A couple of months ago, as autumn and winter approached, I began to think about my winter footwear. A few years ago I bought a nice pair of ankle boots, but the heels are now badly worn plus last winter I had decided I didn't actually like the low block heel. So I decided to get new boots for work this winter, and to make sure they were completely flat.

A combination of being a bit strapped for cash and reluctant to pay out for footwear that I tend to walk through quite quickly led me to look at cheaper retailers. Looking on the Asda website, I saw a couple of pairs of boots for under £20 which I liked, so I headed to Asda that weekend to look at boots while doing my weekly shop.

I ended up with the George Ruched Ankle Boots, which were £12. I actually think these might have been the cheapest pair, but that wasn't why I chose them - yes I wanted cheap, but I liked the style and fit of these boots.

The boots are really very plain, which is fine by me. The foot is completely plain black synthetic leather, and the ankle is slightly ruched. The top of the boot is slanted, and is a little higher at the front than back. The boots are completely flat, with no heel at all.

As soon as I tried the boots on, I could tell how comfortable they would be. Having worn them every day for about six weeks now, I can still say they are very comfortable. Although they are cheap, I don't feel the sole is too thin - they are comfortable and easy to walk in. The ankles of the boots are slightly padded, which adds a bit more comfort around my leg. Being synthetic leather, they are easy to wipe clean if they get a bit dirty.

The fit of the boots is almost perfect. Sometimes I find it tricky to get just the right fit, as my ideal size is 6.5, and not everywhere does half sizes - surprisingly, Asda does. I really didn't expect a lower cost retailer, a supermarket at that, to cater for half sizes. I tried on a few styles in 6, 6.5 and 7, and these boots in the 6.5 were far and away the best fit. They are snug without being tight, and have just the right amount of space for my toes without being too big. This good fit probably has something to do with the fact that I've had no discomfort while wearing the boots at all; not even a bit of rubbing for the first few days I wore them.

However, nothing is perfect, and certainly not a pair of £12 boots. After six weeks they are still comfortable, still look good, and have proved to be cozy now that it's starting to get a bit colder. However, they have also started leaking. At first they were watertight, but as time has gone on they have become worn at the very back of the sole, where the upper meets the sole - exactly where my summer pumps get worn. Now when the weather is wet, I get wet heels. Because it's only the one place that the boots are leaking, my whole foot doesn't get soaked and it's not too unpleasant, but it's still really disappointing given how pleased I was with these boots at first.

I am still pleased with the boots - but that is maybe because it has been a dry autumn so far. I think I should also point out that I walk through just about every pair of shoes I own within a pretty short time, so if you are less punishing on your footwear than I am, these boots may well be worth considering. I have also been wearing them Monday-Friday for six weeks, so it's not like they only get occasional use.

Strangely, despite the soggy feet, I would buy these boots (or similar) again. After all, they were only £12, and they are just the plain and flat style that I like. Besides, there's no point in paying more given that I can wreck expensive shoes and boots just as well as cheap ones.