Winter Shoe Advice

Overshoes.

http://www.swims.com/ Thread about them A bit pricey, but not too bad on sale. Less expensive options would be Totes or Tingleys but they aren't lined and aren't nearly as good looking.

I have the trim model from Tingley

http://www.tingleyrubber.com/frame.h...bovershoe.html

It works - I work in downtown Minneapolis - same climate.

I live in Chicago as well: get a pair Alden cordovan shoes (or other brand). Check out Hanig Footwear in the Hancock building for a basic pair of bluchers or wingtips. I wear them every other day and they have experienced no ill effects from the salt and sludge. Just keep them polished and wipe off any junk at the end of the day. These babies shed rain and snow very well I also add a thin rubber bottom to the leather soles, but if I had to do this over again I might not have added it. Seems like overkill and I have heard that it can keep the leather soles from "breathing." I also throw in a pair of hiking boots, but honestly, the cordovan has held up much better than regular leather.

Cordovan shoes in those conditions? That's brave! Most people only have those for display purposes

Sure, I wear my cordovan boots especially in winter weather.

Overshoes in general are great for protecting your shoes. I went with the Swims mostly because of the nice lining which helps to protect the finish/polish of your shoes and aids in the removal of the overshoes. It also helped that I was able to find them for only slightly more than the Tingleys. Let us know how you like them.

Good choice.

The best answer is to just wear duckies or whatever boot you prefer and to keep a pair of loafers/shoes in your office. On those days that the weather is awful, you will get the full protection outside and the full benefit inside. Try walking in those awful tingleys and you'll realize how annoying it is, then it's a mess to take them off and where do you put them?

This is why more often than not I'll wear my high boots or chukkas rather than fool with the overshoes.

+1 -- what's wrong with a nice dress boot ? Or just keeping nice loafers in the office on those bad weather days ? I find the commute much more comfortable, warm and stress-free honestly.

Those overshoes are good depending on the circumstances, i guess. Personally, they are a waste of money..