Need a pair of comfy & warn shoes.

November 30, 2007 7:03 AM

Can you help me find warm and comfortable shoes? No huge snow shoes, please.

I'm tired of my feet freezing on Minnesota mornings with my non-insulated shoes. I already have a pair of rock-solid snow shoes, but gawd are they uncomfortable and I only wear them when we have some real snowfall. I prefer leather shoes that look decent, but don't need to be dress shoes. FWIW, I'm generally a fan of Rockports and Timberlands, but their "normal" shoes don't keep my feet warm at all.

I ask here because it's really hard to tell if shoes will keep the frostbite away while trying them on in the store! So, any suggestions on good, comfortable warm shoes that won't fall apart? I tend to spring for shoes that last and I haven't thrown out a pair of non-athletic shoes in 5+ years, so don't worry about price.

posted by jmd82 to clothing, beauty, & fashion (9 comments total)

Buy a size or two up and wear thick thermal socks?
posted by corvine at 7:41 AM on November 30, 2007

I've thought about it, but I prefer the thinner socks. Something about thick socks irk me. I'll go that route if I can't find anything, but I'd prefer my shoes to do the insulating.
posted by jmd82 at 8:03 AM on November 30, 2007

Fleece lined Crocs? Maybe not for every day, but they certainly qualify as comfortable and warm. As a Floridian, I'm not sure how practical they are for Minnesota, but I have a friend in snowy Canada who just loves hers.
posted by mewithoutyou at 8:16 AM on November 30, 2007

I do find some of the Land's End shoes to be warm enough but they are probably too clunky for what you are looking for.

How about using silk sock liners under your normal socks? They won't add much to the bulk.
posted by cabingirl at 8:26 AM on November 30, 2007

I love my Merrell winter boots, which I find super comfortable, and I think the waterproofing (not available in all style) really helps with the cold. Maybe try them? (Disclaimer: I've only worn the women's style. But the men's options look good, too.)
posted by CiaoMela at 9:24 AM on November 30, 2007

Seconding the silk sock liners. I have perpetually freezing feet, and a thin pair of silk socks under my normal pair warms them up nicely.
posted by yoga at 10:50 AM on November 30, 2007

nthing Merrell. Mine are kind of clunky looking, but fit like tennis shoes and are as warm (if not warmer) than my giant snowboots. They have lasted for a few years now. They now make some more elegant leather boots.
posted by melissam at 12:04 PM on November 30, 2007

I think I can manage those socks without going crazy so will probably try them out.
My Merrell sandals rock, so checking out their shoes also sounds like a good idea.
posted by jmd82 at 12:33 PM on November 30, 2007

I found a pair of Bleil side-zip lambswool-lined boots at Salamander. they run large, so order a half size down.
posted by brujita at 1:18 AM on December 1, 2007