I have a pair of shearling lined clogs from Cordani that serve the speedy-trip purpose.

Do you like Timberland boots? They are definitely on the casual side (not what I think of as your style) but might serve your desire for rugged. <http://shop.timberland.com/pro.....d=26700296>

Thanks, all. I think I am going to have to go out in person now and do some investigation. Obviously, trying on is key!

Elizabeth, it's weird, but I tend to tuck if the weather is really grotty (i.e. raining or snowing) but as long as temperatures allow and it's not actively precipitating, I like to go with untucked pants. If I can.

Can you wear Born boots, Suz? It looks like they could have some styles that would fit your needs.

OK, I love the idea of that taupe-y color of the Helens for you, even if the combat style doesn't feel right to you. I love black footwear, but even I get a little tired of the ubiquitous black boot in the winter.

Hmm, Susie mentions Born, which I think might be a good source to check out. Comfortable and well-made, some interesting styles, and they usually carry a selection of colors...

Susie & Janet, I can try. My previous experiments with Born didn't work -- too wide, especially at the heel. But you never know. Sometimes the right style works. I'm going to check the site. Thank you!

Hmmm. As a few others have mentioned, seems to me that the Sweeties are just what you need (and have). Are you looking to get something else now in anticipation of wanting something different? Are the prices that good now that you want to buy now? Just wondering if you could hang tight until you see how the Sweeties work out for you? I know I often do some anticipatory purchasing but then find that I stick with what I have, or change my mind. Having said that, I love love love those Blundstones

Suz, when boots/booties are too big for me, which is sometimes the case, I put Superfeet or Taco's inside to take up some space and it works well. Have you tried this with the Blundstones?

I keep forgetting to ask you if you know this company:http://www.arnoldchurgin.com

They are Calgary based, but have GREAT boots . It can sometimes skew a little western-y, but look through what they have and it's all private label, higher price point lovely stuff. They have a fun Facebook page too where they have styling ideas - some of which , again, skew a little crazy Calgary cowboy, but once in awhile they hit it out of the park. Do you know them?

And, sorry , me again: I saw the cutest (sorry to the purists out there) Blundstones in the kids section the other day at Softmoc (I store that has the worst ever retail name but good shoes!) . I have discovered that if you wear a size 8 or less in women's, which i know you do, you can wear kids sizes. These were grey with pink(sorry) elastic (but still!) and other colours were available too. Fit will be different and maybe better for you.

Lisa, what an awesome idea! I'm going to check out kids' Blundstones. Might be cheaper, too. There's a store in town that sells them.

Also, off to check your Calgary link -- did not know of them!

Too much to think about right now Suz - but I do love the idea of a mocha or other color than black. I'll be back!

I wear chisel-toe Blundstones, Sam Edelman Troopa boots (like the Helens you posted), and moto boots to fill this role. I wore out my cheap moto boots last year AND the year before, so I may invest in some better quality ones this year.

I vote Blundstones, since you know they work for you.

OMG, I love this boot: http://www.arnoldchurgin.com/amaze-dbr.html.

It looks like a refined moto, in dark brown, which is sort of exactly what I am searching for. Darn you Canadians.

I was going to suggest Blunnies, but that's not an option for you. They're my go-to winter pull-on boot, so I know what you mean when you talk about the wide fit. Mine are definitely roomy, too.

Camper makes a similar version. Here's the black:
http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....46590-003-

And the same Camper boot in taupe:
http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....46727-002-

This Fluevog pull-on boot is gorgeous, too:
http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....-w-brn-rci

Wow, Vivian, you're right -- those are gorgeous boots! Sheesh...

Thanks to lisa for the link.

And Niki, those look like terrific options, too. Thank you so much!

I did some sleuthing at my local Blundstones seller today and discovered my true size there will be a 3.5. But they did not have any in stock to try....

I'm having boot overload and may have to lie down. I really love those ones Vivian just found.

I have been watching this thread - but knew that I had no business giving you any advice or opinion since I am sooo far removed from the type of situation where these kinds of boots would be needed - so I've kept my mouth shut! Besides, I know that I ruined my credibility when I advised Alana to wear her jacket opened so that there would be a column of color! Hahahaha! I'm clueless!

Hahahahah, Marley!! I remember your doubtful response to those Aquatalia moto boots when I showed them....

Seriously, though -- a person never needs walking boots in California? I have to move there, PRONTO!!! I hope you have a spare room. I am a very nice guest. I clean up after myself and buy you goodies and make you meals.

Oh, and I leave my mucky boots by the door.

Suz - NO, not where I live - southern CA and on the coast. The closest we would come to "walking boots" would be Uggs worn in the winter-time when at the beach, paired with shorts and a sweatshirt! Just try to wrap your brain around that!
You need to come to So CAL - we have fun here - we can show you how us softies "manage" in the winter-time!
AND - as long as you make meals - you don't need to clean up after yourself or buy goodies!

Just piping up to say I've been watching this too Suz. But since I got rid of my only pair of boots last Spring, you know I have nothing add. At all. I need boots even less than Marley does, although if I find just the perfect pair, I could be persuaded. And that's why I'm stalking this thread.

Oh my, that last pair Vivian linked is pretty pretty. Good thing I don't wear that style of boot, nor dark brown! I was initially leaning towards the Helen combaty boots for you, and still am if you don't count Viva's pair

It is SO funny how differently we all approach boots

And not weird at all Suz, I don't tuck unless necessary either. The reason I hardly wore my fav boots last year... It WAS necessary, and they were/are of the tuckless variety. It just sounded like you wanted these for the messier days.