10th Commandment: January 14
Jan 14, 2013
The weather in D.C. is truly terrible. It’s that spitting, wet, not-quite-rain/not-quite-snow that defines Washington winters. And one of the questions that I always receive when the weather turns like this is “What kind of shoes do you wear on your morning commute?”
Sometimes, I wear Wellies, but if I can’t be seen carrying rubber boots around, I give my leather tall boots a good coat of Frye weatherproof spray and wear those with wool socks. I can usually get away with it if I’m wearing very opaque black tights and a structured dress. Here are a few options.
Elected Official
Cole Haan Flat Boots (Bloomingdale’s, $244)
Hill Staffer
Sofft Claremont Riding Boots (DSW, $90)
Paid Intern
Dana Buchman Tall Boots (Kohl’s, $40)
Need boots for wider calves? Some readers swear by Fitzwell or J.CREW’s extended calf boots.
Have narrow calves? Try this pair from NYLA or this pair from Michael Kors.
I bought a pair of classy-looking rain boots, ones that looked like tall black equestrian boots rather than Wellies (I love Wellies, but I was tired of having to carry them around all day at work). Gilt usually has some great flash sales with these, so you don't have to pay full price.
I have the Sofft Claremont riding boots, and I love them! No need to buy one of the other two.
Perhaps this is a silly question, but don't the elastic portions of boots like this leak horribly? It's one of the reasons I've always been reluctant to invest in a pair.
J — if it's raining/snowing enough that you needs to worry about elastic portions of boots leaking, then you probably shouldn't be wearing leather boots outside. I ruined lovely pair of black tall boots before I wised up that leather + puddles + snow melting chemicals don't mix. If there's more than a half-inch of stuff on the ground, I wear galoshes or my snow boots.
With all the rain recently I’ve been searching your site for some good shoe options. I get way too hot to wear boots – any other shoe suggestions for all the rainy summer commutes recently?
They are expensive, but if you can find a good deal Aquatalia boots are the best around. Stylish, waterproof, and many styles are insulated. They are also great if you have narrow calves.