My experience it's more important to have a well fitting boot, than an actual boot made for winter, when it comes to freezing.
Most important is to be able to fit good inner soles, and substantial socks, without cramming the boot so full that the blood circulation suffers. This can be achieved with any boot that fits loosely without moving around a lot. Look for a lot of wiggle room for your toes.
Many of the old timers around here use Wellies with wool liners for working with logging and other work.
All that being said, boots especially made for winter can be better in other respects. Softer rubber mix in the outer sole is one example.
EDIT: But I'd stay away from any boot with sewn-in insulation. How are you gonna dry them when you're out in the sticks? Loose inners can be hung above the fire.
I use the same boot for winter and summer hiking (Lundhags Park) just vary the thickness of the socks and swap inner soles. Downside is they're kinda slippery on ice, but I use yaktrax and the like in those circumstances anyway.