Ok, so I’ve just relocated to the state of Colorado from Hawaii. (Yes, you read that right) and I’ve never lived in cold weather before. The other day was the first time I even walked around in snow, or seen snow, for that matter. Of course, I was using my Croc slip-ons and they weren’t really the best shoe for the job, since the snow could be several inches deep in some places.
So I’m on the market now for a good all around shoe for wet and cold weather. Something functional; features like tall, waterproof, versatility, good grip, steel toe, warm, etc. but also good for normal everyday conditions.
I plan to do some winter hikes, snowboard, etc. but at the same time these would be used on an everyday bases when I couldn’t use my regular tennis shoes.
Ideal budget would be in the lower $100 range, but I suppose I may have to spend more. The important thing is that I get the right set of shoes.
What would you guys recommend? Favorite model or Brand?
I’d recommend Sorels if you can find them - I’d also advise not getting steel toes if you don’t need them - steel toes are colder (not surprisingly). Composite toe boots are supposed to be as safe, but I’d say no steel or composite toes at all if you can get away without it. I also don’t like slip-resistant soles for winter boots - they seem to be more slippery on ice. You want a boot with rubber around your foot area like the ones in the link (wet feet are the bane of your existence in the cold) and good, rubbery, grippy soles.
REI will have a variety of brands (I like my Sorels), pretty knowledgeable sales staff, and pretty much anything they carry will be good quality (they SOMETIMES miss, but not often).
I can relate to your problem. Years ago I moved from Southern California to Atlantic Canada. It isn’t an easy adjustment. In Hawaii you could get away with slippahs for anything but a formal occasion and exercising, unless you have to wear a uniform to work. Where you’re living now, you need footwear to cover multiple situations.
I would agree with Vasques - Ms. Attack swears by them, and while they’re pretty damn obviously boots, you could reasonably wear them around town without looking like a survivalist. I would also second Sorels, but they tend to be bulkier, so you might wind up getting a less outdoorsy short boot for quick trips out to the market and other civilized places. REI is a good choice.
REI is a good choice. I really like Merrell boots. They serve me well. I’m needing another pair and am looking at these - http://www.rei.com/product/813999
I usually buy my shoes online now but the first time I ever needed boots was for a trip to Alaska. Having never bought anything but skate shoes, jeans and t-shirts, I went to REI, talked to the employees there and had a good idea of what I needed. Of course, being only 20 years old, I couldn’t fully outfit myself with it all but it helped a lot. I ended up buying three things, a waterproof shell and some shoes. The guy working at the shoe department was very helpful we measured my feet, picked out a few shoes and tried them on in their little hiking rock to make sure the shoes don’t slide up or down.
Before going to REI, I was planning on taking t-shirts, jeans and a hoodie. I can’t imagine how miserable it would have been to be in 6 days of rain with soaked socks, heavy and wet jeans and a clingy wet cotton t-shirt.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep this REI discussion going but they really are that great.
You could poke around the Duluthwebsite as well. He hasn’t gotten shoes from them, but Mr. Horseshoe has been very happy with the quality of the T-shirts, leather belt and shirtjacket he ordered from them.