Waterproof shoes for fall/winter walking

[Janine]

I wear my sneakers all the time. They are particularly comfortable for the 3.6-mile round trip that is home to daycare to work to daycare to home. We love this walk! We go through the University of Kentucky campus, which has interesting landscaping and lots of paths to explore. We've been doing this since we changed daycares in April. There's even a grocery store a few blocks from our route, so I can pick up emergency bananas if we run out. (Danger! Never leave the house with toddlers and without bananas!)

It rained on Monday and Tuesday this week, which reminded me that sneakers with mesh panels at the toe are not the best thing to walk in when it rains.

Can anyone recommend good urban walking shoes (mostly pavement, some grass and packed dirt paths) that are waterproof, have wide toe boxes, have good arch support (or removable insoles that I can replace), are comfortable enough for all-day wear, and are cute? I have a pair of Keen boots that I like a lot, but they are well-worn and probably should be replaced.

Actually, if you have recommendations for insoles, too, that would rock. I usually just get whatever brand the shoe store sells. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't.

Thanks!
Janine

ps. I loved all the great advice on the "what shoes do you pack" thread!

[Lani]

Janine -- I'm particular to shoes by Brooks, and they sell a couple of running shoe models that are waterproof. They use GoreTex, and they use the "GTX" suffix on their shoe models. I don't know that these would work for you, but they may be the kind of feature to look out for.

Their regular Adrenaline model: Brooks Adrenaline

Their GoreTex version of the same shoe: Brooks Adrenaline

As for insoles, it depends on what your're looking for. If you're looking for good arch supports and cushioning, you might try Superfeet insoles. If you want to spend a lot of money, the SOLE brand (designed by runner Dean Karnazes) is pretty nifty. You actually put your SOLE insoles in the oven for a couple of minutes to soften them up, and then you stand on them to get a custom orthotic-type fit. You can buy both brands at an REI store.

[123veo]

I live in Vancouver BC, so consider myself something of an expert in rain-proof footwear! I have 2 pairs of reliable shoes: New Balance W955 in Goretex and a pair of Blundstone Chunks. In fall/winter/spring, when the deluge does not let up, I live in my Blundstones. They take a wee bit of breaking-in, but once broken, they are the quintessential wet weather shoe. Here is a link that shows you all of the different varieties available (it's a link to my local dealer, but it's layed out quite nicely): Blundstone | Australian Boot Company | Largest selection of Blundstone boots, R.M.Williams boots and UGG boots outside Australia

[Tlacltme]

I wear Dansko Clogs exclusively all winter long, the closed heel "Professional" oiled leather model. I've suffered from plantar fasciitis in the recent past and I've found the Danskos have really good arch support (i must wear insoles in my sneakers/running shoes- shucks, can't remember the brand) and, while not technically "waterproof" (they are leather), I've never had a problem with my socks getting wet while wearing them. HTH! Good luck! It's tough to find just the right shoe

[dorayme]

I prefer the fit/feel/construction of Sanita every since Dansko lost their patent. I have quite a few pair of Dansko pre-patent loss and 2 pair post patent. I love them, wear them year round, and in the professional style haven't had any issues with my feet getting wet. I'm curious to see what you end up with Janine.

[Tlacltme]

ps the orthotic insoles are "Powerstep Pinnacle." They were recommended by an independent running shoe store and have really helped me a lot.

[Janine]

ps the orthotic insoles are "Powerstep Pinnacle." They were recommended by an independent running shoe store and have really helped me a lot.

Hey, thanks!

I think this is the brand that my local running store carries. I got a pair a few years ago, and the man who fitted me started with larger insoles and cut them down to fit. He actually had to cut 3 pairs because my left and right arches didn't line up with the arches in the same size of left and right insoles. That's customer service, huh?

[Janine]

I'm glad you mentioned Danskos. I have been eyeing the Professional clogs. I think they would make a great everyday shoe for me. The only reason that I don't have a pair is that I'm too chicken to pay for them, LOL. Maybe now is the time to face my fears?

[Janine]

I live in Vancouver BC, so consider myself something of an expert in rain-proof footwear! I have 2 pairs of reliable shoes: New Balance W955 in Goretex and a pair of Blundstone Chunks. In fall/winter/spring, when the deluge does not let up, I live in my Blundstones. They take a wee bit of breaking-in, but once broken, they are the quintessential wet weather shoe. Here is a link that shows you all of the different varieties available (it's a link to my local dealer, but it's layed out quite nicely): Blundstone | Australian Boot Company | Largest selection of Blundstone boots, R.M.Williams boots and UGG boots outside Australia

Ooooh! Blundstones look very interesting, and your location really does give you instant respect on the waterproof footwear issue. Thank you for the link!

[Janine]

Hey Lani. I've got Brooks sneakers right now and they work pretty well. Thanks for the names of other insoles and the GoreTex recommendation - now I've got some things to look for!

[123veo]

Oh yes, Sanitas rock too. I have the professional clogs in black leather. They are incredible shoes that I wear to work and they certainly can handle rain. But, I'm still partial to the Blunnies, particularly when it is rainingrainingrainingraining and there might be mud, or big puddles, or big, wet, sloppy dogs stepping all over your toes.

[bltkmt]

+1 on the Blundstones...I live in CT and pretty much live in my Blunnies during Fall/Winter/Spring (I have two pair). I also love the Salomon Goretex trail running shoes...very comfortable and waterproof.

[dwright17]

Janine, if you buy the Dansko professional clogs at REI and don't like them, you can return them even after you've worn them (as long as you're a member). REI is great about that, and a large reason why I get shoes there whenever I can.

[Janine]

Janine, if you buy the Dansko professional clogs at REI and don't like them, you can return them even after you've worn them (as long as you're a member). REI is great about that, and a large reason why I get shoes there whenever I can.

No kidding! That's definitely something to consider. Hubby was an REI member for a while. I wonder if his membership is up-to-date....

[Janine]

Is there any difference between Danskos and Sanitas? They look an awful lot alike.