I decided to purchase at least one pair of 'practical' boots and found these at a discount shop purchasing them mostly on the Cougar name. The base was a molded plastic, ergo waterproof and the shaft folded up or down and was lined with a synthetic liner, which is fine as I get a rash from wool. My first venture out in the snow was successful, but my feet did hurt after about a 10 minute walk. But in the extra cold 2013/14 winter in Ontario they did not hold up. On one of those -30 degree nights after 10 minutes of walking my toes where so cold they became stiff. I was warmer in my flannel lined leather boots! So disappointed.