Let's discuss weatherproof booties

Thistle

What kind of conditions can "weatherproof" booties stand up to? Full on winter slush? Or more like a gentle rain and the odd puddle?

Any brands stand out as particularly spectacular?

9 years ago

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Tania

Veteran

My Aquatalias have been fine in slush/wetness when I am out and about, but I tend to use gear for heavier rain/snow since I live on a wooded lot and don't really commute.

Re: the Aquatalias, I let them air dry in the foyer and brush them after wear.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Aquatalia and Dr. Martens stand out for me. Completely waterproof, and I've done very well in city snow, salt and slush too. Think the big thaw on the East Coast which is VERY wet and dirty. Think nasty hectic rain in Seattle.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Depends entirely on the brand and the construction. Note that if there is a zipper, water can get in there, pretty much no matter what. So...

I tend to take good care of mine. Brushing them off after they dry (if suede) and ensuring I wipe them down (if leather).

The tricky thing where I live is that "weather" itself is possibly the least of one's worries. What's really damaging is the salt/ dirt combo that is used to keep the roads and sidewalks freer of ice.

If commuting in a car and parking in a cleared lot (or garage) I think you'll be fine pretty much with anything. If using to walk in winter conditions, I would go with a very trusted brand. Aquatalia, La Canadienne, and similar.

What ones are you looking at?

9 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

Thistle - I have the aquatalia fetch and famous suede booties and the Undy boots. La Canadienne sara booties and ariat heritage 2 lacers. I only take them out in light or expected rain - IMHO they are too expensive to put in full on wet conditions and as Suz said if there are zippers nothing can make them completely weatherproof. But I do wear them when conditions are predicted to be dicey and if they get hit by or walked through the stray puddle they do fine. I dry away from heat, stuffed with newspaper or paper towel - either use conditioner on leather or gentle suede brush depending. But I don't intentionally give them a beating. The ariats get the most abuse and they are truly amazing for the money!

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I have not started looking yet as I usually carry my shoes into the office. But having to carry a pump in makes me want to reduce what I have to carry. Already traded my handbag for a small necessities wallet that fits into the pump bag.

I commute to work via car, but I have a decent walk from the parking lot to the building through snow, ice, salt and slush.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I commute to work via car, but I have a decent walk from the parking lot to the building through snow, ice, salt and slush.

9 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Any chance you can leave the pump at work? Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I rented a pump that was the size of a small sewing machine and took public transportation every day. That heavy pump only went in once, so I just transported milk home.

9 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Angie and Suz. A true weatherproof bootie should honestly be able to keep your feet dry through whatever you throw at it, and the brands outlined above should be more than up to the rigours posed by your specific situation. They're not cheap, but they're worth it.
Your reply

9 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

You could also use rainboots with liners for real waterproof, but less warmth. You don't have to worry so much about them getting ruined of course.

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

My blondos and my Naots are both pretty waterproof. I wear them most of the time in winter, including with snow and city slush, with the occasional deepish icy puddle, and my feet stay dry. The Naots don't have great traction, but the blondos have good treads (if you're looking at them, be aware that there appear to be two BLondo "families", one that's slightly more rugged with much better traction. I actually only wear my true snow boots (sorels) when it's actively heavily snowing, as it annoys me to have to change out of them at work, and they're too hot for indoors.

I think that the only point of possible "leakiness" with the blondos and Naots are the zipper. The sorels are totally gusseted so the zippers/ties don't leak.

My docs are also pretty waterproof (especially since I use wonder balsam on them) and have good traction but they're short so snow can get in the top.

Amazon

Blondo Women's Vitalia Boot

View Info

Top Pick

9 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm with Diana regarding Blondo boots. Mine have been 100% waterproof and warm in both wet snow and minus 30 degrees. But they're not booties.

If you're looking for true ankle height booties, that might be a bit more challenging, especially if the snow or puddles are deep.

9 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

My La Canadienne suede above the ankle boots have sloshed through 8" of icy water without leaking or looking the worse for wear. I do spray them with a waterproofing spray a few times a season and make sure I dry them away from heat with shoe trees after a soaking. A quick brush totally restores them. My boots have endured this treatment for five years now.

9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I must have the same La Cannadienne suede short boots as Gaylene. Ditto everything she said. Mine are also Thinsulate lined. I don't know what I ever did without them. After at least 5 winter's wear, they still look like new.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Interesting. I think Blondo, Aquatalia and La Canadienne are all part of the same company but different brands. Sounds like they must know what they are doing!

Time to start having a look and see what is out there.

9 years ago

Category