This week's storm in the Northeast showed that our currently mild winter can still mean business. Whether you're relatively unscathed in New York City, or still digging out in Boston, now is a good time to prepare for whenever the next blizzard will hit.

That's because, with retailers clearing out their winter inventories, now is a great time to score a pair of durable boots. We've spotted waterproof Sorel boots for $77, and Ralph Lauren hiking boots for a low of $70. These offers and more are in the week's roundup of the best winter boot deals.

1. Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Nubuck Woolton Boots
   Store: Ralph Lauren
   Price: $49.99 with free shipping via coupon code "LOVE15"
   Lowest By: $127
   Expires: February 10

   Is It Worth It?: With distressed nubuck leather, rawhide laces, and a big bold buckle, these calf-high boots have "rugged" written all over them, and will keep your feet warm and dry out in nature or out on the town. They're available in Brown in sizes from 7 to 15.

2. Sorel Women's Out-N-About Leather Boots
   Store: REI-Outlet
   Price: $76.93 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $33
   Expires: January 31

   Is It Worth It?: These sporty hybrid sneaker/boots are designed to tackle the urban wilderness in style. But don't think they're all flash and no substance: these leather-rubber boots are waterproof. They're available in Black in sizes 8 to 11.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Meltham Hiking Boots
   Store: Ralph Lauren
   Price: $49.99 with free shipping via coupon code "LOVE15"
   Lowest By: $70
   Expires: February 10

   Is It Worth It?: This Editors' Choice deal scores you these stylish boots for a $70 low. They're officially "hiking" boots, but these smooth leather kicks are refined and rugged, and would look just as good in the office or even out for the night — all while fending off light weather conditions. They're available in sizes 7 to 15 in Brown or Black.

4. Keen Men's Marshall Mid WP Hiking Boots
   Store: Keen
   Price: $69.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $35
   

   Is It Worth It?: Another Editors' Choice deal, these boots from Keen are really for the outdoorsman. Waterproof yet breathable, they'll keep you feet dry no matter how long you're stomping (and sweating) through snow drifts. They're available in Raven/Neutral Grey in size 11.5 only.

5. Native Men's or Women's Fitzsimmons Boots
   Store: Karmaloop
   Price: $35.64 via coupon code "RIDIC" and rep code "DISCOUNT" with $8.75 s&h
   Lowest By: $27
   

   Is It Worth It?: For something more casual and funky, check out these chunky boots from Native. That's $9 below our our mention from two days ago and the lowest total price we've seen. They're available in men's sizes 3 to 13 9 and women's sizes 5 to 15 11, although not in all size/color combinations. (Men's sizes are listed on product pages; under details they state for women to order two sizes up for these shoes.)