Minimalist winter shoes for men?

December 4, 2010 8:05 AM

Minimalist winter shoes for men?

After years of foot pain, I switched to Nike Free 3.0 and haven't had pain in 6 months. Now that winter is coming, what should I wear? The Nike Free shoes are made of mesh and my toeses are getting cold.

Can you suggest any closed shoes (not sneakers) or boots that will feel as good? (Terra Plana makes a leather shoe but it's so ugly!)

I would like a pair of boots, but also need normal shoes - like work shoes. I don't need dressy - I wear jeans or khakis every day.

posted by kdern to clothing, beauty, & fashion (9 answers total)

The best men's* shoe fittings I have had have always been at Red Wings stores. They make solid boots and shoes with good warranty and service for them afterwards. I own a pair of their boots and a pair of their shoes and I love them both.

*Possibly redundant, as I have never been fitted for women's shoes.
posted by gauche at 8:27 AM on December 4, 2010

Apparently, people wear Vibram Five Fingers, complete with Five Finger Socks, in the snow. I don't know how well that meshes with your "not ugly" requirement, but they are closed shoes, and they are very minimalist.
posted by decathecting at 8:55 AM on December 4, 2010

I assume by 'minimal' you mean barefootlike, and not stiff? Mocassins and stalking boots, especially leather-soled ones, are very flexible and comfortable, and very similar to being barefoot IMO. Out of rubber/plastic soles, crepe is one of the softer and flexible ones.

However, leather soles aren't very practical in slush or pools of water, they are best on dry pavement and dry snow. Also, soft flexible soles tend to wear out more quickly than harder stiff soles, in my experience.

Arrow Mocassins and Russell Mocassins both make boots that could work for you.
Mukluk sport boot (crepe rubber sole)
Mohican stalker

L.L. Bean and places that cater to hunters and outdoorsmen probably have stuff to.
posted by Hither at 10:00 AM on December 4, 2010 [1 favorite]

Assuming you're in St. Louis as your profile indicates, you could try the REI store on South Brentwood Boulevard.
posted by germdisco at 10:10 AM on December 4, 2010

Not the answer, but have you tried getting some really good wool socks? I think that wearing the right pair of socks is just as important as wearing the right pair of shoes.
posted by rebent at 10:38 AM on December 4, 2010

I asked a similar question that didn't turn out to be incredibly helpful.

Day to day I wear either moccasins or Sambas with the stiff plastic insole thing taken out. I haven't worn a pair yet, but in the spirit of mocassins and thousands of years of winter trials, Mukluks seem to be the best solution I've found.
posted by cmoj at 11:08 AM on December 4, 2010

Where were you in MY thread, Hither??
posted by cmoj at 11:10 AM on December 4, 2010

I've worn Merrel Jungle Moc (midnight suede - men's) for 6 years as my exclusive everyday shoe. It's smart enough to go casual-smart with everything other than a suit, but comfortable & supportive enough to do light hiking/physical activity in. Highly recommended: I go through 1 pair every 10 months, wearing them an average of 6 full days a week.
posted by lalochezia at 12:27 AM on December 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

Been wanting to try Tom's m'self.
posted by fook at 5:02 PM on December 6, 2010