Best waterproof walking shoes for winter

You might try searching for Gore Tex shoes. I know Ecco makes some and Merrell may also. Here's a link to get you started: http://www.gore-tex.com/products/women/footwear/. There are lots of options and they aren't all hiking boots. You can scan all 325+ or refine your search down the left side. Have fun!

Thanks Lo--great suggestion!

Sometimes a waterproof version of a shoes is cut differently from what looks like the same version of the manufacturer's regular shoe, I don't know why. Anyway, you have to try the suckers on rather than ordering blindly at the last minute. Chunk the stupid spray. Buy mink oil. The directions say to apply thinly. Chunk the directions also and slather it on, making sure to get the sole-to-upper stitching as well. Let it dry overnight before buffing. Welcome to the land of experience in the pre-goretex world.

The Gore-tex or equivalent liner is an interior liner. It's a good idea to enhance the water repellency of the outer boot shell while retaining breathability of the boot. I have been using Nikwax products for this purpose. http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/how_nikwax_works/introduction.php

In addition to water proof/repellent boots you may also want to consider traction devices such as"Yaktracks" or "Icetrekkers" if you are heading for a snow/ice environment. https://www.yaktrax.com
https://www.icetrekkers.com They are like chains for boots or city crampons.

HS, i know this isnt what you asked for, but i usually wear cotton sox when im @ home. but i tried some of the REI Marino wool sox for my trip last year and i really liked them. Even when my shoes got wet, my feet didnt feel wet or cold. just a thought and happy trails.

Thanks all for the super helpful replies--I am researching them. I do have wool blend socks, and they are warm, but they've gotten soaked along with my feet in heavy rain/snow.

HS, the sox wont keep your feet from getting wet, but its been my experience, they didnt feel cold at all. your mileage my vary (ymmv) Happy trails.

Ha! YMMV!!!

Hi,
Ray, being a Portlander, is very correct about using wool, or at least synthetic socks in a wet winter environment. I use Smartwool brand socks for both summer and winter walking. The downside of medium thickness wool socks is drying time. After (hand) was going, I need to wring them in a dry towel, hang in a warm spot (if fortunate, your hotel has a heated towel rack), and hope for the best. I bring 3 pairs of socks - wear 1 pair, pack 2 pairs. If thermal insulation is not critical, fast drying synthetic socks, e.g. CoolMax material can be a good choice. My LL Bean All-sport Crew CoolMax synthetic socks dry overnight.

Hi Edgar, We are budget travelers, so we don't usually have a heated towel rack, but since it's winter we almost always have a radiator, and that's a good place to dry our laundry.

I love my Bean Shoes for walking in the snow.

again, doesn't help with shoes. but ,,, alpaca sox or an alpaca blend. WARM, light weight, doesn't soak up moisture - so your feet will still get wet but the socks will dry themselves and wick the moisture away from your feet over time, and the feet will still stay dry. handwash with shampoo, carefully press out excess water and hang to dry overnight. they are wonderful.

Thanks for the recommendations James and Jerry. Where can I buy alpaca socks?

well.try to find them out on amazon.com..they have some nice options

Will do.

Aquatalia offers waterproof shoes. You can find them on Zappos.com, at Nordstrom stores or at Nordstrom.com. They are made in Italy.

Thanks Elaine. I work next to a Nordstrom so I can check them out on my lunch hour.

Have you considered the Merrell waterproof dress boots? That's what I use. I can use them as fashion boots with tights/leggings or wear them under pants. The ones labeled waterproof are truly waterproof - I've worn them in slush and snow, and then worn them to church too. These boots are unlined, allowing them to be worn inside and outside. When I wear them outside I just add in some extra wool socks.

I wear comfortable winter boots in winter, after waterproofing them. I love my current pair, although they need replacing. A good pair of boots can get you around all day and also work well for nicer dinners. Since you already live in an area with serious winters, it would make sense to me to invest in a pair.

Thank you Sarah. It's true, we have serious winters here in Chicago! I do have snow boots, but they are not good for long walks. I'll keep looking for boots that are both waterproof AND decent walking shoes!

Cindy--I am a fan of Merrell products in general. I would certainly consider their boots. I'll need to find a place to try them on, though. Maybe I'll try an REI store.

HS - REI has some cute ones. Look at the Captiva Strap waterproof. The Haven Autumn Waterproof has a biker-babe look. REI also carries the Captiva Launch waterproof. All have great treads that don't appear obvious to the casual observer. The Merrell.com website has also worked well for me. They're good with returns.

Ha--biker babe--that's me alright!

I recently purchased the Merrell Captiva Mid Waterproof and they are extremely comfortable. I wear Smartwool socks with them and I think they will work for all-day sightseeing in Scotland and Ireland next spring. I haven't worn them in a downpour yet. Since we seem to travel during rainy weather I wear only waterproof shoes.

Thanks--the Merrell Captiva seems popular with the helpline folks. I will certainly try a pair on soon. I wonder if I need to go a half size larger because the Smartwool socks are so thick?

When you fit boots, you're wearing the intended socks. Nothing else works.

I had to order mine since there were none locally that I could try on. I usually wear a size 6 and ordered a US6/European36. The shoes would be too big with a thin sock. The Smartwool socks that I wear are a casual mid weight sock, not a hiking sock. Hopefully you will be able to try them on with your travel socks to get a good fit.

I'll try them on wearing the socks, thanks.

Of the shoes I've tried on so far, the ones I like best are Merrell Moab Waterproof. They seem well made and comfortable. However, they have a rocking sensation towards the front of the shoe, on the ball of the feet. The sales associate said this is normal and needed for a hiking shoe and for walking uphill. I'm not hiking so much as walking for hours on cobble stones and sidewalks. I've not sure this rolling on the ball of the foot is a good idea. Anyone have experience with this type of shoe?

I use the Merrell Moab Waterproof for hiking and love them. I haven't noticed the rocking sensation but the boots didn't need breaking in and were comfortable on the first day. I hope they work for you.

Thanks CaroleI'm glad to have a personal review!

I like Josef Seibel shoes/boots. I own a couple of pair and my wife has three pair of boots from Romika which she swears by. No sure where to buy online as I usually get mine at a shop in German. Very European, very waterproof and very comfortable.

Thank you Todd. We have Josef Seibel in the states too. The are beautiful shoes (and very expensive here). There's a store next to my job that sell them so I'll try on a pair on my lunch break.