I’m going to be launching a dog-walking business that will require me to be outside for most of the day (duh). I need to invest in some good waterproof boots for rainy, soggy days like today (I’m near DC), but that are not “snowboots” which I already have. Something flexible, waterproof, comfortable, and warm.
Any suggestions?
I really liked my pair of L.L. Bean duck boots back when I lived in the Boston area and was doing a lot of walking. They have heavy soles, so they are comfortable to walk in for long distances.
I’m going to go with LL Bean “duck” boots for Summer/Fall/Spring, and Columbia Bugabootoo for winter. The latter has apparently gotten hip recently - I noticed the lace-up model for sale in the Victoria’s Secret catalog! You can’t beat them for grip, comfort, and weatherproofness – plus they can accomodate orthodics if you have them (or need them in the future)
My last pair lasted me about 7 Michigan winters, including three years as work books at a horse farm.
The zip-up model (Bugazip) is frequently on sale at Zappos.com.
I bought two pairs of boots for a hunting trip. One was from REI. They were $90 hiking boots lined with Gore-Tex that is water proof and breathable.
The other pair of hiking boots I bought was a no-name brand called “Hi-Tech” at the Kittery trading post. I got them as a back up pair for $25. Right after buying them I sprayed them down with a waterproofing spray and let them dry.
The verdict: Gore Tex sucks. It’s not breathable. My sweat collects on my feet and they end up soaking wet regardless of whether it’s raining or not. Meanwhile the $30 boots are very dry and they are one of the best pairs of boots I’ve ever owned.
If you just need a pair for going out in very wet conditions, where you will be walking in pouring rain or through large puddles then I would recommend getting a simple pair of rubber boots. They are very cheap and last forever. I got a pair for about $10-15 that has lasted years and lets you walk in water 18 inches deep if you wanted to. There’s no padding or anything, so they aren’t as comfortable as hiking boots, but they can’t be beat in the rain and mud.