Suggestions for Walking Shoes/Boots for Winter in Europe

jtevans1991 on 07/10/2017 - 09:06
Last edited 08/10/2017 - 10:13

Hi all,

I'm travelling around Europe in December/January and was looking at buying a pair of shoes/boots. The main things which I'm looking for in a pair of shoes/boots are:

  • comfort as I'll be doing lots of walking not only around cities but day trips to highlands
  • waterproof which I'm assuming should help if I'm occasionally walking in the snow as well as the rain
  • warmth as my feet get cold easily
  • ideally something which still looks good (I've seen some walking/hiking shoes which don't look as trendy).

I've briefly looked at Merrel, Timberlands, Kathmandu… are these the types of places I should be looking?

Any suggestions for brands or shoes/boots which may fit my needs would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Jeremy

EDIT: I went over to DFO to see what they had there. I went to Roadhouse and the guy there said these boots would be well suited: http://www.roadhouse.net.au/sport-cuff-wp-2.0/p75567-035.asp….

They were comfy and I liked the style.

Has anyone had these before or know of the brand? I found them for a bit cheaper on Amazon so I'm considering getting them from there.

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2017 - 09:21

    I took a pair of brand new leather soled RM Williams and landed in 4ft snow in Austria when I was about 20. I was told it would be a bad idea and I would have no grip etc. Nothing could be further from the truth. They were amazing; warm, 100% waterproof, comfortable (like a glove), hard wearing and could dress up to go to a nice bar or dress down to backpack through Eastern Europe. They did thousands of kilometres walking over probably 4 or 5 backpacking trips in my 20s, and didn't miss a beat. Loved those shoes, and now own another 3 pairs.

    • SydStrand on 07/10/2017 - 16:00

      I own two pairs of RMs but I wouldn't buy them for OP's trip. Forget about the fact that Craftsmen now start at $550, you'll do real damage to the leather in snow and slush (especially if it's salted), non-existent sole tread, they're also unlined, so you need to size up for thick socks, and the sides aren't waterproofed.

      • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2017 - 17:08

        Dude, telling you they take no damage at all, and they provide good grip. They might be unlined but they are warm because they fit around your foot like a sock. The are waterproof up to the elastic, and that won’t let any water in unless you completely submerge it, which is good enough.

        • Baghern on 13/08/2018 - 21:55

          RM Williams changed tanning process, China I believe around 9 years ago

          I have 2 pairs, one bought just before that, one after, the one before that stil in good condition. the other ones I've totally worned out and thrown away last year.

          I'd say Rm Williams are really good for 5 years or so depending on usage.

          I have no idea what type you got, but there is no version that is amde for snow, you just lucked out for whatever reason

  • klonky on 07/10/2017 - 10:16

    I have a pair of Oboz Wind Rivers which I have had for a couple of years. By far the best boots I've had and could highly recommend Oboz to others.
    If you're going to be doing a lot of walking, get a boot with a relatively stiff sole. Grab the toe and heel and try to twist in opposite directions. If you can't then they will be more comfortable for longer walks otherwise the twisting will tire your feet quicker.

  • bobkin on 07/10/2017 - 10:41

    You might find something from Rossi boots that fits the bill

  • altomic on 07/10/2017 - 12:29

    I had dr martens when I backpacked across Europe in my youth for 3 months. Grip and decent soles to insulate from the cold and stop/reduce slipping in icy conditions. Had a pocket size shoe shine kit to keep them clean and shiny. Wore them to the opera in Budapest. Wore them through the snow in Sarajevo and hiking through Turkey.

  • jtevans1991 on 07/10/2017 - 14:09

    I went over to DFO to see what they had there. I went to Roadhouse and the guy there said these boots would be well suited: http://www.roadhouse.net.au/sport-cuff-wp-2.0/p75567-035.asp….

    They were comfy and I liked the style.

    Has anyone had these before or can comment on them? I also don't need them until December so not sure if they'll go on sale possibly before then.

  • SydStrand on 07/10/2017 - 15:53
    +1

    Bean boots Leather upper and rubber soles. Water and snow proofed. Picked up a pair in the states years ago but now they ship here, and price is great for what you get.

  • shortblack9 on 08/10/2017 - 09:11
    +1

    Avoid Keen Shoes. I purchased a pair of walking/hiking shoes and the rubber sole had no wet weather grip. It drizzled quite a bit when I was in the south of France, and I found the shoes extremely slippery on paved walk ways and cobbled streets. In addition, it was almost impossible to walk on grassy hills without slipping.

  • esty on 14/08/2018 - 10:53

    For general use - A pair of timberlands should do the trick

    For something sturdier or snow, an appropriate hiking boot, e,g check out the range from Kathmandu and the like.

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