Chucks are my perfect shoe, except when it rains. Help!

June 30, 2012 6:59 PM

I wear my Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars shoes everywhere, and they go with pretty much any outfit. I LOVE THEM! However, they get soggy at the slightest hint of rain. What's the next best all-purpose, all-weather, awesome shoe for a girl?
posted by Xere to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (19 answers total)

I was going to suggest Tom's, but since I can't afford them I don't know about the weather protection. Just thought I'd throw it in anyway. They seem all-purpose otherwise.
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 7:02 PM on June 30, 2012

Toms are definitely NOT all-weather. They get soggy even faster than Chucks.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:04 PM on June 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

Converse sprayed with water repellant?
posted by zippy at 7:14 PM on June 30, 2012 [2 favorites]

This isn't going to make them suitable for puddle jumping, but a heavy coat of waterproofing spray is great for canvas shoes. You can get it in the shoe care aisle of any drugstore. I did about 3 coats on some Vans plimsoles I just bought (letting it dry overnight each time) and they've been not only water-resistant, but stain-resistant as well!
posted by rossination at 7:14 PM on June 30, 2012 [3 favorites]

Leather chucks? Maybe try a water repellant would help on thee canvas version.

My fancy sequined chucks suffer the same wet fate but they dry out more quickly than the canvas version.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 7:17 PM on June 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

Leather or suede Chucks. I've had a couple of pair, they're outstanding.
posted by spinifex23 at 7:20 PM on June 30, 2012

Leather Converse Jack Purcells. Or, okay, the leather Chuck Taylors. But seriously, I think the Jack Purcells are cooler than the Chuck Taylors. (I know those are fighting words.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:26 PM on June 30, 2012 [2 favorites]

PF Flyers. Suede or leather ones. They're basically the same as Chuck Taylors, except they have an actual insole instead of just a thin bit of fabric glued over the flat rubber outsole.

Comfortable. Non-soggy. Should be expensive; aren't.
posted by Sys Rq at 7:35 PM on June 30, 2012 [5 favorites]

seconding the PFs. I think they weigh a bit more than my chucks, but that's from the wonderful insole and the extra waterproofing rubber, which comes up a bit higher.
posted by squasha at 7:48 PM on June 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

Also pay attention to the soles and patch them if you can; I think I'm going to get a tube of the Shoe Goo mentioned somewhere on the Green in the last few days and see if I can resurrect an old pair or two. My Converses always set separating out on the bottom where it's been worn down and it lets in water straight to the inner sole. I did have a pair of suede ones once and they were better for light rains than the canvas ones.
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:06 PM on June 30, 2012

How about the Converse All Star Rain Boot? (Sold by Urban Outfitters.)

For something sleeker-looking, various companies make rubber boots like this. They're not Converse, but they have the Chuck Taylor style. A friend of mine has a pair that she wears with jeans in rainy weather, and they look great.
posted by Georgina at 8:09 PM on June 30, 2012

I second the Leather Jack Purcells. I've worn them for months and they hold up wonderfully and are awfully cute!
posted by SoulOnIce at 8:33 PM on June 30, 2012

Doc Martins?
posted by jeffamaphone at 9:09 PM on June 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

I am an old guy. I have been wearing Chuck's since 1968. For real. I feel your pain. When leather Chuck's came out about 7 years ago, I got a pair of black ones and while they are not water proof, they are close and a huge step up from my canvas T's.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:22 PM on June 30, 2012 [3 favorites]

I have these and I love them.
posted by miles1972 at 12:42 AM on July 1, 2012

I'm a big fan of Keen Coronados. Sort of similar style to Chucks, but the sole is actually waterproof. The top is canvas but it must be treated or something because they do keep my feet dry. The toe bumper thing is a little weird looking but they are just so comfy that I willfully ignore it.
posted by lyra4 at 3:47 AM on July 1, 2012 [1 favorite]

definitely Doc Martens! Something like this maybe: http://www.zappos.com/dr-martens-carrigan-cut-out-shoe

all-weather, comfy, and the kind of shoe a girl can wear in a zombie apocalypse.
posted by swimmingly at 7:55 AM on July 1, 2012

Another vote for leather Chuck Taylors. Mine are on my feet right now, and although they are not weather tight they dry quickly enough to get me through the rainy Swedish summer.
posted by springload at 11:52 AM on July 1, 2012 [1 favorite]

I moved onto wearing Springcourts. They. Are. So. Damned. Comfy. The fabric is thicker than Converse but I've never had to go through a painful breaking in period. Much better rain-wise, although you can also get them in leather. Really, highly recommend Springcourts to Chucks wearers looking for a change.
posted by mooza at 4:07 PM on July 1, 2012