Boots for bad weather... "is water repellent" good enough?

[rob118]

I go to school in upstate NY. The weather is ****** throughout the spring and fall; I currently own a pair of plain dark brown waterproof work boots that I use for bad weather. I want to get a black pair as well, somewhat less plain for variety's sake, so I've been looking at biker boots. I saw these:

http://www.frankyfashion.com/product.aspx?pf_id=D91639

at my local Sears and fell in love with them. Unfortunately, they do not appear to be waterproof. The closest thing I could find are these:

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Moto...ots/54027.html

which are "water repellent," but not waterproof. I've heard "water repellent" won't cut it for anything more than a light drizzle; up in Albany we get downpours. Can anyone with experience with water repellent (not waterproof) shoes tell me if they can stand up to heavy rain, or should I purchase elsewhere? Thanks.

 

[Ludeykrus]

From what I've seen, 'water repellent' means after a few minutes, the boots will start soaking up water.

Harley boots are a joke, and both the boots above are atrocious. Personally, I would find a zipperless/laceless pair of traditional boots and apply some conditioning cream that will help waterproof them (if they're not already). My suggestions are a good pair of engineer or harness boots, such as is made by Frye's, Chippewa, or Justin.

 

[randomkoreandude]

yeah i agree with above ^ ... no one on here is going to give thumbs up to those boots.

i live in cleveland where the weather is pretty much as what you have up in upper NY.

i wear clarks desert boots and red wing work boots most of the time. they are both leather and i spray the generic water weather proofer about 1 every 2 weeks depending on wear and im good to go

 

[ppllzz]

yay someone who lives near me! i go to williams and i suggest you get a pair of shoes with goretex (in black, i suppose) if you really wanna just forget about the rain/waterproofing