leather snow boots

[Costi]

To avoid all-synthetic or moon boots, what kind of leather boots should be commissioned for walking on snow and ice in temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius where cold is the enemy rather than humidity? Double leather / rubber soles? Fur / leather lined ? Other insulating layers - which and where? Ideal cut to keep the snow out?

[yachtie]

A shell cordovan balmoral boot with either a double leather sole or a lugged rubber sole. You're best insulation would be to have them lasted to fit a thicker wool sock. This is fairly popular here ( where 5 degrees celsius is positively balmy!) It's a blucher but you get the idea.

[Costi]

You're best insulation would be to have them lasted to fit a thicker wool sock.

That's exactly what I asked for and what the shoemaker advised, as opposed to fur lining the entire boot. Thanks for your suggestions!
I was thinking of a somewhat higher boot of the type you posted, with a flap covering the laces fixed with two straps and buckles on the side.
I also received a valuable suggestion to fur line the shaft.
I wonder if a double leather sole will insulate well enough from cold (and moisture), or it takes a rubber sole to do that well... Any experiences?

[alden]

Costi

So you have finally decided to do it..the Yukon Mounted Police, North Pole squadron. Great career move for you. But, do not put fur in the boot because when the fur gets soaked (as it will) it will not dry fast enough.

Leather is not the solution for extreme weather. If you are in humid climes the boot will not dry overnight or even in a couple of days. What you need is a rubber boot, thermal lined, with a leather shaft. The Canadians make them, Sorel is one brand:

http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/dept.asp?dept_id=306

Good luck, eh?

Michael

[Cantabrigian]

To avoid all-synthetic or moon boots, what kind of leather boots should be commissioned for walking on snow and ice in temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius where cold is the enemy rather than humidity? Double leather / rubber soles? Fur / leather lined ? Other insulating layers - which and where? Ideal cut to keep the snow out?

I can't imagine any sort of leather sole being particularly useful in the snow.

I fund that even a topy is a little slippery in the snow. If these boots are really intended for that purpose, I think you really have to go with some sort of rubber sole.

[pagean]

I can heartily concur with Mr Alden. I wore a pair of Sorels during the winter of 1995-1996 when I did a marketing internship for Killington Ski Resort in Vermont. This particular pair were rated for temperatues up to -100 F. Felt like wearing slippers in the snow. Still wearing them to this day

[yachtie]

Sorels are functional , to be sure, but not very dressy- more suitable for snowmobiling than walking around town. Lugged soles are sufficient for that. I agree that fur lining would be a mistake. Actually, in my experience, leather has a somewat better grip than smooth vibram/dianite. My Alden Indy boots make great skates(!) Lugs are superior though.

[RWS]

For what it's worth, as one who not only lives in cold and snowy New England but has lived in colder and snowier climes (yes, they do exist: parts of Europe, Colorado): for best protection and warmth, I wear something like the Sorels or the apparent original, L. L. Bean's (still made in the States, astonishingly, even though Sorel's off-shored to China and Viet-Nam), but only, of course, if I'm not dressed for business (I have seen such boots paired with imitation black tie -- which won't surprise any Lounger, I'm certain, considering the absurdities confronting us daily); for business, if I must wear a real snow-biting boot, I actually put on a well-polished and carefully maintained pair of black combat boots from my distant past: superb grip, fairly warm (dependent largely upon the hose worn), and their legs easily camouflaged with trousers. Now, if only we could do something about those bulbous toe boxes . . . .

[pagean]

Also have a pair of the LL Beans. They're quite legendary. An excellent company that stands behind its products in a manner that few can match.

[alden]

Speaking of LLBean, I was in the market for a pair of their hunting boots so I looked at their site and catalogue. I hadn't seen their products in a decade. Two things shook me (because LLBean is a US monument in the apparel trade): almost all LL Bean products are "imported" and there are very few made in natural fibers. Very sad state of affairs in yupsterland.

[Costi]

And North Pole it is, dear Mr. Alden - north of the Arctic Circle. For a couple of weeks only. Mounted? - maybe occasionally, on a sleigh
Thank you all for your valuable suggestions!
I do have something similar to Sorels, I am just not crazy about their looks. They are certainly appropriate and practical for the intended purpose (and they shall be in my luggage), but I would gladly do without if an all-leather boot worked just as well.
All advice I have received goes against fur lining (mainly for the reason stated by Mr. Alden), so I gave up the idea.
I am counting on the low temperatures to keep the leather from getting soaked and I commissioned this evening a pair of 22-24 cm high lace-up boots (no hooks) with an 8-9 cm tall flap held in place by a strap with buckle at the top so I can tighten them around the leg to keep the snow out. I'll use a thick calf leather (the shoemaker's best offer) and grease it up before use. Leather lined, double leather soles with 2 mm rubber topies with an anti-slip profile. Removable leather insoles with a felt support. Bellows tongue. Measurements have been taken with a thick wool sock on and the boot will be built on a larger last. I pray and hope it works with the frigid weather up there!

[dopey]

Some general advice for extended cold-weather travel that may not be applicable to your circumstances:

If you will be in cold temperatures continually, stay away from leather at all costs, no matter what the treatment. The safest option is to use double plastic boots or other synthetic sorrell types with a removable liner. Your shoes, socks, etc. will get wet from the inside during normal use and freeze overnight without your body heat, making them stiff and dangerous the next day. If you have a removable liner, you can keep that with you when you sleep and your body heat will dry them out or at least keep them from freezing solid.

If you will be sleeping indoors with a heat source, don't worry about this.

[Algernon]

For urban use, another factor that tells in favour of rubber soles for wear in the snow is the salt that is always thrown around...

[Costi]

Dopey, you are certainly right with your remarks on leather boots. Inadequate clothing may ruin a Polar expedition, but I don't feel up to the task of embarking on one. Mine is more of a sightseeing expedition in tough climate conditons However, to facilitate the drying of the boot overnight (indoors), I thought about using removable woolen insoles.
Algernon, on one hand I expect there won't be much salt where I plan to take these boots and on the other hand I hope the thick rubber topies will help protect the soles. To tell the truth, had I been able to source a good quality rubber sole in a very short time, I may have used one. I hope the double leather sole + topies will compensate in terms of thermal insulation (they look similar to those in yachtie's post, but they will be glued rather than sewn to the sole).

[Gruto]

Some general advice for extended cold-weather travel that may not be applicable to your circumstances:

If you will be in cold temperatures continually, stay away from leather at all costs, no matter what the treatment.

I agree that most of the times synthetic materials are better suited for winter sports and deep cold than wool, cotton and leather. That said, for centuries the Samis in northern part of Norway have avoided loosing feet and toes in reindeer skin boots like these:

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/Home/G ... y-201.html