"Get some good boots with good treads..." (Merrimack: to buy, roofing)

[notdancingqueen]

Yes. Agreed. Fabulous advice.

But which ones? And how many pairs? (1? 2? More?) I'm looking for advice on specific brands and even models if you can. Lots of people seem to wear Uggs but most of the ones I've seen are suede...though I guess you can waterproof them.

Right now I have a pair of hard-soled, slip-on, fleece-lined Merrill's that I LOVE, hiking boots, and a crappy pair of basic snow boots.

What I really need advice on are the boots/shoes you wear every day, and then the ones you'd have no idea you needed unless you've lived here for years. :-)

On the $$ issue -- I won't say money is no object, but I will say that for footwear I'm living in from November/December through March/April, comfort and warmth are more important than $$.

Thanks! Jackie

[lisa g]

Hi Jackie,
We bought Sorel boots for the kids last winter (their first real winter) because my neighbor recommended them highly. Sorel
They are wonderful and I hope they still fit so we don't have to buy new ones this year! As for myself....I had nice shearling boots last year but my dog attacked them...so I'm also in the market for a new pair.

[nanciegord]

Hi NDQ~
I love Land's End shoes and boots for my visits up north.I know New Englanders are more prone to LL Bean, and I think the companies are quite similar ~ I just got started with Land's End and am faithful to them. Clogs are good and surprising warm if you wear socks with them, even if the back half of your foot isn't covered. Berkinstock is my choice for clogs. You can't beat the comfort and durability. You can peruse both Land's End and LL Bean online, and request their catalogs to come in the mail ~ always nice to receive! My daughter (who lives up north) says no matter what shoes/boots you buy, the salt does a number on them throughout the winter, so she buys durable footwear that will last throughout the long winter season, but doesn't buy high end stuff.
You offered me advice during the summer, when we were planning a trip to NH, and I thank you again for it. I'd love to hear how you like NH so far.
Nancie

[BF66389]

There are more than a few good brands out there. Honestly my wife had a wonderful experience going to the LL Bean store in Freeport- the salesperson there was incredibly knowledgeable and was able to set her up with a nice pair of "walking around in" boots and a pair of "throw on to go outside and shovel" boots. I would DEFINITELY try on the boots, make sure they are comfy, make sure you bring a pair of socks like the ones you plan to wear with them. Perhaps get a nice pair of warm hiking socks as well (very comfy).

Oh and I'd suggest 2 pairs. One pair that is relatively cheap, not attractive, but is tall/warm/waterpoof. These would be good for "just running outside" or shoveling or whatever (think the snow boots you had as a kid- big nylon outers with comfy/fluffy insides). Then another pair to "wear out" on snowy days- generally more expensive, nicer looking, etc...

[MassYankee]

I asssume you are asking about winter boots?

They are too clunky to wear if it's not snowy, but... if you get a lot of snow and like to go out no matter what - the Sorel style boots with cleated rubber bottoms, removable, thick, boiled wool felt liners and leather uppers really do work, in snow, ice and subzero temperatures. You can pull the liners out to dry them and replace them as well.

I hate cold feet, and the Canucks do have a good handle on cold weather footwear ;-).

[GregW]

First I would like to remind everybody that there is a factory shoe store for new Balance and Dexter boots in downtown Lawrence, Mass at the corner of Merrimack Street and Union Street. This is a New Balance and Dexter boot store. Generally some good bargains available

For the last three years I have been wearing sandals year round with cotton socks in the summer and wool socks for the winter. I have a pair of lug soled hiking sandals that provide good traction while tow pair of wool socks provide the warmth. I have a couple of large pair of Alpaca wool socks I wear with sandals on the very cold dry days. When the snow is likely to be a slushy mix of salt, rain and ice I use a cheap pair if “Bean” type boots bought at the store in Lawrence. I no longer do any back country hiking or rock climbing so I don’t need the specialty foot wear needed for these sports.

The sandals may sound insane but, because my feet always stay dry, they are quite warm. This has also resulted in much healthier skin on my feet.

[jthibodeau]

Great advice from all. My only advice would be similar to MassYankee and advise the use of a "water proof" boot with removable wool (not polyester) liners. Sorels or similar styles are great with the ability to keep your feet dry and warm in the snow. They are not good for those 5 mile hikes but for just fun or work outside, there the best.

[gradRun]

While we're discussing footwear, can anyone recommend a good pair of warm indoor slippers/soft shoes that you like? Preferable something that's available in my clown sized 13" feet?

[fishnfool]

If you want waterproof, stick with Gortex. Waterproofing spray or anything else that claims to be waterproof without some form of gortex liner is junk IMO.

my workboots are timberland and they are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. They are a NH based co. too so it's nice to support them. They claim to be waterproof though and are far from it (no gortex).

If you just want around town boots I would think anything would work, but if you want outdoor/hiking boots then I would stick with either North Face, Salomon, Keen, or Merrels. LL Beans are good too. Those brands truly will be waterproof if they claim to be.

My old hiking boots were New Balance light hikers which were okay but I've destroyed them and just switched over to hiking shoes this summer. They have still held their waterproofing ability after many years though. I prefer trail runners so I switched to North Face Hedgehogs. They aren't boots but they're waterproof, light, and awesome traction, and super comfy even on long brutal hikes. I have another pair of salomon trail runners/sandals/water shows that are awesome too for shorter day hikes, trail running, kayaking, etc. If I go in snow I just put some gaiters on start walking.

For just around town I don't ever bother with boots.....just wear my normal shoes.

[NJ2NH]

gradRun, I love the LLBean "wicked good" slippers. They're shearling, warm, and are available in size 13. The ones without a separate sole are especially nice since they're flexible, and after they've been worn a while kind of make their own sole. I wear them inside and out, except in sloppy wet. They don't built up rotten smells like fake shearling etiher.