge or at the hotel bar when you're ordering your second hot toddy.

[Photos: Palladium, Zappos]