I’ve long ago found the perfect waterproof-and-coldproof-yet-fashionable shoes and socks, but I’ve had a hard time tracking down the perfect gloves. I need some gloves that are waterproof and warm, yet will be mobile enough to go about some basic tasks like driving or filling the pump.
The gloves that come the closest are my fur gloves, but I don’t want to antagonize anyone by wearing them. Are there any gloves suited for going about daily tasks in possible -20F weather (without windchill) and yet are waterproof and mobile?
I find my regular wool gloves to do the trick perfectly. Every year I buy a new pair of rag-wool gloves and they are perfect for driving, pumping gas, shoveling etc…etc…and they are not too bulky so they get in the way.
It’s certainly your choice, but when my health and comfort are at stake, if people want to get antagonized it’s their problem. And assuming you mean they’re fur lined, it’s rather hard for the casual observer to determine that.
Would you mind filling us in on the perfect water- and cold-proof socks? I’m allergic to wool and am having a heck of a time finding warm socks for when I work outside. On a pier. In New England. Brrr.
The boots are also from Land’s End. They might not be suited for you, since they only go up to the ankle… unfortunately, I can’t go to work in knee-length boots.
But, these are the ones I’m wearing… I think… Lands' End | Swimwear, Outerwear, Casual Clothing and more
I’m going to take a look at the wool gloves and the Black Hawk Industries link. Thanks!
Unfortunately, I am female and have to wear OSHA-approved boots. You have no idea how much that limits your options. Right now, I have safety-toe work boots with thinsulate in them, but need the socks to help out.
Ugh. That stinks, mithril. Land’s End has other weather/snow boots for females, maybe you’ll get lucky in finding an OSHA approved one? Gotta love bureaucracy.
In any case, the Polartec socks should fit your needs just fine–they come in all kinds of patterns too. Be sure and get them from that link I showed you, not Land’s End… this year’s Polartec socks on Land’s End are slipper socks not socks.
In response to Gary T, it’s my boss I’m scared to antagonize the most. I can’t count on her not finding my gloves somehow.
I suggest Iron Age boots and shoes. Click on “Industrial Footwear” in their catalog ( http://www.ironageshoes.com/catalog.asp?target=dept1.asp ). They have lots of choices in women’s sizes. Many – possibly most – styles have safety toes, not just in the “Industrial Footwear” line but even in categories like “Athletic,” “Dress/Casual,” and “Hiker.” My work boots from them (Men’s style 749) are non-clunky and light – you wouldn’t know they had steel toes just from holding them.
try sporting gloves that are used for fishing. they are generally waterproof, or maintain their insulation properties when wet. also, you may find some that allow you to flip up the finger and thumb tabs for greater dexterity. usually they are made of synthetics like polar fleece, neoprene, or other top secret materials. try Cabela’s or Bass pro shops (look in the fly-fishing section for the high class ones.)
Wow! Some of those boots even look good! When my current boots give up the ghost, I’ll try ordering from there or going to a Knapp store. It won’t be long now - I’m starting to get the telltale dings in the leather over the toe.
I’ll also vote for Iron Age. Outstanding wear and longevity from every pair I’ve owned.
As for socks, don’t forget what your Mom told you about layering for warmth. Wearing thin cotton socks with wool oversocks offers the perspiration wicking of cotton, and insulation value of wool. Don’t know why, but the thin cotton socks were called ‘railroad socks’ at the Army Navy store.
Skip the cotton. Cotton gets wet, sticks to you (blisters, oh joy) and loses any insulating qualities. If you need a wicking layer use polypro sock liners - I prefer the thin blue ones, you can get 'em at any good outdoors store (REI, for example) for about $6-7 a pair. They will last for years and work great. Plus at the end of the day when you go to pull your warm socks off, they slide right off your foot like you were coated in teflon. I’m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to taking care of my feet and I haven’t owned a single pair of cotton socks in many years.
For your hands, you might want to try another layered approach - thin polypro glove liners, then a good pair of insulated gloves (polartec, wool or polartec windbloc) followed up by a weatherproof shell mitten. The mitten shell (also available insulated) lets your fingers warm each other and can be removed if you need to work with your hands. You can get a convertible “glomitt” which looks like a mitten, but the front section (the part covering tips of your fingers to 2nd knuckle) folds back, exposing your finger tips for detail work. Very handy.
Duh, sorry I didn’t see that you want waterproof gloves so the glomitt idea is probably out.
I have a pair of Marmot “Tough Gloves” which are pretty indestructible goretex gloves. They aren’t insulated but you get them large enough to wear insulated gloves inside and you still keep a fair amount of dexterity. I can put on thin glove liners, windbloc polartec gloves and still fit my hands into the Marmots, or a pair of plain polartec gloves under the Marmots has been fine for winter camping, no cold fingers.
All of Marmot’s gloves are basic black so they’ll go with anything. I don’t think the Tough Glove is in their product lineup anymore but go to REI and you’ll find the new equivalent. Also check out various waterproof ski gloves, those might be just what you need.
Be sure and get them from that link I showed you, not Land’s End… this year’s Polartec socks on Land’s End are slipper socks 
not socks.