Stylish, Functional and Durable Winter Boots - Too much to ask?

[korce]

Well, I've done the searching and there doesn't seem to be much on here about stylish, warm, functional & (hopefully) durable winter boots.

I've recently purchased a pair of Red Wing GTs hoping that they would fit the bill, but I'm not convinced. The lack of any lining makes me wonder whether they'll be warm enough for the Canadian winter, and they're too narrow for me to wear a thick sock.

There must be something else out there. Any suggestions on a slender, waterproof, warm, and durable boot? I'd like to spend less than $300 but could go higher ($450 max) if the right boot came along.

I've been looking at RM Williams (The Craftsman boot in particular), but am unsure as to how they'd far in Toronto slush and snow.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[lee_44106]

For real bad winter weather (rain, snow, slush, all with salt mixed in), I wear the Ecco boots:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/532955/c/27143.html


They are not sleek looking like the GT or the Indy boots, but let's be honest here: when you are treading thru all that rain/ice/snow mixture, nobody really cares how sleek you look. Sometimes function will trump form, and this would be a case.

I settled on these Ecco boots after looking really long for nice looking but very functional and completely waterproof boots.

 

[erdawe]

Honestly I don't think the GT's were ever designed to be boots for cold/harsh Canadian winters. I think their design is more along with what their name implys.

I'd personally want something with a commando sole one the bottom for deep snow and ice... Or does Toronto not get as extreme weather I know they get further up, into good ol' Canadia?

 

[korce]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

when you are treading thru all that rain/ice/snow mixture, nobody really cares how sleek you look. Sometimes function will trump form, and this would be a case.

I do have a pair of Sorel Caribou's that have lasted me over 10 years now for those type of conditions where you couldn't wear anything but a full-on winter boot.

I'm looking for something to fit the in-between days, when there isn't too much snow on the ground, but it's still -5 or -10, the streets are slushy and icy, etc. Basically something for everyday winter wear. I agree that Red Wing GTs probably don't fit the bill here...There must be something that does though!

 

[chanimal]

I wore my GT's last winter here in Toronto and I thought they worked fine anytime between Nov and March. Mind you when its really bad out I wear my timberlands that I bought back in grade 11.

 

[Window]

Cabelas has a boot called "rimrock". Sleek for an insulated boot, gore-tex lining, for $70. Pretty nice looking, actually. It's like a timberland euro hiker that actually has tech features.

 

[Johnny_5]

GTs were not made for harsh winter conditions. The are called gentlemen travelers for a reason. A traveling salesman had to have a boot that could get him through bad conditions if he happened to get caught up in them while still looking presentable.

 

[TRINI]

Toronto weather isn't really THAT harsh.

 

[timpoblete]

Sorel Waterproof Boot?

(via Inquiringmind Magazine page 31-32)

 

[robin]

Nice, I did not know the sorel caribou boots came in black. LOL at the $400 limited edition versions though: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7451663/c/3.html

 

[JohnnyLaw]

I picked up some Filson Highlander boots from Crane a while back and they're really nice. Wool lined, oil-tanned water resistant leather, mid-calf height. Made in the USA. Comes up to about $300 shipped with the SF discounts. I can't say for sure how durable they are yet, but the quality looks good to me. http://www.cranes-country-store.com/...cat=283&page=1 Of course they're a bit chunky - with a lined boot it's inevitable. Attractive boots nonetheless. Good call on the Sorel boots. A QuÃ

bec classic. Park your skidoo outside and come on in for some poutine. RM Williams will never stand up to winter weather. Red Wing GTs are pretty tough, but your feet will probably get cold.

 

[stickonatree]

are sorel's always $400??? what's the average price and where can i find some caribous for cheaper?

 

[JohnnyLaw]

Regular Sorel Caribou boots are usually $120-$140.

The $400 ones are have shearling and bison leather.

 

[timpoblete]

Yeah, the black caribou's can be found for the low $100's. There are links to stockist on the Sorel website.

 

[BrooklynHighpost]

Is this not stylish enough? Thats the only downside I see in these army navy military boots. Cheap water resistant and a little rugged.

http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/pro...=1&SUB=270&RC=