Footwear for school aged kids? Moving from Calif.

[USDefault]

If you do ordinary stuff, your kids will be fine with a quality pair of sneakers. That's what we use year-round, no problems at all. Winters here are generally mild during the day, not too cold, and snow is rare. Exact opposite of East coast winters. Your entire family should be perfectly fine with regular gear, it's what most people wear.

If you plan to hike, camp, or undertake other outdoor activities from December through March, which is typically when it rains the most, get a pair of quality water-resistant trail/hiking sneakers. Get a good pair. They are great for everyone, especially kids. Easy to lace and tie, rugged, and they have guide loops instead of holes so that wet sneakerlaces don't grab, tug, or chafe, as well as more rugged materials. They are heavier and less maneuverable though, I wouldn't want to wear them everyday, or around the house, or at the gym, and definitely not for running.

[bler144]

As a tangent even though the OP didn't ask, do NOT invest in high quality umbrellas. Money right down the drain.

Originally Posted by Michie1

I second texasdiver, get a couple pairs of good tennis shoes so they can rotate them, plus they last longer not being worn everyday

That strategy works better with adults than kids though - depends on if they're at an age where they're still outgrowing shoes before they wear them out or not.

Having two pairs (or at least some alternative) is a good idea because one will get pretty wet occasionally, and probably right before you're wanting them to get dressed for church/school, but more than that, eh.

[notnamed]

Yeah, umbrellas are just how we identify the tourists.

[elkotronics]

Yeah, umbrellas are just how we identify the tourists.

You mean the tourists and sissies.

[USDefault]

Originally Posted by bler144

As a tangent even though the OP didn't ask, do NOT invest in high quality umbrellas. Money right down the drain.

Truth. Number of times we've used umbrellas: zero.

[texasdiver]

Originally Posted by USDefault

Truth. Number of times we've used umbrellas: zero.

Yeah, it's funny. When we lived in Texas I always kept several umbrellas in each car because when we had thunderstorms they would typically be real downpours where the streets would get flooded with sheets of water in just minutes. It would rain so hard that when you opened your car door that half second of time between when you cracked the car door open and got the umbrella out the door and over your head you would get completely soaked.

Here in the northwest it is usually just a light drizzle that lasts for days but doesn't actually get you wet unless you spend a long time in it working or recreating outdoors. Umbrellas are pointless for things like getting from your car to the front door of a store or office because you just don't get that wet in a short time. Although a decent GoreTex type rain coat is nice to have as much for the wind and winter chill as for the drizzle.

[notnamed]

I actually saw more umbrellas today to block the sun on the 100 degree day than I've ever seen on a rainy day.

[elkotronics]

Although a decent GoreTex type rain coat is nice to have as much for the wind and winter chill as for the drizzle.

Something like this is pretty much needed in the Pacific NW, agreed.

[missca]

Very warm winter/waterproof boots.