Moved from the beach to the mountains and need to prep for the upcoming winter. Gonna be hitting the thrift stores and online markets trying to find some snow boots. Where I’m at it doesn’t get super cold very often so I don’t think I need heavy insulation. I just need traction in snow and on ice. What brands should I keep my eye open for, to get a boot that will last me a few seasons?
[off topic]
Buy some heavy duty socks.
Done and done. Got plenty for snowboarding
I bought Vans Sk8-Hi MTE goretex boots for something to wear to the ski area on snowboard days. Thinking I could stomp around the parking lot slush and throw them on for powder days as my kind of driving shoes.
That was like 3-4 winters ago and they are still going strong. I use them a lot more than I planned and in a lot more ways. I wear them in the rain and sometimes all day at work if rhe weather is crappy. They have never leaked and show hardly any wear. They even became my winter hiking and snowshoe footwear. They should be thrashed but they are like new, way outlasting fancy hiking boots from other brands.
Obviously the style is what it is, they look like big sneakers and have a flat sole. The grip of the sole is amazing, they are pretty great.
The fit is typical goretex shoe where they are kind of roomy and something you might want to try on rather than order online. They don’t stretch or break in, the shape is pretty much set because of the goretex. They are fully waterproof and have a mid-weight insulation.
It’s always the canvas and never the construction that ended my vans. I’d believe their non canvas shoes would hold up well, thanks.
And put a plastic bread bag between your socks and boots if your boots aren’t waterproof
Talk to the locals and maybe try a few different kinds from the thrift store before going hardcore BIFL. Snow is no big deal, you just want something waterproof with decent treads. I got through many Boston and NY winters just fine with those green duck-looking boots. If you’re going out on a glacier or something, you might need something more hardcore.
Yea my plan is to find something at a thrift store, I’m just working a minumum wage job so I’m trying to minimize multiple buys. But good call talking to the locals I’ll ask some of my coworkers what they use
When i have to do stuff in the snow i wear rubber boots, warm socks, and neoprene toe covers (my toes go numb).
A good pair of rubber boots can be used for winter, mud, yardwork, etc. So, while maybe not BIFL, the versatility makes them definitely worthwhile to have and certainly not wasteful.Right on, any rubber boot suggestions?
I don’t have specific brand recs, but what i looked for were fully rubber boots that were calf-high. No fancy designs, no materials that will wear out, just rubber boots that i can jam an insole in if necessary.
Mine weren’t bought from anywhere fancy, probably Walmart before i started boycotting it. Admittedly, i don’t wear them a ton but they’ve lasted well from mud-trudging, winter snow work, and mowing the lawn here and there.I should add that they wouldn’t be ideal for ice traction, specifically.
Sorry i don’t have a better recommendation! Just wanted to share an option to consider because i think good rubber boots are BIFL in nature.
Yea I hadn’t considered rubber boots, but it’s something to think about. Thanks for sharing
Two options for you:
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NEOS (New England over shoes). Think of them as waterproof socks over your normal shoes / boots. I’ve worn mine over my leather moccasins house slippers. I’ve had my pair for over a decade in a cold / wet / northern climate and they’re beat up but still waterproof
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XTRATUF rubber boots. Particularly if it’s not super cold. I have a pair that go to my knees for working in the mud and muck, but I used them while snow blowing last year and they were dry, grippy and warm
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Also check online thrift shops like thread up. Most of them only do womens and kids clothing because apparently adult men don’t get rid of their clothes very often. If your feet fit women’s shoe sizes, regardless of your identity, it can be a great way to save a lot of money.
Good idea but I’d need Peggy Hill to be selling something that’ll fit my big ol clodders
I personally love my Solomon boots. Light and durable and warm. Would hightly recommend.
Right on I’ll keep my eye open for Solomon as I’m perusing, thank you
Useful resource
This is great thanks!
Wyoming (Grand Teton Mountains) resident here. Where exactly are you going? You can DM me if you do not want to share.
Boots and socks are not things you want to go cheap with. Most other mountain gear you can get second hand and from thrift stores, but boots, socks, and gloves should be top tier.
If indeed it doesn’t get very cold, then the YakTrax suggestion is probably what you need.
