Cold Feet

Photo courtesy of
‘More than ankle deep’
courtesy of ‘moonrat42’

No matter what, my feet are always cold or wet walking around in this snow.  Sure, Uggs are nice and toasty, but they’re not waterproof and the slushy snow soaks right through.  Rain boots, or wellies, are great because they are a little taller (helping in those 3-foot-deep snow drifts) and waterproof, but they’re not insulated so your feet can get cold.

Has anyone out there found the perfect boots that will keep your feet dry and warm in the snow drifts?  Clearly this snow isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so I think it might be time to invest in a new pair.

Shannon grew up in the greater DC area/Maryland suburbs, went to Virginia for college and grad school (go Hoos!), and settled in DC in 2006. She’s an urban planner who loves transit (why yes, that is her dressed as a Metro pylon for Halloween), cities, and all things DC. Email her at Shannon (at) WeLoveDC.com!

22 thoughts on “Cold Feet”

  1. I have some boots that apparently Columbia discontinued, but they are very similar to the Bugaboot Omni-Tech. http://bit.ly/cWpyzC They ROCK. Toasty warm, fluffy and super comfortable, and don’t leak at all.

    However, in a foot of snow, they are too short. So buy these boots, and put knee-high gaiters over them. Then go out and play!

  2. It’s all about the wool socks. Invest in a couple of pairs of SmartWool (or any brand of Merino wool) socks; you won’t be disappointed.

    Then get thee to a military surplus store and buy combat boots (Full Metal Jacket in Alexandria had a good selection when I was there, and most of them are $20.00), they’ll keep your feet warm, dry, and (with the exception of extreme ice) tractable.

  3. I recommend Sorels – I wish I still had the pair of knee-high Sorels I had when I lived in New Hampshire. They were waterproof and had a thick felt liner…kept my feet toasty warm while standing on frozen lakes.

  4. I own North Face snow boots (“Isabel”) that are very warm and waterproof. They are also tall enough for a foot of snow and have a good sole for walking on ice. Plus they are cute. I get a lot of comments on them. They were probably the best investment I ever made.

  7. I second MCinDC. Sorel is the way to go (www.sorel.com). nothing beats these, they are a bit more expensive but they’re the last snow boot you’ll buy. I grew up in Canada and we swore by them. I’ve been walking around in mine here in DC.. they don’t let water in, they can handle a foot of snow, and they will keep your feet warm. hands down!

  11. http://www.mukluks.com/

    I’ve had one pair for about 6 years and they’re not going anywhere. Sooo warm! But they’re also breathable, so that if you continue wearing them indoors after you come inside your feet don’t overheat.

  14. I don’t know if Merrel is still making the high ‘mukluk’ style of four years ago. That’s when I bought mine, and they are toasty and waterproof. They are warm enough that I only get them out for weather like this, and I don’t need socks over my tights. I found them at Herrington catalog– they have a different style this year but look like very similar construction.

    http://www.herringtoncatalog.com/cs170.html

  16. I’ve got a pair of 20 eye (that’s about knee high) Doc Martens that, coupled with American Apparel knee high socks have kept my toesies nice and dry.

  17. Ditto on the Sorels. I am still wearing a pair I got in the early 1990s — feet are toasty and warm.

  18. Had the same LLBean boots for years now…bought them for college winters in Ohio. They are short-ish, but just put your waterproof pants on over and you’re peachykeen!

  19. Ordering boots online is a great way to save money, until the USP guy can’t get to you until the snows gone!!!

  20. Got to put in another plug for the Sorels. I grew up in Alaska, and they’re the only brand of boots I’ve ever worn. I’m wearing the same pair I was 10 years ago – they last forever.