Snow boots: Big mistake - YouLookFab Forum

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Snow boots: Big mistake

Maya

Veteran

When I got my sort of not ugly snow boots, I thought I would only be wearing them once every couple of weeks. Instead I'm wearing them more than any of my other boots right now, and I absolutely hate it. We are having more snowy, stormy days than not, and I just have no choice. Taking shoes with me to work is not practical, but my snow boots are way too casual and almost gear-like for most of my outfits. On top of that they rub against my bunions on one foot and on my pinky toe in the other, so they're not even that comfortable.

I didn't want to spend more than $100 on foul weather boots, but now I see I was wrong. It's a good investment given the kind of weather we're stuck with. I still can't afford more than $200 though, which eliminates both Aquatalia and La Canadienne.

These were the only ones I could find in my size that could work. The traction looks good and they are waterproof.

http://www.6pm.com/multiview/7345956/72

Still not the most stylish but definitely miles above what I had, which I guess I'll save for shoveling.

I don't know what other brands or styles to look at. Is it asking too much to have boots that are functional for this kind of weather AND stylish?

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Mellllls

Veteran

i have been pondering this as my boots which LEAKED today are still drying out 6 hours later....

....this is an unusually wet winter though.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh! Those nasty elements

Maya, the boots you posted are fabulous. But think about swapping out your footwear first. How hard can it be, Maya?

sarah

Veteran

Maya, I live in MN, and ride my bike through the cold and snow 2-3 days/week, so I finally gave up on stylish winter boots and just keep nearly all of my shoes/boots in my office.

I bought these from Patagonia:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr.....9600-0-757

and formerly had the shorter version of these Uggs, for several years (I wore them out):

http://www.zappos.com/ugg-brooks-tall-brown

Both are VERY warm and waterproof and comfortable.

Isis

Veteran

Sarah, you ride your bike in a Minnesotta winter???? I bow to you. I've heard the grease freezes on the chain!

Maya

Veteran

It would be a nuisance, Angie. I take 2, 15 minute breaks from work every day (regardless of the weather), as well as a 1/2 hour lunch break. I'd end up switching out footwear 5 times a day. Not to mention my coworkers would find this beyond strange. It's not like I have a dress code to adhere to.

I also have a lot to carry as it is and adding a clunky pair of boots is just too much. Besides, I like to be stylish while being outside too!

Sara, unfortunately those are not really a step above what I already have. I don't think I could leave my shoes in my office without getting some odd looks. Besides, what would I wear on the weekends?!

These are fab but that price...groan...

Good thing they're not in my size or I'd be tempted.

http://www.endless.com/Canadie.....=519508011|519509011

bella

(website)

Veteran

this is the snowiest winter I can remember! we are having another storm today, argggh! For the first time in my life, this year, I actually have an office that I spend most of my time in so I am wearing my (very ugly) timberland boots to walk to the office - they have the best traction! I also wear knee-high wool socks. I am pretty sure I don't look very attractive during my morning commute, but sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do. I change into regular pump, which I keep at the office. Like Sarah, I am building quite a collection over there. I can definitely vouch for the fact that changing shoes is time consuming, you'd be spending half your break changing into your snow boots and back.

Anyways, I am sorry, I really don't have a solution but sympathy. The ones you linked to look cute.

Maya

Veteran

And it's going to snow more on Friday and Saturday

I have been grumpy about the weather since last June, I think...

Last year's summer was suffocating, and it took forever for autumn to finally feel like autumn. Now this is the messiest, nastiest winter ever. I am wearing my ugly snow boots an average of 4 out of 5 days a week. My beloved Fryes and OTK boots are hardly seeing the light of day

April

Veteran

Argh -- Maya, I'm so sympathetic. I have "old lady" boots (Totes) and wellies, and while I think the (glossy, black Sporto) wellies are cute, they are not really snow boots. Here's the thing, though -- neither are those La Canadiennes. They are waterproof, but if you add "snow and cold-weather" to the search, you come up with only a couple of LC boots, and they're even more expensive than the merely-waterproof ones. It's maddening.

I do carry other shoes in a tote, because I'm just driving to work and not commuting on foot. What *you* need is a sleek, fake-fur-lined, waterproof leather zip-up boot that has good traction, excellent insulation, and doesn't cost a fortune.

Shoe manufacturers -- is that too much to ask???

catgirl

Veteran

Maya, I haven't read through the whole thread, but have we discussed Sorels? They make some cute (for snow gear) styles! I'm headed out the door in a moment, but I will post some links for you later if you're interested... Here's the Zappos selection:

http://www.zappos.com/search/s.....2womens%22

If you have to wear the same boots to work without switching out, try Rockports or Aquitalia or La Canadienne as has been suggested. Can you leave a pair of shoes at work? That's what I do, to save on hauling.

Maya

Veteran

April, I actually think warmth is the least of my issues. Waterproof is a must because I often have no option but to immerse my entire foot in a puddle in order to cross the street, and traction is essential so I don't kill myself. But the thing is, temperatures have been pretty mild this winter. There has only been one day when it has been really bitterly cold, and even then all I did was pop on some thick socks with my OTK boots and I felt fine.

My old La Canadiennes felt good in terms of warmth and waterproof-ness, but the traction wasn't so good. Close though.

Mellllls

Veteran

Maya, I am in and out of my office just as much during the day and I switch out my shoes. Dont bring another pair of boots to switch, bring a pair of Mary Janes or pumps. Also, this really is an unusual winter. In future winters, you won't need to wear snow gear so often.

April

Veteran

Yes, I think we have slightly different needs, since I'm often out shoveling snow for a fair amount of time. I am going to try these http://www.planetshoes.com/ite.....s/7176/208 though, since they have the look of wellies (not elegant, but at least not hideous) yet claim to be a whole lot warmer.

Maya

Veteran

For shoveling I think the ones I have will work. They only start to pinch once I have been walking vigorously for a while.

My coworker wears similar boots to those Bogs and she looks cute. Then again, she would look cute in a Hefty bag.

That didn't help, did it?

I wish Scarlet's boots were available here

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nny-calves

They are remarkably close to the specs you outlined above, April...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you, Maya. I wear Docs in that type of weather and the traction is excellent. Also, nothing gets through those soles. I step into puddles and slush with my Docs - 100% dry feet.

But I know you don't like Docs. Could you weatherproof your boots and add those traction thingies you bought a few years ago to the bottoms of your heels?

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I commute on foot/bus and I wear my Hunter's and switch out my footwear. And, I often have to go to other buildings for meetings, so it means switching out my footwear several times a day.

Scarlet

Veteran

Maya, you guys are seriously getting hammered this year. I actually keep a pair of converse and a pair of ballet flats at work because my boots are too warm indoors. Since the boots are slip-on it's really no trouble.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Why don't you reserve one pair of shoes and keep them at work Maya? That way you dont have to cart them backward and forwards? Something versatile like a pair of black Me Toos flats that work with most outfits. Maybe not a killer look, but I assume youre sitting at your desk most of the time at work anyway? Just make sure they are not a favourite pair so you dont miss them on weekends.

April

Veteran

Home for yet another snow day, and knowing that the storm was going on, have been dreaming about snow boots all night! Good grief.

Sadly, I used to have the very boots I now need, and I got rid of them because they were Euro-sized and a little too big, and always looked way too long on my foot. They came from J Jill but weren't made by them.

If I had known how hard it would be to find something similar, I would have kept them even if it meant stuffing the toes with cotton...

Diana

Veteran

To be honest, I've been wearing rubber rain boots instead of snow boots a lot this winter since the streets in Boston have been so slushy and gross. The ones I have are decently tractioned and have a fleece lining so they're mostly warm enough. My snow boots are both ugly and uncomfortable so I hate wearing them. Rain/snow boots are the ONLY exception to my no commuting shoes rule. I don't generally carry my other shoes around though - I have a couple of pairs of small, neutral colored flats under my desk at lab that I change into once I get there. They are for rain/snow days and for the rare occasion when inspectors come through the lab and you have to be wearing closed toe shoes.

I totally hear you though on this winter being disgusting in the northeast. I can't wait for it to be over. I HATE snow (can you tell I grew up in CA?). On top of it all, I seem to have pulled something in my right foot (probably from slipping around on all the snow) and walking is really painful at the moment. Ugh.

Lisa

Veteran

I swap out my snowboots for small shoes in the office that are easy to carry (ballet flats, oxfords, or something else that is easy to slip on and off and easy to carry in a bag) on days I have to travel. On other days, since I am by car, I just bring whatever footwear I wanted to wear and swap at work. At first others looked at me oddly. Now I notice more people are switching like I do.

Patty

Veteran

If utilitarian snow boots are plain you can dress them up with something like this:
http://www.the2bandits.com/index.html
Boot embellishments--from chains to bows:
[img]http://www.the2bandits.com/siteimages/collection/conchorider.jpg[/img]
There are other sites on the net I'm sure.
Good luck on your hunt!!

medusa

Veteran

Maya, have you tried Yaktrax for traction?

Tricia

Veteran

I bought these last year for the snow/wet, and I love them:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....RR491D86TX

The color is great, and I would totally wear these even if it wasn't snowing. But I also think the ones you posted are not so bad!

Mellllls

Veteran

tricia, those are really cute!

Maya

Veteran

Tricia, those are very cute but a little too smooth-soled.

I think these boots are pretty fierce and perfect.

http://www.endless.com/Bos-Wom.....B003OA4L6W

I hope they're comfy. I refuse to believe there is no way to commute in style when the weather is bad.

Mellllls

Veteran

Personally, I wouldn't consider those boots stylish at all but if you think they are then go for it. I've been thinking a lot about this today as it is clear I need new snow boots because mine are now leaking. And for me, I don't want my snow boots to be able to function as regular footwear. I took really good care of my regular boots and shoes and wouldn't want to wear them in inclement weather for fear of damaging them. But if I have a pair that in my head are just my snow boots then I dont feel bad when I step in a puddle of slush. I don't know, it works for me.

Maya

Veteran

I think you and I have very different styles Mel. I'm confident in terms of the style of these boots. Comfort has yet to be determined.

I want to feel good when I'm commuting and walking as well as when I'm in the office, so the idea of swapping out footwear just doesn't work for me. I would also not want to wear pumps or flats around. My feet would be freezing.