Shoes for the rainy season

[mikromicke]

It gets wet during the winter, even in northern California. Would anyone be able to recommend a pair of shoes that can withstand rain and are comfy enough to be able to walk and stand in all day? I work in a lab so they won't have to be overly fancy at the same time as I'd prefer if they aren't "sporty" shoes and can be used for more relaxed dinners etc as well.

thanks!

 

[commanderkeen]

I suggest a shoe with a gore-tex lining. ECCO makes these kinds of shoes even in a bit more professional styles as opposed to straight up hiking boots. You should look at what ecco has to offer, and if any of them catch your eye. Eccos are generally quite comfy.

 

[alaskamcghee]

Blundstone boots

 

[joshmpdx]

It gets wet during the winter, even in northern California. Would anyone be able to recommend a pair of shoes that can withstand rain and are comfy enough to be able to walk and stand in all day? I work in a lab so they won't have to be overly fancy at the same time as I'd prefer if they aren't "sporty" shoes and can be used for more relaxed dinners etc as well.

thanks!

What style are you looking for?

 

[mikromicke]

I've had a couple of bad experiences with Ecco and goretex. In my mind they should stick to pure leather in which I think they make great shoes. I'll see if I can find a store nearby and check it out!

Style ... I'm note sure how to word it. Essentially shoes that are supportive enough to withstand walking all day but doesn't look like a pair of walking/running shoes. Preferably leather (with the option of a membrane under the leather).

 

[Doc4]

If you can afford the upgrade, check out the 'dress boots' from the English shoemakers. They look smashing in a 'gentleman out for a walk in the country' sort of way, and if you opt for what are usually called the 'country' versions you can get storm welting (better water repulsion where the upper is sewn onto the sole) and a good leather upper that will resist water nicely.

(The 'country' boots are aimed at the chaps who wander around the countryside all day hunting deer, shooting birds, chasing butterflies or just enjoying the bits of scenery not shot up by the other chaps out for a stroll. Most are still more-or-less 'suit worthy', although some become more casual/rugged than that.)

http://www.shoes.shoppingsection.co...c?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=441&Category_Code=

 

[Rossmeister]

I was thinking of Ecco Gore-Tex, but someone beat me to it.

If you want to stay true to old style, get your normal whatever shoes and protect them with shoe polish and use galoshes.

 

[J2010]

I like Mephisto but you'll need one with goretex. A cheaper alternative would be something like the Clarks Rockie Hi GTX.

 

[alaskamcghee]

Maybe have a gander at these.

Blundstone Footwear. Pull on comfort since 1870.

You wan't walking shoes that dont look like walking/running shoes. Preferably leather. - Sneakers get soaked, and ordinary leather shoes and boots are lunch for road salt. But Blundstone treads grip the ground, oiled leather keeps weather out, and both sole and leather are moulded seamlessly together –– nary a stitch –– so dirt and grit can’t get in. The patented soles even cushion each step by 33% for countless tons less pounding on you.

http://www.blundstone.com/

http://www.blundstoneusa.com/

Have a look. I ordered mine last spring and have been very happy with them.

Johnny

 

[slpknt10l03]

you really cant go wrong with leather shoes - I love waxing shoes into a shine - the wax makes them waterproof.
if you go with a short pigskin or something to that sort where you wouldn't want to 'shine' them you can always spray some camp dry on them. i cant speak for all materials but in my experience camp dry doesn't discolor them at all.

 

[mikromicke]

alaskamcghee, do you know if the Blundstone ones are available to try anywhere? I always have a ton of problems finding shoes that fit my fit (I guess I have strange feet).

I really do like leather shoes and I love polishing them and keep them water proof. Something that the military go into me I guess

 

[Duckster]

alaskamcghee, do you know if the Blundstone ones are available to try anywhere? I always have a ton of problems finding shoes that fit my fit (I guess I have strange feet).

I really do like leather shoes and I love polishing them and keep them water proof. Something that the military go into me I guess

I was just browsing the site. Here's the dealer locator (opened to the CA page): http://www.blundstoneus.com/states/ca.shtml

 

[alaskamcghee]

I found a local dealer and figured out my shoe size. Then I did some web browsing and found I could order them direct from Australia for about $80 less then buying them locally. That includes shipping and duties. Just an idea to keep the cost down. I am all for shopping locally but $80 is $80.

Here is the site I got mine from. Remember to get fitted in an actual store first. They size different from normal shoes.

http://everythingaustralian.com.au/

Johnny

 

[mikromicke]

I was just browsing the site. Here's the dealer locator (opened to the CA page): http://www.blundstoneus.com/states/ca.shtml

Thanks, couldn't find that

 

[galopede]

Here is the site I got mine from. Remember to get fitted in an actual store first. They size different from normal shoes.

http://everythingaustralian.com.au/

Johnny

I have a pair of the Blunstone 500 boots I bought from them a couple of years ago and have nothing but praise for them. A great boot and very comfortable from the off. You will have no problems buying from them.

No connection, just a satisfied customer.

As for the size being different, they might be for you in the US but not for us Brits! I wear a UK and Australian 11, which would be a 12 in the US. Everything is bigger over there! Your hats as a size larger than ours for the same size too!

Gareth

 

[mikromicke]

This is where I should point out that I'm Swedish so I don't get connected with all the strange things going on in the US

My main issue with shoe sizes is that I have small, very wide feet and small ankles. Bad combination ...

 

[bananaman]

blundstone boots

+1

 

[alaskamcghee]

Here are some pictures of my Dr.Martens and Blundstones (my go to footwear) this morning.

Johnny

 

[HesNot]

I have a pair of Sperry Bayside plain toe bucks - mine are brown - which are waterproof, very comfortable and a nice casual style that works with jeans, khakis, cords, etc...

http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/sperry_bayside_plaintoe_black_mens.html