Winter travel shoes/boots for Europe?

[cransplash]

My CW and her FI are honeymooning in Germany in a few weeks. She had mentioned that she and her FI/soon-to-be H need some good walking shoes/boots. They'll be exploring the city (Munich, I think?) and going to some German Christmas markets.

I thought I'd ask on here to give her some advice as she leaves in 1 week and doesn't have any.
She said the weather is looking to be around low/mid 40's, maybe snow?

I was thinking Hunter boots/welly socks, but I think @theycalledherkate wore them on her trip to London (before she had her baby) and said they weren't the most walking-friendly? I know they both have a pair of Sorel Caribous, but they'd be bulky for walking around long distances.

Any help would be great.

[Deleted]

Neither of those are good for long distances (and I wouldn't wear them when it isn't raining/snowing)

I tend to wear my Frye Paige boots when I'll be walking a ton in the cold. They're great very comfy over long distances.

[cransplash]

Dec 8, 2013 12:57:38 GMT -5 v said:

Neither of those are good for long distances (and I wouldn't wear them when it isn't raining/snowing)

I tend to wear my Frye Paige boots when I'll be walking a ton in the cold. They're great very comfy over long distances.

Thanks v! I think she may own a pair of Frye Melissa's. I wonder if those work... though I think I remember her telling me that she can't walk long distances in them. Maybe the Paige is more comfy?

[mrsukyankee]

I live in London and wear my normal black boots and walk all over the place in them - I just make sure I have a good insert in them so they are comfy (currently I have lovely warm sheepskin ones).

[alleinesein]

I walked all over Germany last December in my ugly ass Coach boots- they kept my feet dry and warm. They looked similar to this shop.nordstrom.com/s/sorel-tofino-boot/3661660?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black+Canvas&resultback=2394&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_7_C

I would probably get something similar to any of these
shop.nordstrom.com/S/ugg-australia-neevah-bootie-women/3608599?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=4788&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_13_B

shop.nordstrom.com/S/ugg-australia-zea-bootie-women/3470455?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=6897&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_19_B

Something with decent traction, low or no heel, sheepskin or fleece lined and tall enough to cover the ankles.

They will definitely want a good hat and scarf. Some of the train stations are open air and the wind can get damn cold!

If you are giving them a gift for their wedding/honeymoon a small collapsible bag like a Baggu would be great for them as they wander around the Christmas markets. You can shove it in a pocket or purse and then use it when you buy stuff. It was a lifesaver when I was shopping in the Christmas markets.

[cransplash]

mrsukyankee- what black boots do you wear?

pagas- I have a pair of Keen Venice. Will look into boots.

alleinesein- Something fleece/sherpa-lined is a great idea. I know she's not into booties, but she does love knee high boots. I'll look to see if Uggs has something with no heel.

[mrsukyankee]

Knee high ones from Clarks - nothing particularly special, though they are waterproof. Similar to these: www.clarks.co.uk/p/20348329

[cransplash]

Dec 8, 2013 14:57:10 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Knee high ones from Clarks - nothing particularly special, though they are waterproof. Similar to these: www.clarks.co.uk/p/20348329

Totally forgot about Clarks- thanks for the reminder.

[Deleted]

I love my bogs but the styles aren't everyone's cup of tea.

[Deleted]

I would make sure they are waterproof.

My uggs aren't the best when it is wet but they are warm.

My hunters keep me dry, but they are heavy for a lots of walking (I have the talls--maybe I need a pair of the short ones ;-))

I'd be tempted to go with the llbean duck shoe lined with sherling www.llbean.com/llb/shop/57117?feat=630-GN1&page=bean-boots-by-l-l-bean-reg-moccasins-shearling-lined-women-s&attrValue_0=Brown/Brown&productId=938633

They aren't pretty but they are very practical

[cransplash]

Dec 8, 2013 18:59:45 GMT -5 @theycalledherkate said:

The Hunters were fantastic but you have to alternate the days you wear them because they are heavy. I also wore my UGGS and my nine west cognac boots. I just rotated them and it was wonderful

Did the snow/ice hurt your suede Uggs?

[sunshinedaydreams]

They're not the most fashionable, but when it's snowing and slick out I love my Merrell boots. I have a version of the Chameleon boots from 2009. I've worn them like crazy since then and they're still in great shape with great traction for slippery conditions. And they're super comfy for walking all day since they're meant for hiking.

I also have a pair of Earth boots from several years ago that have really good traction and are a little bit cuter. I wear them around here when it's snowy and they're great.  Not sure if they make this style anymore, but these are mine:

[cransplash]

thanks sunshinedaydreams and @theycalledherkate

[neonpink]

Just make sure she breaks them in a bit. I wore a pair of Clark boots all over Spain and they were fantastic. I broke in a pair of Frye boots in Rome last Fall and they were fine and comfortable but the sole was leather and that led to me slipping a bit on the cobblestones when it rained one night. If they are leather I would definitely wax them and use weather proofer on them to keep them looking good.

Also I try to bring 3 pairs of shoes. Rotating them helps my feet not feel it when I walk for miles on holiday.

[stever]

Dec 8, 2013 14:18:51 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

I live in London and wear my normal black boots and walk all over the place in them - I just make sure I have a good insert in them so they are comfy (currently I have lovely warm sheepskin ones).

This. Docs and an old pair of Camper's have seen me through many London winters.

[cransplash]

Dec 9, 2013 10:50:32 GMT -5 neonpink said:

Just make sure she breaks them in a bit. I wore a pair of Clark boots all over Spain and they were fantastic. I broke in a pair of Frye boots in Rome last Fall and they were fine and comfortable but the sole was leather and that led to me slipping a bit on the cobblestones when it rained one night. If they are leather I would definitely wax them and use weather proofer on them to keep them looking good.

Also I try to bring 3 pairs of shoes. Rotating them helps my feet not feel it when I walk for miles on holiday.

I think this is great advice. You could have the most comfy pair of shoes, but wearing them daily will eventually hurt and cause blisters (at least in my experience).

[msamyfarrahfowler]

I made a similar trip last year and rotated between my Uggs and Hunters. My feet felt great.

[cransplash]

Dec 10, 2013 10:57:49 GMT -5 msamyfarrahfowler said:

I made a similar trip last year and rotated between my Uggs and Hunters. My feet felt great.

Did you walk in the classic suede Uggs? I think she has a pair of those but I would have thought they wouldn't be all day walking around kind of shoes?

[msamyfarrahfowler]

Dec 10, 2013 18:14:40 GMT -5 cransplash said:

Dec 10, 2013 10:57:49 GMT -5 msamyfarrahfowler said:

I made a similar trip last year and rotated between my Uggs and Hunters. My feet felt great.

Did you walk in the classic suede Uggs? I think she has a pair of those but I would have thought they wouldn't be all day walking around kind of shoes?

Very similar: shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-australia-bailey-button-bomber-boot-women/3056882?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=ugg(r)_australia_'bailey_button_bomber'_boot_(women):272256&cm_pla=shoes:women:boots&cm_ven=Bing_PLA&mr:referralID=7b05a528-6210-11e3-beb7-001b2166c2c0

[cransplash]

My CW told me today she purchased the pair of Clarks Neeva boot- Gore-tex, good traction, low heel:
www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/neeve_ella_gore_tex_/26080015

Thanks mrsukyankee for the rec!

I think she's planning to rotate b/w these and her UGG boots.

[cransplash]

Dec 17, 2013 4:59:24 GMT -5 cransplash said:

My CW told me today she purchased the pair of Clarks Neeva boot- Gore-tex, good traction, low heel:
www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/neeve_ella_gore_tex_/26080015

Thanks mrsukyankee for the rec!

I think she's planning to rotate b/w these and her UGG boots.

Darn it. I just bought one for myself too. 

[Deleted]

Because of this post I'm packing more shoes than usual... Uggs, a pair of AK sport (I can run in these even though they are ballet flats) and I'm going to look ridiculous at the airport but I'm wearing my hunter wellies since apparently the forecast is for non stop rain in the UK.

[cransplash]

Dec 18, 2013 5:52:28 GMT -5 @septimus said:

Because of this post I'm packing more shoes than usual... Uggs, a pair of AK sport (I can run in these even though they are ballet flats) and I'm going to look ridiculous at the airport but I'm wearing my hunter wellies since apparently the forecast is for non stop rain in the UK.

I actually posted about Uggs (for myself) on the S&B board. Which Uggs are you bringing?

[mrsukyankee]

@septimus, yeah, it's gross here. I hope you have either a hat or a jacket with a hoodie cause the wind is insane and blowing out umbrellas.

[Deleted]

Dec 21, 2013 8:26:53 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

@septimus, yeah, it's gross here. I hope you have either a hat or a jacket with a hoodie cause the wind is insane and blowing out umbrellas.

I've been wearing my wellies the whole time so far. It isn't too cold just wet

[mrsukyankee]

Dec 22, 2013 2:27:18 GMT -5 @septimus said:

Dec 21, 2013 8:26:53 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

@septimus, yeah, it's gross here. I hope you have either a hat or a jacket with a hoodie cause the wind is insane and blowing out umbrellas.

I've been wearing my wellies the whole time so far. It isn't too cold just wet

Tomorrow is supposed to be hellish...stay dry!

[Deleted]

Dec 22, 2013 7:21:19 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Dec 22, 2013 2:27:18 GMT -5 @septimus said:

I've been wearing my wellies the whole time so far. It isn't too cold just wet

Tomorrow is supposed to be hellish...stay dry!

I'm surprised I haven't been banned from London. The last 4 visits the weather has been 50 degrees rain with gale force winds. We almost lost DS3 today walking to the Tate Modern he was literally lifted up in the wind 

[mrsukyankee]

Dec 23, 2013 12:54:50 GMT -5 @septimus said:

Dec 22, 2013 7:21:19 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Tomorrow is supposed to be hellish...stay dry!

I'm surprised I haven't been banned from London. The last 4 visits the weather has been 50 degrees rain with gale force winds. We almost lost DS3 today walking to the Tate Modern he was literally lifted up in the wind 

Holy cow! Okay, I'm now officially banning you from coming back unless you can bring sun the next time!