contemplating impulse/desperation purchase

In case anyone has time to talk me through this...

1.) Where I live, we suffer regular snow storms and long stretches under freezing temperatures. The populace lives in bizarre denial of this fact and fails in any way to deal with the snow (plow, shovel, etc.), leading to very unpleasant commuting conditions including unpredictable long waits in the cold wondering if the train will come.

2.) I want knee-high boots with thick soles BAD, REAL BAD. Even if this means dipping into savings. I am a bit traumatized after this past week of commuting.

3.) I have set my sights on a pair of knee-high, wool-lined, weather-resistant leather with thick traction rubber soles. Terribly expensive to boot
(Had previously set my sights on those Dolce Vitas Angie recommended, but I am not sure they would cut it anymore.)

4.) The question: I have to order these boots online but I tried on a similar pair in store but with a shorter shaft. I thought they were great, but slightly narrow across the toes. The leather seemed very pliable, so I think that might resolve itself. My better sense says never buy a shoe that doesn't feel good off the bat.
Has anyone had good experience with a toe box stretching out for your little toe and not looking weird after that?

5.) Alternatively should I cultivate a powerful sense of denial of the arctic weather like my neighbors?

15 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think stretching the toe box and ball of foot areas is one of the easiest stretches to do. Given your weather I would invest in said boots given you'd wear them for years to come.

Louise

You NEED winter boots, 2 reasons
1 You're less like to slip and weeks in traction is not good
2 You need to be warm I find if my feet are cold the rest of me is never totally warm either.
I prefer winter boots to be slightly larger to allow for thick socks, could sizing up help the tight toe issue? x

Kristine

I'm also in a cold, snowy climate and I consider good winter boots a need, not a want. When it comes to staying warm and comfortable you shouldn't feel guilty about dipping into savings a little.

The fit is something else. Can you find them on Zappos or somewhere else with fast and free shipping?

Jonesy

I have found that nice quality leather will stretch through the toe box area, but you can also stretch them a bit yourself (buy some leather stretching spray, spray it on, then stuff a bunch of newspaper in there, or even wear them for a while, until the spray dries). Second the idea of going up half a size too, to see if that resolves the issue. And third (or fourth) the comments on how this kind of purchase is a necessity, like a winter coat, not a luxury item, so give yourself permission to buy those boots! (then post pics, of course

Inge

Moderator

I second everything Louise is saying here, Scarlet. And I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but have you considered a pair of knee-high Dr. Martens? For me they are the perfect foul weather Winter boat, and they do everything Louise has summed up here.

Also: denial is not going to work, so get yourself a pair of boots!-)

Scarlet

Thank you for the advice, everyone. I am feeling much better about this untimely purchase.
Inge - I have been considering Doc M's, but I did have a pair once and remember a very difficult breaking in period. I am also nervous about the shaft being too high, but I will check into the heights that are available.

Yes, I agree, they do need some breaking in (it depends on the style you get too, on some pairs the leather is stiffer...). Mine weren't too bad (I have the silvery grey ones, quite soft leather), but I did experience some uncomfortableness earlier this week, when I wore them again for the first time this Winter. And I completely understand that shaft height might be an issue.

The most important thing is, of course, that you find a sturdy pair of boots that will keep your feet warm and get you through this weather safely. Good luck with the search!

medusa

Stretching the toe box is super easy! You can get a cobbler to do it, or buy a shoe stretcher and do it at home. I say go for it if the boots were otherwise perfect.

MNsara

I live where winter gets serious and I have some Doc Martens I adore for traction and comfort and they don't look half bad with my skinnies tucked in

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Marte.....B0034JV2EM

Don't know if they are your cup of tea, but I have a slighty wider foot and wear these with a midweight sock comfortably. No break in period.

I don't know about stretching the other boots but I do know tight winter boots make your feet feel cold quicker.

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