Love hiking or just love to walk a lot in the winter, then it is clear that you need a pair of proper boots. This boots should be comfortable, safety and stability. Believe or not, if we are talking, for example of a mountain equipment, the hiking boots are the most important.
The sole is important, if we are talking about outdoors activity in hard condition. So it should be accordingly to outdoors conditions.
Comfort is, without any doubt, and the important issue, because your feet should be in good condition.
Efficiency, is a characteristic which you must take into consideration. In order to be efficient, your hiking boots should be appropriate to your main activity.
Your boots should be also waterproof. Indeed due to conditions , the must be able to protect your feet, water resistant abilities should be a very light level.