Recommendations on shoes for rain/snow (READ: Urbana, Illinois in the winter) UPDATED:Do I need snow pants too?

[axelfox]

I'm in the market for some shoes that will keep my feet dry while I'm in the rain and snow for the upcoming season. I'm tired of wearing sneakers and having to change socks every few hours. Something like a trail or hiking shoes (nike ACG style?). I'm looking at REI.com right now. I'll be at Univ. Illinois at Urbana this winter, so i think i might need some shoes for the snow.

EDIT: I'm from socal, so I have hardly a clue what a b!tchin storm is. All I know is I need some shoes for the upcoming rain and winter season.

UPDATE 10-27
I found some snowboarding pants for 76 bux. I dunno if thats cheap in terms of snow pants. Do I need some snow pants for where I'm going? Or will jeans do OK?

BTW, I picked up some waterproof (I think) low tops by The North Face I found on sale.

 

[Dan]

I grew up in Vermont. You want a serious boot that stands up to snow and cold? Look no further: L.L. Bean.

 

[Farbio]

go with something that has goretex in my experience, but then again the last time i needed shoes for serious winter weather, was quite a few years....

 

[Locutus of Board]

Sandals.

 

[axelfox]

Man, I'm from SoCal, so I haven't really experienced a wicked cold other than when I go camping during the winter time. I'll need something that I can wear day in and day out, and of course, waterproof. Thanks for the suggestions!

Do you think I'll need some snow pants or something? Or will jeans be OK? I'll be at Univ. Illinois, Urbana.
Anybody else?

Dan

 

[Gatsby]

Urbana in the winter in the middle of cornfields is not that bad.

I would suggest being a native Chicagoan with many friends down at Chambana, something tahts water proof and kinda heavy duty.

Water proof is the big thing though. DOn;t want to get your socks wet walking to class. I personally prefer hiking boots as my winter shoes but tahts me. Just find something waterproof and you should be fine.

Gatsby

 

[Stark]

Sorels.Link

 

[AndrewR]

I love my Vasque Goretex boots, but they are leather, which I wouldn't recommend because it will be abused severely by rock salt on the roads and sidewalks (unless you take very good care to clean them -- yeah, that'll happen in college!). Check out nylon Goretex boots, which Vasque has (Clarion II was one pair I used to see). I would definitely go with boots over low shoes since the snow will likely go over your ankles!

 

[cxim]

axel,

you are going to need more than boots.

Think Down, down coats, etc

maybe a full snowmobile suit

Man, I feel for you... you have no idea what cold is like yet.

Lands End

 

[Soybomb]

What? You pansies, I'm like an hour and a half to two hours south of Urbana. It doesn't get that cold I go out in the snow frequently without a coat, you get used to it after a week or two. I usually just wear my tennis shoes unless the snow is like 6 inches deep then some hiking type boots are good enough. I say don't waste your money yet man, see what happens and what your body demands! hehe

 

[oldandquitemad]

RED WINGS.

The FINEST footwear made in the known universe.

I am under the impression redwingsguy works for them? Talk to him.

 

[Psychoholic]

Timberland the most comfortable footwear known to man.

 

[Frenchie]

Merrell

hi-tec

 

[axelfox]

Bumpage

 

[vi edit]

Red Wings!!!!

I bought a pair of Red Wings Gore-TEX boots from them my freshman year of college. I'm out of college and they are still going strong.

They've also been through 3 fear factory concerts, God Smack, White Zombie, and Ozz Fest too

best $150 I've ever dropped in a boot.

BTW - I grew up in Illinois and Iowa. The salt and other grime ain't that bad as long as you keep the leather in good shape. Buy the spray on leather treatment from the Red Wings shop.