I am planning a trip to France in mid-February 2015 and am trying to find out what boots would be best for the weather.
I need some that are waterproof and would be good in slush and ice, the last thing I want is to be slipping all over while sightseeing.
I would be walking around the city and also in Normandy, so maybe something that isnt too clompy and heavy.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Light weight waterproof hiking boots or shoes with traction soles (eg vibrum soles):
I should add that low tops are adequate in urban situations where snow removal takes place.
If you expect ice, boot chains such as Yasktracks or Ice Trekkers could be useful.
http://www.rei.com/search?query=ice+trekkers
Take a look at the answers on this closed thread.
I found several recommendations as well as some advice.
Au revoir
Merrell Tetra Pitch, elegant
Edgar, I will definitely look into some like that, thanks!
Nicole,
My winter travel shoes are low cut Gore-tex lined Adidas hiking shoes and I have Ice-trekker boot chains. I used combination during my last three winter trips to Prague/Oberweisenthal Germany, Venice/Asiago/Val DE Femme, and Salzburg/Pillerseeatal (Tirol).
The big cities were at lower elevations and were quicker at snow removal (I arrived in Venice during a snow storm that cancelled later arriving flights). The smaller mountain towns were slower at snow removal and sidewalks tended to collect spots of ice.
Using boot chains is an on-off process. It is not nice to walk on wood floors with boot chains and slippery when walking on ceramic tile floors.
Nicole - I have these boots and they are wonderful!
Nance- Those look like they would be perfect, are they warm at all?
Nicole - no, not warm per se but the socks one wears with them will help to determine that. They do have a really flimsy (for me) sole insert. They are removable though, so I took them out and put in nice orthopedic inserts that I bought at Foot Solutions. They fit great with a medium weight sock. The reviews stated that they run a tad small and to order one half size larger - glad I did. I also read that they scratch easily but not if one treats them before wearing. I used Lexol on them but don't care if they scratch or not as that adds character to the boot. These will function well for me besides looking great with leggings, skirts, jeans, and slacks. They will definitely be going with me to Amsterdam next fall! I tried shopping around for a lower price than 140.00 but was unable to find any cheaper. I ordered from Zappos and they arrived quickly.
Nance- Good to know about the sole inserts, thanks so much! I might see about getting some from Zappos.
Re Warmth.
Thicker soles including inner soles provide more insulation against heat loss to ground than thin soles all other things being equal.
Thicker socks provide more insulation than thinner socks all other things being equal.
Damp wool or synthetic (non-moisture absorbing) socks have less heat loss than damp cotton socks all other things being equal.
Shoe-sock combinations that are too tight will result in colder feed than shoe-sock combinations that are the appropriate volume because tight fitting shoes impair blood circulation. Poor blood circulation results in cold feet all other things being equal.
Wearing a knit cap and gloves will keep your feet warmer than not wearing cap and gloves, all other things being equal.
