I need a pair of COMFORTABLE, waterproof, warm, Stylish black boots-above the ankle or knee length- that I can wear under jeans (day & night) for a trip to Germany, Austria & Switzerland for a month this April. We will be in the Alps as well as Garmish & Saltzburg, etc. I want boots that I can wear for daytime sightseeing as well as to nice restaurants at night. Even my Munro boots with socks cause blisters on the tops of my toes. Sz 10 n to m. My undying love to the person who solves this ongoing problem!!!!!!!!
You will get a wide range of suggestions here as feet seem to be very much as individual to a person as their smile. You might want to search on the topic of shoes. That said, not many have asked about boots. Since you say stylish, I hope that we can assume that you don't mean to do any hiking? Hiking in the Alps needs serious hiking foot ware. My current favorite shoes are Finn Comforts. I'm not sure if they have boot but they are the most amazing shoes for comfort.
Just wondering, why exactly do you need boots for this trip? If it's purely a matter of style, I can't help you. If you're worried about weather, I can tell you that you won't need boots for that time of year unless you plan to camp out on the mountain peaks. And any boot appropriate for mountain hiking, you probably wouldn't want to wear at a nice restaurant.
Can't give any personal experience on the boot selections but my wife who has problems with her feet is very fond of her Ecco and Merrell shoes. Here are links to their boot selections.
http://www.eccousa.com/shoes/womens/boots/67/product-list.aspx
http://www.merrell.com/US/Gallery/NZ/Womens-Casual-Footwear/Boots.aspx
I don't know anything about boots but walked all over italy in Merrell shoes and i absolutely loved them.
zappos.com has everyone type of shoe/boot available and there's free shipping both ways with hassle free returns so you can try different brands without worries You can also read reviews from other customers. Everyone is different so it's probably just going to be a matter of trial and error. As long as you don't wear the shoes out of the house you can return them within 365 days without a problem
Debbie
i like Keen boots. I've had mine for several years and they are still going strong. nice for long walks, good support, look good with jeans or dressier pants. have a great trip.
If you have such big problems like I have, I suggest to get a pair of hiking boots for walking around and a pair of nice comfy shoes for your restaurants.
I got a pair of Asolo for about $85 form sierratradingpost.com They won the 1st prize in Backpak magazine.They are very comfy and light, but might take some room in your bag.
Another thing is the type od sock you wear. Even if they are comfy, you need the right ones. I purchased a pair of non itchy wool socks that I wear last October in Italy. My feet got warm, but not wet like they would have in other socks.
Something like this, but thicker:
http://www.rei.com/product/708429
The thin ones won't wokr for a long walk if you have foot problems.
About 2 years ago I purchased a pair of short leather boots called Simple. They were very comfy for walking and had a good look, but the splitted on the side just after weraing them a few times.