Sneaker boots - if the dorky look is to be avoided:
If you want them to actually wear them, you need to let them pick them out. I just did that with my daughter. She chose a pair of Uggs. Not great for dealing with snow, but they are really warm and great for when you will be wearing them for hours at a time. The most important thing is that she’ll wear them. Have your son pick out a pair and you pay for them. I live in Minnesota and I’d recommend Sorel brand boots.
D went from California to grad school in Boulder,Co. I could have suggested boots for her, but it was MUCH better that she looked around at what everyone else was wearing and chose her own. She ended up with Sorrells (Joan of Arctic) and loved them. Not something I would have guessed in a million years she would have chosen. But that’s what everyone was wearing and recommending to her there in Boulder. ----and not what anyone around here wears.
I’d agree with footing the bill as a gift, but letting him choose what boots. Unless boys are different that way.
Yep…that’s what I’ve been saying. Offer to pay for boots IF your son wants them. And then let him choose what he wants to get.
If your kid tends to get cold feet, the duck boots won’t be warm enough. Waterproof, yes, but warm, no.
The OP started a thread on the Michigan forum…and they are suggesting…Sorels and Timberland.
And it’s for the OP’s cousin.
Anything bought at LL Bean or REI will be practical, warm, and long-wearing.
Ditto on the smart wool socks! Just as important as the boots.
And @thumper1, the weather in the upper Midwest tends to feel colder to someone who’s never experienced a cold winter before.
We live in the South, D attends school in Maryland. Having spent every Christmas in Boston, she thought she didn’t need snow boots, never having needed them while visiting. First snowstorm, we were on the phone with her express ordering boots (and the heavier ski jacket she didn’t think she needed) from Sierra Trading Post. Walking around campus and the city is a lot different from walking from your car to a house…
S is smarter, he’s planning to attend school in the MIdwest so we just bought him a pair of Sorel duck-type snow boots at DSW for a great price.
Buying shoes is tricky though. Perhaps a gift certificate to somewhere like REI or Sierra Trading Post, which would allow him to pick out what he likes, would be an option?
I checked out Sorel, Merrell and Timberland websites yesterday and they had sales from 25% to 50% off.
My D liked some Timberland boots and was not sure if she should size up and I think their return policy was very generous. They also had a chat function.
So check out the websites and return policies, might get a good deal online.
I do agree to let them pick out what they like.
For ladies who would prefer a dressier boot, I highly recommend looking at Blondo, La Canadienne, and Aquatalia. All three are sold at 6PM. All three brands make waterproof boots.
I have two pairs of Aquatalia boots. They are waterproof for sure, and really look nice…but the are not warm…unless I wear warm socks with them. Mine are leather. Knee high. And I do love them!
I do not agree that everything blight at LLBean will be warm. The uninsulated duck boot is not a warm boot…it just isn’t.
Thanks everyone! I ended up checking with him and we’re getting Timberland 6" boots. As I suspected, he wouldn’t be interested in actual snow shoes, but these seem to be popular on campus. I know I was probably overthinking it, but we’re not from a snow area so this is all very new to me!