winter boot quandry...

[newinny]

I need some winter boots for the slush and muck of NYC. I'm going to use my "Thank You" points so my options are Orvis, Land's End or LL Bean. Currently stuck between the following choices:

Gokey Boots

orrrrrrrr...

Gokey waterproof gore-tex boots

lastly...

Orvis Alden

Help a brother out.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

Leather soles are no good in snow and slush. I'd go with the gore-tex waterproof boots.

 

[newinny]

I'm leaning towards the first pair. The second ones look a little extreme.

 

[Sander]

The Alden looks best by far. If you don't like the leather soles, just have some vibram added.

 

[meso]

I'd go with the third pair, if only because I hate moc toes.

 

[LawrenceMD]

I'll repost my LL bean boot review: LL bean signature work boot ($149).

Originally Posted by LawrenceMD

ok the LL bean work boot arrived today.

here's the initial impressions:

Pros:

• very soft leather, little breaking in needed
  
• very sleek compared to red wing original irish setters
  
• 8 inches high
  
• very very low profile treads on sole not boot like at all in feeling more like broken in boat shoes.
  
• low profile sole- boat shoe like which i like

Cons:

1. leather tounge is free and doesn't have insulation against water/snow above 4 inches
   
2. sole looks like tread will wear quickly
   
3. not as beefy compared to redwings

as to fit: i ordered a 9.5 D (it only comes in medium width) which fit well with wool hiking socks.
i am a 10 Nike/adidas running shoes
9 RW boots
9.5 jack purcells

i took a ton of pics and some comparisons with the red wing rugged classic. honestly i these will be Not be enough for heavy rain and slushy conditions. i'll still need a gortex insulated waterproof boot for those days.

but they are very very comfortable to walk in, almost broken in boat shoe like right off the bat.

 

[newinny]

The goretex ones are actually fifty dollars cheaper than the first pair (350).

 

[CC-1]

I have had both Gokeys (standard) and the Alden. I was born/raised in NYC. Neither boot is very great in city winter. Gokey's moc construction is cold and develops leaks in the stitiching. (originally A&F carried them) City grime is also deleterious to Gokeys when maintained with oil. The Alden will hold together well but the Vulcork sole is extremely slippery and there will be lots of occasions for spills on ice, wet metal plates on sidewalks and manholes. Both boots are very comfortable when fit correctly. Stylistically, Gokey is a little more outdoor woodsman looking. Aldens kind of pedestrian workboot but very popular now with the Indy look. Hate to say it but the most suitable would be a Bean Boot. The 8" or shorter ones are more becoming with slacks (less dorky-looking) than the taller ones and you'll deal better on subway and bus steps, getting out of cabs, eating in restaurants, etc. Excellent for standing in or jumping over slush pools. Bean quality is reduced these days and the Maine Hunting Shoe model is superior but only comes in 10" and taller. Question is do we want a coolth factor or just practicality?

 

[newinny]

Originally Posted by CC-1

I have had both Gokeys (standard) and the Alden...

Thanks!!

I'm not a fan of those Bean boots. Too popular with the Brother Jimmy's, fratty WASP crowd.

Coolness and practicality are split about 50 / 50 in this case. When reading the bird hunters' reviews of the gore-tex Gokey's, I wonder if I'm going overboard for what I need.

 

[GoldenTribe]

There are two 'A's in Quandary and everything photographed so far in this thread is hideous IMHO -- but I'm not sure there's a solution to waterproof outdoor footwear that isn't.

 

[CC-1]

You surely don't want those goretex jobs. They are ugly and you will roast. Got to remember that unless you are a security or school crossing guard, most daily city life is indoors, with forays outdoors. Gokeys, Russells and the like are upland boots. BTW forget Vibram unless you want to look like Credence Clearwater Revival or like driving around with tire chains. Vibram is cold on concrete and most models are hard walking on concrete. Bobs maybe, lugs N.G.

 

[JayJay]

I like the looks of the first pair.

 

[CC-1]

It's hard to come up with something really good but you might want to take a hint from the Canucks who have the same problem as us but in spades. Check out Pajar (sold at Harry's near Zabar) Pajar has an awkward but thorough website. Do not throw up immediately before looking at the whole men's line. The boots are mostly pull on/off and guaranteed waterproof. They have a very good rep. My daughter and two sisters have had them for several years. Top quality, performance, not cheap. The men's styles... well I don't know your taste or the offerings either. If you get up to Boston Pajar is sold at the Shoe Barn in Newton at discount. No prejudice if you no like but you gotta give us a better shot than the Holden Caufield look. Maybe Alden can provide another sole. Call them in Middleboro, Mass. on Monday.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Originally Posted by JohnnyLaw

Leather soles are no good in snow and slush. I'd go with the gore-tex waterproof boots.

+1 This is the true wisdom.

If you really insist on wearing leather boots in salty slush then apply mink oil on the leather to seal it and provide resistance to the elements.

 

[CC-1]

I wouldn't recommend mink oil for Gokeys. It's too greasy. It attracts and holds grit and grime leading to the breakdown of the moc stitching- then they leak. Old Gokey promoted and sold Dyo Leather Balm, Dallas, Texas, for "Botte Sauvage" products. New Gokey (read Orvis) sells Gokey Conditioner for $6.00 but the bottle looks suspiciously like the old Dyo bottle with a Gokey label.
In any case it was a very good product.