When you think about casual boots, you think of something that is easy to throw on and will effortlessly match with whatever it is you’re wearing. A simple, no-fuss boot that will not only look nice but will feel great on your feet too. Whether you are running out to do some quick errands, or have a full day ahead of you, it is important to ensure you are comfortable.

When going out your first instinct is to reach for a pair of high heels, or dress shoes that you know don’t feel nice at all but look stylish. With casual boots, you get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a boot whose number one priority is comfort, yet it is easy enough to dress up and wear anywhere. What makes a boot comfortable? Firstly you want to ensure that it has a well-cushioned insole.

Insoles are one of the most important features in a shoe, especially a boot. You want it, along with the midsole to properly absorb impact and keep your feet absolutely pain free. Most insoles are memory foam and provide a sufficient amount of cushioning, depending on what exactly the boot will be used for. If you have medical issues and require your own orthotic insoles, most boots give you the option to remove the original insole and insert your own, optimizing comfort.

Some boots can be relatively heavy, so having a soft inner lining will keep your feet protected from possibly scratchy, uncomfortable materials, and will also create a soft, warm environment for them. Depending on what the boot is made for, some linings will be warmer than others. Winter and rain boots are made to throw on on cold rainy days and their one main purpose is to keep your feet dry, so they should be almost completely seamless and have soft material inside.

The break-in process should be relatively short, and these should become your go-to boots very quickly. Any shoe that has an extended break-in period, is not only a pain but makes for a very uncomfortable experience. Although they are a pair of shoes you want to wear, the thought of being in pain all night and potentially having irritations like blisters does not make it worth it. It is important to find a pair of shoes that fit great right off the bat and feel good for extended periods of time.

The second you finish putting your boots on, they should instantly feel and fit perfectly. No doing a quick walk around the house to figure out why the right shoe is slightly pinching your toes, or why the top of the boot is rubbing uncomfortably rubbing against your ankles. Similar to any shoe or boot, the fit is always extremely important and goes hand in hand with other aspects of the shoe, such as comfort. If a boot does not fit your foot properly, it will not be something you ever reach for in your closet and will, in turn, be a large waste of money. Finding the perfect fit for you is crucial, especially when it comes to casual boots.

Throughout the day feet tend to swell, depending on what you are doing. If you are seated at a desk this shouldn’t be much of a thought, however, if you are running errands and spending the day on your feet, the fit of your boot will change and it could become increasingly uncomfortable. That does not necessarily mean you need to go up a size, but depending on your lifestyle and the boot itself, you may want to really consider sizing and the long-term difference it could make.

When purchasing certain boots be mindful of not only how you will be wearing them, but with that as well. Winter boots, for instance, are generally worn with thick socks, and even an added in-liner to ensure warmth, if that is the case, getting your exact size with not fit. Consider going half a size to even a full size up in that case. Whereas with ankle boots you will be wearing thin socks, and you want a rather snug fit, as to not have them move around and rub against your ankle.

The way your feet fit into one shoe will be completely different than how they fit into another so never buy a pair of shoes blindly, based on the size you think you are. There is nothing worse than dying to put on your new shoes, only to find out the fit is completely off. If they do not fit, it is very important to not try to make them work and to immediately exchange them for a larger size. Trying to just wear thicker socks, or wearing no socks and squeezing your foot into a boot that is definitely too small, will simply cause unnecessary pain and even possible injuries.

Nothing screams casual and comfortable more than a soft, cozy fabric; from suede to fuzzy fur-lined boots, casual boots should not only feel great but look it as well. There are many levels of “casual” and many people have different ideas on what makes up a casual boot. Whether you are strictly wearing them to run errands, and take the trash out, or to work – deciding on the proper material can be important.

Leather right away makes you think of a shoe that is perhaps for more formal occasions and isn’t something I would reach for to throw on for a low key day. When you imagine a pair of stiff leather boots, would you categorize them as formal or casual? That is not to say that you cannot find a nice pair of leather ankle boots, that are beyond versatile and can be dressed up or down. Many brands are continuously trying to put out shoes that can fit every part of your life and are essentially an all in one kind of shoe or boot.

The chukka boot, for example, is the epitome of a casual yet classy and stylish boot. When looking for a boot that can go from running morning errands, to work meetings and then to a nice dinner later that evening, the chukka boot with effortlessly do the job. They come in many different materials, and designs which can dramatically change how and where you would wear them.

When you think of a casual boot something stylish and expensive may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but because a boot is considered casual does not mean it isn’t stylish as well. Casual boots are easy to dress up or down, and match with almost everything in your closet. There is a huge variety of styles to choose from, so it is easy to find the exact pair of boots that will fit your lifestyle and needs. From rain boots to a nice pair of chukka boots, anything that is going to fit comfortably, and be easy to put on when you are in a rush is considered a casual boot. Pair any of these boots with jeans and a t-shirt and you look effortlessly put together.

A Chelsea boot, for instance, is one of the most versatile casual boots there are because of how easy it is to style. Although classified as casual, this boot is a go-to for almost any occasion; from work to a nice dinner or event. With simple outfit adjustments like the pants you pair them with, they can go from casual to formal in seconds. A shoe that is versatile should not only be a staple in your closet, but is also worth splurging on because it will be something you reach for on a regular basis, and you want it to be a quality shoe that holds up with wear.

Thinking about style, and whether or not you are purchasing a trend or something that is timeless is very important. It’s great to follow trends (although not crucial) but they come and go very quickly, and big amounts of money should not be spent on an item that no one will be wearing in months to come. Where you want to splurge is on a staple, classic items that will always be fashionable and will always leave you with compliments.

Invest your money on an item that you know you will not only get a ton of use out of but also that is well-made and will last for years and years to come. Everyone should have staples in their closet that have been there for a long time, that they rarely have to repurchase. Why have a closet full of rain boots, when all you really need is one maybe two pairs, depending on style; for example, short or high rain boots. Depending on where you live, and what the weather is like most people will only need one pair that they reach for any time it rains, and they should be worn in, comfortable and do the trick.

Versatility is absolutely key to finding the perfect casual boot for you, and depending on where you live it is very crucial to consider what conditions your boots could potentially be exposed to. If you opt for a nice comfortable pair of suede boots, but plan on wearing them almost daily and live in a rainy city; those boots will not hold up very long, and will quickly be thrown in the garbage. Always factor in, the use of the boots and the general weather in your city during the time of year you purchase the boots. Although suede and fur-lined boots are great in colder months, they should more so only be used as either inside shoes or when it is cold but not wet out.

It’s no secret that an easy way to judge the quality of a shoe can be by simply just looking at it and determining the material used to make it. Synthetic materials, or obvious, cheaply made faux fabrics not only make the boot look cheap, but will not last over time. Take the time to check what fabrics your boots are made of, and take into account the amount of use these shoes will be getting. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you should almost always go with quality over quantity, for the simple fact that long term it is worth it. If you purchase a shoe for the simple fact of it being less expensive than others, it will deteriorate quickly, and you will quickly be on the market for a new pair – which can become an expensive unnecessary pattern.