Help me build a boot collection for a mild winter climate

[WatchingThemGrow]

History:
My Sorel boots have seen better days (20 years old) and I'd love to buy the same ones- mid calf, lace up, furry at the top, well-insulated and white :) but they don't make them anymore.
I bought some DSW cute cheap Bare Traps a few years ago that didn't last very long, so I'm really hesitant to get a cheap boot. A pair of tall black Merrell Spire Peak boots have been a lifesaver for 4-5 years for dressing up, for church, and for lots of occasions, but they need some friends for all the other winter days.

Need:
1)I need practical boots for taking DC to school and walking 1 mile each way to pick them up. My feet get cold easily, plus I won't wear uncomfortable shoes for a minute. Oh, and I'm from a warm place, living in NC now, where we have a few ice or snowstorms, lots of icy/slushy mornings where I still need to run out for groceries. I have no experience knowing what the perfect boot collection should have. All advice is appreciated. Would any of these be okay for walking a couple miles?

These look interesting since my Brooklyn friend says she lives in her LLB boots in the winter.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/82738?feat=630-GN1&page=women-s-l-l-bean-boots-8-special-edition

These seem cozy and fun too, plus i like the gray
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/79697?feat=630-GN1&page=women-s-l-l-bean-snow-boots

The name of these draw me in
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83159?feat=630-GN1&page=women-s-insulated-comfort-boots

and the fact that these are Merrell makes them a contender
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/79922?feat=630-GN1&page=women-s-merrell-decora-chant-waterproof-boots


2)I have this one in my living room right now, and it seems like it would cover the casual/dressier days when brown would be better than black, but not really the slushy winter days we have so many of. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/84855?feat=630-GN1&page=women-s-merrell-captiva-launch-2-waterproof-boots They're a good choice for a brown casual/sometimes dressy boot, right?

[Kindra178]

I like both your Merrell options you linked, including the ones you already have. I would eliminate the LLB comfort boots style. Although functional, I think you could do better. The first style are in right now in throwback kind of way. Super cute. Ask your friend how they do on ice/slippery conditions. I would love a pair for the trend factor but I heard they do not do well on ice. I think the second LLB pair will be the most practical.

[Nooknookmom]

Re look into sorel... Nordstrom usually has some great designs! http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3182361?categoryid=null...do a sorel search on Nordstrom.

I'm from the South, lived outside Chicago till I was 20- I'm well versed in freezing feet! Im now in so cal...23 yrs, Where I NEEDED warm boots last year (I wear doc martens and my Carlos Santana's :)

Anyway Nordies has TONS of cool boots here's a link:

http://m.nordstrom.com/c/womens-winter-snow-boots

Tevas are great too: http://m.nordstrom.com/Product/Details/3526846?origin=&filter=
There were some dressier Tevas that I think are waterproof....

Happy shopping! Love Nc, I lived in Charlotte and was just in Asheville area for fam!

[WatchingThemGrow]

Thanks, nooknook! That Teva boot is interesting! I wonder how they fit. Will have to read up and try them! They don't look like every other boot out there, and I haven't seen them for years like the Merrell I have in my possession currently!

Keep the ideas coming!

Kindra, thanks for "okay"ing the gray LLB boots. I will ask my friend about the LLB boots on ice. We are in lockdown when it is icy, but our n'hood is very tree-filled. When the rest of the world is melted and sunny, our street is still covered with fresh snow, with a layer of ice below.