Rubber Overshoes -- Strictly for Old Men?

[andrewlef]

I was thinking of getting a pair of rubber overshoes so that I can wear my nicer shoes when the weather is awful --- especially in slush, snow and heavy rain. I was speaking to my mother about my dilemma and I mentioned the possible purchase of said item. Well, my step-father overheard the conversation and burst out laughing -- telling me that his GRANDFATHER's generation wore them (his grandfather was born ca. 1900).

Now, I'm 24, and my affinity for fine shoes is an oddity among other men my age --- most don't give a crap about their shoes because they're cheap. My main concern is being able to wear something other than old beat-up shoes or boots (to the office) in bad weather.

SO, my question is this: are rubber overshoes (like Tingley's) acceptable for a fashionable young man to wear or should they be relegated to the 60+ crowd? No offense, but I dont want to wear them if I'll be perceived as an old fart...lol

 

[robin]

No, they're fine to wear at any age. Also consider a pair of nice wellies instead, and just switch out with your shoes once you get to work.

 

[JayJay]

It is most appropriate to protect your shoes. I wore Lobbs to an event yesterday and regret not wearing overshoes. They are still damp from our midwestern snow storm.

 

[DNW]

They're perfectly logical as protectors for your shoes. I wear them when the weather gets nasty, then take them off once inside. BTW, I'm under 30. I've also noticed that the people who wear them are generally better dressed.

You can find a pair of Brooks Brothers on ebay for under $20.

 

[Drinkwaters]

Rubbers are the best protection, Really!

 

[Cravate_Noire]

I think 19 is old enough.

I hope they wont start joking about me like they do with conne...

 

[riahvi]

thanks for post. I like the style of your overshoes.

are they a European brand?

thanks riahvi

 

[bengal-stripe]

Nothing old-man-ish about those:

http://www.swims.com/

 

[tiecollector]

wow, those swims are AWESOME! I totally want the yellow too. Are they one size fits all?

 

[Cravate_Noire]

The Swims come in different colours and a relatively modern shape, but I think a piece of rubber one (at least me) wants to get rid of as soon as possible might be found at a better rate than 80€ (though they looked very nice the first time I saw them in person maybe because they were presented around some Saint Crispin's).

 

[tazmaniac]

it's true they are too expensive, but I have the black ones and I am very pleased with them. They don't look as bulky as one would assume rubber overshoes do.

 

[Medvald]

I have used swims for about two years. Living in Iceland they come in handy. The swims do not damage the leather of the shoes as some of the rubber overshoes did. They are made of neoprine I like them.

 

[mikeynyc]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Nothing old-man-ish about those:

http://www.swims.com/

To me, they look like the ballet slippers that chicks wear.

 

[robin]

The swims look awesome - I think I'm going to have to buy a pair of their "mobsters" next year. How does the sizing run?

 

[AlanC]

The grandfather generation wore them because they actually wore better shoes they wanted to take care of. Today's generation wear disposable shoes, anyway, so why bother protecting them?

Get a pair of Tingleys (order through their website, cheaper than Zappos). Grandpa would be proud.