Shoes in Winter

dagman1 · Oct 14, 2010

I'm in Canada. I know there has been a few threads on galoshes... but I wanted people's opinions about what works better.

Option 1: Look dorky, wear galoshes.
Option 2: Keep shoes at the office, wear boots to work.
Option 3: Buy some beater shoes for the winter.

What do you recommend and why? Are there any other options? I'm leaning towards galoshes.

identity-x · Oct 14, 2010

I think overshoes say "I actually care for and value about the shoes I own" much more than they say "dork".

P-K-L · Oct 14, 2010

Originally Posted by identity-x

I think overshoes say "I actually care for and value about the shoes I own" much more than they say "dork".

...and if you buy them in bright orange it says even less dork

))

jrd617 · Oct 14, 2010

Swims

Snowman_SE · Oct 14, 2010

Order a made-to-order shoe from one of the better brands like Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, Alfred Sargent Handgrade etc with a crepe, commando, wibram or similar sole. These makers can produce nice dress boots fitted with rubber soles without taking the elegance away. Many other brands produce boots with rubber soles, but they tend to be of the casual style, and thus not very fitting for a white collar job.

Only problem is that there's usually a delivery time of 3-6 months on MTO's, so you should have thought about this two months ago!

The Shoe Snob · Oct 14, 2010

Originally Posted by identity-x

I think overshoes say "I actually care for and value about the shoes I own" much more than they say "dork".

+1 Who gives a **** what you look like. I would be more concerned with protecting my expensive dress shoes.

epa · Oct 14, 2010

Originally Posted by Handmadeshoes

+1 Who gives a **** what you look like. I would be more concerned with protecting my expensive dress shoes.

LOL. Funny to see such a comment on this forum.

When living in Stockholm I used to change from outdoor boots to shoes when arriving at the office (and vice-versa). A lot of people did that, and it seemed to make sense.

Here in Madrid winter weather is less of a problem, but on rainy (and the occasional snowy) days I often use suede dress boots or suede shoes with rubber soles. There are some reasonably dressy ones around. Of course, it depends on how dressy you need to be where you work.

Also, when travelling to more rainy and snowy places for business, I tend to wear rubber soled dress boots, but I agree that they may not look great with suits: fortunately, my kind of business normally allows me to opt for a more "casual" look, with sport coat instead of suit.

Sanguis Mortuum · Oct 14, 2010

I just wear my normal shoes. I've had them rained on loads of times and have seen zero negative effects, any dark spots disappear as they dry as long as you don't go and seal in the water by polishing them. I honestly don't see why people are so scared of wearing leather shoes in bad weather.

Marcellionheart · Oct 14, 2010

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

I just wear my normal shoes. I've had them rained on loads of times and have seen zero negative effects, any dark spots disappear as they dry as long as you don't go and seal in the water by polishing them. I honestly don't see why people are so scared of wearing leather shoes in bad weather.

Because English bad weather != Canadian bad weather.

HankRearden1 · Oct 14, 2010

The problem with a Canadian winter isn't so much the snow; rather, it's the rock salt on the streets and sidewalks. It doesn't matter what sole you have on your shoe, the salt will get on the leather upper and that is NOT GOOD.

Like other's have said, get a pair of overshoes (Swims are nice, but overpriced....at least in Winnipeg they are). They might not look fantastic, but you'll be protecting your investment i.e. shoes.

WildeMan · Oct 14, 2010

I recommend step-in toe rubbers. These are not the Totes brand that you have to fiddle with --- you simply stick your toe in the front and step down.

They are expensive, about $75. In Toronto, they're available at Sloan's Shoes on Yonge Street north of Lawrence. I have been told other places that no such product exists, but it does.

Manton · Oct 14, 2010

Option 4: dress boots. EG Shannon or Vass or Carmina shell balmorals.

alliswell · Oct 14, 2010

Rider Boots are also a good option.

Seymour · Oct 14, 2010

If it's dirty slushy city streets you're having to trudge through, I would go for option 2 because you also protect any expensive trousers you may be wearing.

Cant kill da Rooster · Oct 14, 2010

Option 2. You can find nice looking winter boots. If you wear decent shoes, the snow and salt will destroy them, not to mention they will make you do a faceplant on ice. PS. overshoes look ridiculous.

Shoes in Winter

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