I am moving to Minnesota from South Carolina in a week and a half. I was hoping some Yankee could recommend a good brand of shoes to wear in the Northern winters.
You poor child. Are you sure you want to do that? The last two winters have been mild. I work with a woman from Texas and she’s complaining already - what is she going to do when winter REALLY hits?
Oh, right, you have a question…
You didn’t say where you were going to be living. If you’ll be in the Cities you’ll do just fine with hiking boots and good socks. If you plan on living or driving in rural areas you might want to throw a pair of Sorrels in your car, just in case. (And a blanket. And candles. And a whole bunch of other stuff that the local media will tell you about when winter hits.) I personally wear tennis shoes throughout the winter, switching to hiking boots when it snows (my workplace doesn’t do a very good job of plowing the parking lot).
Personally, I’m more worried about my ears and fingers and nose. Make sure you have a good, heavy scarf and thick gloves. And sweaters and sweatshirts - since you’ll be unused to the weather you will need them. And don’t forget to layer - a t-shirt under a sweatshirt under a jacket is warmer than a sweater under a heavy coat.
Let us know when you’re coming - it may be time for a Minneapolis doper redux 
I feel sorry for all you ‘snow’ people.
Take it from someone with chronically cold tootsies (except in the summer, when they are, of course, too hot) - JIBS are the deals! Before I got mine, I had to resort to wearing several pairs of socks at once and finally, electric hunter’s socks (not what you would call ultra-attractive) - and I only live in Northern Indiana!
Thanks for the advice with hiking boots, as I will be in the city, but what is a good waterproof brand for the snow?
ps–yes, I know it’s going to be cold. Everyone I’ve told I’m going to Minnesota, the first thing they say, I promise, is “It’s going to be cold.” I lived in Pennsylvania for seven years when I was younger. I’m fairly accustomed to cold weather.
Hiking boots? Egad, I wouldn’t be caught dead in hiking boots. Thick wool socks with huge ungainly ‘D’ batteries attached is one thing - but not hiking boots!
I’m sorry, I should have been more clear - I meant to recommend the brand rather than any particular style. Look for the ones with the quadruple insulation - I think it’s quadruple, but it could very well be pentuple. The ones I have, have very good tread and are waterproof - perfect for snow and the nasty slushy puddles snow eventually becomes. The site I gave you has a store locator - I bet there are a lot in Minnesota.
Happy packing!
Oh, so you’ve heard it’s cold up here, eh? 
I don’t have a brand to recommend. Buy something comfortable that is or can be waterproofed. A thick, lugged sole helps, too - keeps your feet further away from the cold ground. Make sure they fit over thick socks.
One more thought…are you bringing a car up here? Get it winterized, and get a block heater installed. Many places, and most apartment buildings with off-street parking have plug-ins for vehicles.