Too much $$$: Underwear, tall winter boots

[shootingstar]

I already have the boots I use for snowshoeing..for pants at office. Even though not comfortable, the top edges rub against my top ankles..even through some socks and loosening up the laces abit. I end up with bleeding skin, then bandaids..

But looking for knee high boots that are warm ..to keep legs warm (even when I wear dress pants) and when I do wear a skirt. (Thx, NBY for the product link. I had never heard of that Canadian shoe firm before. But I haven't looked too hard for winter boots for past few years until now.)

Yes, I still wear one occasionally.... at work. Meaning boots for business wear that are practical, etc.

It's just cold out there! -27 degrees C today.

I know, I know such practical women you all are...

[redrhodie]

How about these?

http://www.zappos.com/keen-hoodoo-hi...black-gargoyle

I have a pair of short Keen winter boots, and they're very warm. I've had them 2 years and am very happy with them.

[skhill]

I feel your pain-- I'm looking for a new pair of winter boots right now also. My old ones are 8 yrs old (I think), water-resistant work boots with some insulation but no steel toes, and now they leak. I'm just glad my feet are big enough for men's boots (barely)-- they're so much more likely to be practical than most of the women's models... they're a bit ugly, but so what, if my feet are warm and dry...

[lph]

I know, I know such practical women you all are...

Isn't that why you're asking us?

Do you work outside or have to go out to meetings and look presentable?
I don't, so I can get away with looking like the Michelin man until I get indoors. Below -15 deg C I just find it a huge PITA dressing any way but practical, so I wear hiking boots, lined overpants and a down jacket, and if I want to wear a skirt or dress at work I'll change into it once I get there.

[malkin]

Sierra Trading Post.

[smurfalicious]

My ranch hand buddy that had to work outdoors year round, naturally, swore by White's. They were also the choice of all the kids that did wildfire back home. I think for what you get, they're pretty reasonably priced, but don't expect them to be pretty.

I inherited some nice Columbia snow boots from a friend and I LOVE them. When my stupid snowshoes broke on their first outing I had to hike out on the road in them and I was pretty happy with um.

[NbyNW]

Shootingstar, I hear you about the sticker shock on these more fashionable winter boots you're looking for. I have a process that helps me rationalize the more 'spendy' purchases:

- can I make the item myself?
- what purpose does it really serve for me to own this item? how long will it last? do I feel like I will get good value for the life of the item?
- where/how was it made? do I feel reasonably assured that the people who made the item, from design through production, earn a reasonable wage? same questions about the retailer -- are they compensating their employees well, do profits stay in the community or do they go to a corporate HQ far away?
- are there other ethical considerations involved in the manufacture of this product would incent/disincent me to buy it?

At the end of the day, I may waffle on plunking down the money, but I have rarely regretted it once I decide to bite the bullet. If I buy a quality item that lasts for a long time, that actually may be cheaper in the long run, as opposed to buying "disposable" items that need to be replaced more often.

[Crankin]

There are certain things I will pay full price for, as I firmly believe in the adage "you get what you pay for." Winter boots are one of those things. I have a pair of ankle length Uggs I bought on TE at a discount, years ago. I love the warmth, but I suspect they were on sale because the zippers don't stay up well. Other than that, I have my hiking shoes I use for snow shoeing or walking and a pair of Merrell Mocs I wear walking out to my garage and into work when it's icy or snowy. Then I change into my shoes. But, I wanted warm, fashionable boots this year. I have a couple of pairs of unlined fashion type boots, definitely not for when it's super cold. I had seen people walking around in Cambridge with high, wedge heeled boots that looked warm, but after trolling the internet for months at my usual sites, visiting DSW, I found nothing, even though I saw people wearing what I wanted. So, I went to a local shoe store and of course, there they were, Uggs, in my size (which is also a deal breaker, as some shoes don't even come in a 6). They were expensive, but exactly what I wanted and super warm, suede, with a roll down fleecy top. So, I told DH not to buy me a birthday gift and I was more than happy to pay full price.