December in Toronto: What shoes?

[abrocketsfan]

What do you guys wear in cold/snowy weather? I will be in Chicago and Toronto this winter for three weeks and would like to have a pair of shoes that are nice in general and wearable during cold weather.

Thanks

 

[AB01]

I purchased a pair of Canadian-made black waterproof boots. Has a dressy look. Brown's (at any major Toronto mall) has them for $150.

 

[Franky In T.O.]

The best thing to do is check the forecast and be prepared. Toronto will definitely be covered in snow come Christmas, but between now and then we'll experience flurries, a major snowfall, and then... it'll all melt away, we'll have nice weather, but be pissed that we couldn't predict it. Snow maintenance is usually pretty good here so you might be able to get away with wearing the same shoes in December that you're wearing right now. Simply picking up overshoes might be the best way of being prepared for whatever good or bad weather we end up having.

 

[davidj19]

Blundstones are pretty decent. I wear them here in Halifax all winter.

 

[Doc4]

Not shoes, but boots. The first time you step into a puddle of slush, you will remember this advice.

And get rubber soles, preferably with some tread.

If you expect your time outside will be anything more than a couple blocks at a time, make room for thicker, warmer socks, too.

 

[abrocketsfan]

chukka boots with dainite sole would work?

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by abrocketsfan

chukka boots with dainite sole would work?

Pebble-grain or cordovan is preferable to suede or very fine calf but you should be fine as long as you're staying in the city, and barring any major storms. Lug soles are better than dainite for traction.

 

[abrocketsfan]

It sounds like I'm better off wearing comfortable shoes and getting overshoes or overboots to wear on top of them ... this way I don't have to get nice shoes with quirks just for this one trip

 

[Franky In T.O.]

Yeah, and overshoes are cheap and easy to pack in a suitcase since they're flexible. Hard to find a pair that are attractive though. They tend to be more functional than anything.

 

[TBSDSpaniard]

I've heard eccos are decent in the snow and slush..but never actually owned a pair...any thoughts?

 

[Doc4]

A Vibram "gumlite" lug sole provides great ice traction.

 

[StylingUK]

Originally Posted by TBSDSpaniard

I've heard eccos are decent in the snow and slush..but never actually owned a pair...any thoughts?

I had bad experience with a pair of eccos I bought years ago. Then I 'upgrade' to Aldo lol

 

[Bill Smith]

Originally Posted by davidj19

Blundstones are pretty decent. I wear them here in Halifax all winter.

Another vote for Blundstones, they work really well at any time of year. Weather in Toronto speaking as a long time resident can be really up and down. We are getting snow flurries next week, but the following week could be rain. So Blundts rule.

Bill

 

[DocRob0593]

After ruining good shoes for too long I invested in a pair of NEOS overshoes. They're totally waterproof so you can step off a curb into several inches of water or slush if you need to. But the best thing is that they fold nearly flat and I can easily pack into either my briefcase or my computer bag. They're not necessarily cheap, but then again neither are decent shoes.