Recommendation: "Stylish" snow boots for treacherous weather

Maya

Ugh, I nearly killed myself at least 10 times while walking to work today. It was a bleak reminder that I desperately need footwear for times like this.

Fortunately I got my snow boots today, and while they are far from my favorite footwear option, they do the job without looking utterly atrocious. I was trying to find a kind of Nordic, après ski style rather than out-and-out gear because bringing extra footwear with me just isn't practical, and I don't want to be stuck in Sorels all day.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/sporto.....0cat120044

They're waterproof, have good traction, are lined in cozy soft faux fur, and the laces make the calf width adjustable. They are rather bulky around the ankle, but I'm not going for sleekness in this instance. Very comfy too. Hopefully next time a blizzard hits I won't be slipping and sliding around all that frickin muck.

15 years ago

General

14 replies

Latest reply was from judy

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Like them! Did you get the brown? Good luck commuting through the frickin muck

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

No Laura, I assure you my purchase of brown Fryes was a one-off thing I preferred the black because I like my pompoms to be self-colored.

I would definitely not own these if I lived in a milder climate, but a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do.

15 years ago

Velma

Veteran

I like them, Maya! They are cute enough to wear all day, for sure--and you won't break your neck on the ice and snow.

15 years ago

Karli

Active Member

Hi Maya! I can't relate to the weather situation ( it's 65 degrees where I am:-)) but I do think the boots look cute! Be safe!

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

They look super warm and comfy and pretty stylish too x

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I think they're great for the purpose you need them for. I have some Sportos, too, that are water/snow proof that I love. They're crinkled patent leather, granny style lace up boots with about a 2 inch heel. Again, good enough to wear once you come in out of the snow but sturdy and dry enough to walk in the weather with. I agree, wearing Sorels is a last ditch option for me now beyond shoveling snow and heading to the ski resorts to snowboard. 10 years ago I wore them without a thought, though - oops.

15 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I can't believe you commute on foot with no snowboots! Wow. Ok getting over my shock. I have a similar pair of boots to those above.

I currently have these which I was wearing out and about today and they held up well. They are on their second year.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/bare+t.....Ref=SEARCH

I also have these, they are new for me this year and waterproof.

http://www.zappos.com/product/7666747/color/40824

And I had these for 2 years until the laces fell apart, I almost purchased them again, but tying laces all the time got on my nerves. I did used to get a lot of compliments on them though.

http://www.aerosoles.com/produ.....ISHINGTRIP

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Oooh Lisa, I like those Privos. I was not willing to spend a lot on foul weather boots so it took me a while to find a good pair. The Sportos were only $59 after I used my coupon. I had snow boots from Aerosoles too but they needed to be retired. They *look* like snow boots but in reality they weren't very good for serious commuting.

I would love a pair of Aquatalia or La Canadienne snow boots in the future, but it's just way over my budget right now. I felt better today after seeing that pretty much everyone was sloshing around in unstylish, purely functional footwear :p

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Still thinking you should go for the yaktrax

http://www.rei.com/product/760281

And put them on over regular boots...or wear them over your new boots if you're in the slush and need something waterproof! I wore my Aquatalia's in the snow and the traction wasn't that great. I saw a few smart people wearing these little guys. They seemed easy to take on and off and I like the idea that they fit over shoes I already own.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Jenava, that is just not going to work. I am not wearing my nice boots while splashing through dirty slush and salt...

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Ok, Ok, you have a point. BUT, they could still be useful with your new boots, right? I mean, if it's icy. If it's just slush then they're probably not helpful...I was thinking back to the post about the ice, but maybe now you're just dealing with muck...(-:

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous and thanks for the recommendation!

15 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

very cute! and at a great price point, too. thanks for the tip.

15 years ago

judy

Veteran

I know these are a lot of money, but a friend got these and she loves them: http://www.freepeople.com/cate.....56f32b8065

Years ago I bought those lace-up "Bean boots" by LL Bean. Wearing them made me love winter. Dry feet meant warm feet! I just noticed on their site that they have a modern alternative now, not too bad looking: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....506697-CL2

IMHO, investing in some slightly gear-ish footwear is not only worth it, but necessary. They last forever, and companies like LL Bean and Sorel too, I think, repair them. (and they can still look stylish, like wellies do, paired with other great items.)

p.s we are getting snow in Seattle right now! It's so pretty.

14 years ago

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