Need a pair of boots to wear to the office in snow

[BigRob]

I'm working at a law firm in midtown Manhattan. I own a few pairs of Allen Edmonds dress shoes (PA, FA, and Strands), but don't know what I'm going to wear when it snows. I was thinking I could wear these boots, from Timberland, then change into a pair of AE that I keep at the office. Acceptable?



http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4338097

 

[Veremund]

Acceptable.

 

[RogerP]

I'd certainly try for a dressier boot than that. That will not look good with a suit, IMO.

 

[robbersarb]

If you have the money I'd recommend finding something in Cordovan? It's supposed to be wonderfully waterproof and is rather beautiful in tone and would probably look dressier?

 

[LeviMay]

I'm wearing my AE Bayfields with jacket and tie today:

 

[BigRob]

I have the money, but I feel as though cordovan boots are neither the warmest nor the most weatherproof (even if waterproof, they'd become scuffed, dull, salted, etc.) Also, my leather-soled shoes are slippery as anything - I wouldn't want to even know what walking on ice with them is like.

It's just that I haven't gone through a winter season at the firm yet and so I don't know what men tend to do when the weather turns foul. Snow tends to be cleaned up quickly around where I work, I hear, but I still have about a five minute walk to the subway station and I don't want to arrive to work with wet feet when there's six inches of snow.

Maybe I can just use a car service to avoid the weather, but I don't know how quickly it can get from Brooklyn Heights to Midtown in the snow.

Also -- those boots I linked are on sale for $130, but Timberland is having a 25% off sale, and I have a 10% off % free shipping coupon that stacks. They'll be ~$90 (originally $150).

 

[RogerP]

A pair of Swims overshoes is a practical solution - so long as the snow isn't more than ankle deep - and will look way better with a suit than a clunky pair of boots will.

That said, there are any number of boots from AE, Alden or Carmina that would fit the bill in the $300 - $500 range, and again, look way better with a suit than the ones posted. Synthetic soles are preferable and widely available.

I don't imagine the winters in NYC are very much different from those in Toronto - and I have practiced law there for a couple decades. Mountain boots with a suit is not a good look. But there's no law against it. Your call.

 

[GBR]

Wellington boots and change upon arrival

 

[BigRob]

Which do you think suits my needs better?




http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4338097
(from original post) ($87, down from $150)


-----


http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/31178
($89, not on sale)



I might buy both to compare fit then return the one I like less, but I'd appreciate any comments with respect to the appropriateness of wearing these to the office in the snow.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

I have the money, but I feel as though cordovan boots are neither the warmest nor the most weatherproof (even if waterproof, they'd become scuffed, dull, salted, etc.) Also, my leather-soled shoes are slippery as anything - I wouldn't want to even know what walking on ice with them is like.

Nothing works on ice, unless it's got studs! Something with a vibram or dainite sole would work better in snow than a leather sole. Thicker socks with Cordovan boots and dainite soles would be fine if it's moderate cold and snow that is the problem. But in Ontatio in the winter, there comes a time when it's on with the Sorel's for three months or so, and change them in the office, where I keep a selection of shoes...

 

[Ernie]

I'll say this, you've got horrible taste in shoes. Seems like you've made up your mind though. If you wise up, listen to one of the others and try Carmina or the likes.

 

[BigRob]

I haven't made up my mind, as evidenced by the existence of this thread. Still a few months until I have to worry about snow.

Also -- leather soles are a decidedly poor choice. I question the judgment of anyone who suggests leather-soled shoes for the purpose of wearing in the snow.

 

[RogerP]

Seems like you've made up your mind though. If you wise up, listen to one of the others and try Carmina or the likes.

That's my impression - he's not so much looking for opinions as affirmation of his intended choice - coupled with random condemnation of leather soles, which no-one here has advanced as a good option for a winter boot.

 

[hawkinomics]

I just ordered some Alico boots from Sierra Trading Post for around 150 with coupon to serve the same purpose. Like the others I'm sure you can do better if you up your budget even just a tad.

 

[Ernie]

Good quality/lovely looking leather boots come with dainite soles aswell, friend. If you don't have the money for them just say so. It's what seems to be the problem seeing as how you're making a point of price.