ISO holy grail of winter shoes / boots

[Anonymous]

what I want is an attractive alternative to Merrells (http://www.zappos.com/merrell-encore-ice-black-suede-leather, so comfy, but so ugly):
* can be worn with socks, so a full shoe or low boot
* not a tall boot
* looks good enough to wear downtown, to museums, out and about (not hiking boots or traditional Uggs)
* can be worn with skinnies, boot cut, jeans, cords, cargos, maybe even dress pants (maybe, although that is probably asking too much of one shoe)
* comfortable enough for long walks (I'd like to walk at lunch for exercise, plus ~1 mile to and from metro)
* not so warm that I'd be uncomfortable wearing them inside all day
* flexible sole (rigid soles are not good for my feet)
* not a wedge (I clomp rather than walk in wedges)

And I have skinny legs, so clunky shoes look ridiculous on me.

Any suggestions? I've spent more time than I would like to admit looking around Zappos and I'm not feeling inspired.

[Anonymous]

Look at La Canadienne or Aquitalia by Marvin K. Many of them are wedges but I think there are some non-wedges that meet your criteria. Expect to spend $300-400, although they do go on sale (but somehow never the ones I want!)

[Anonymous]

Frye's Heath. I have skinny legs & wear them under bootleg jeans and over skinny jeans and leggings/rights with tunics & dresses. Really versatile & timeless.

[Anonymous]

Mine are tall, but I adore my La Canadienne boots, and would definitely recommend checking into them. I believe it's a montreal based company, so defintely geared for honest to god winter weather use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at La Canadienne or Aquitalia by Marvin K. Many of them are wedges but I think there are some non-wedges that meet your criteria. Expect to spend $300-400, although they do go on sale (but somehow never the ones I want!)

I just bought a pair of La Canadienne's and wow -- I may never buy boots elsewhere again. The ones I bought are high, so they won't work for you. However, they have a 2"+ heel and are insanely comfortable. Like, I'm 36 weeks pregnant and can wear all day comfortable. They're water-resistant (I just wipe with a damp cloth if I get any slush or mud on them, comes right off and they're suede), warm but aren't too warm to wear inside, stylish but fairly simple.

[Anonymous]

You really do want the Holy Grail! Best of luck. Agreed those Merrill's are prob comfortable but ugly as all get out. Let us know what you choose.

[Anonymous]

I have these: http://www.zappos.com/merrell-captiva-mid-waterproof-black

They are more comfy than sneakers and meet all your criteria. For me, they are the Holy Grail of winter footwear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at La Canadienne or Aquitalia by Marvin K. Many of them are wedges but I think there are some non-wedges that meet your criteria. Expect to spend $300-400, although they do go on sale (but somehow never the ones I want!)

I just bought a pair of La Canadienne's and wow -- I may never buy boots elsewhere again. The ones I bought are high, so they won't work for you. However, they have a 2"+ heel and are insanely comfortable. Like, I'm 36 weeks pregnant and can wear all day comfortable. They're water-resistant (I just wipe with a damp cloth if I get any slush or mud on them, comes right off and they're suede), warm but aren't too warm to wear inside, stylish but fairly simple.

NP here and these sound great - which ones do you have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Frye's Heath. I have skinny legs & wear them under bootleg jeans and over skinny jeans and leggings/rights with tunics & dresses. Really versatile & timeless.

Um, yeah. Those boots meet exactly none of the OP's requirements. I'm happy you like them but did you even read her question? She is looking for a cold weather boot. The Frye Heath boots don't even have a rubber sole! She would freeze wearing them! And also possibly fall on her ass.

[Anonymous]

http://www.amazon.com/ECCO-Womens-Hobart-Harness-Ankle/dp/B006OSNC5C/ref=sr_1_1?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1357143503&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Womens-Chris-Sydney-Leather/dp/B004HVGRKU/ref=sr_1_11?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1357143550&sr=1-11

http://www.amazon.com/La-Canadienne-Womens-Perla-Black/dp/B0019XYK4O/ref=sr_1_20?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1357143550&sr=1-20

http://www.amazon.com/MUNRO-DRIFTER-BLACK-LEATHER-SIZE/dp/B0043DIQJC/ref=sr_1_156?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1357143819&sr=1-156

http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Womens-Chris-Ava-Boot/dp/B006SDDVIQ/ref=sr_1_225?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1357143896&sr=1-225

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Thanks all! I've had to take a break from the online world M-F, so this is the first I've been able to get back to you.

I'm going to try some La Canadiennes I found on sale. I tried a pair of Clarks (too tight in the toes) and a pair of Patagonia (rubbed my ankles) without success thus far. Fingers crossed while I wait impatiently for Wednesday's UPS delivery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at La Canadienne or Aquitalia by Marvin K. Many of them are wedges but I think there are some non-wedges that meet your criteria. Expect to spend $300-400, although they do go on sale (but somehow never the ones I want!)

I just bought a pair of La Canadienne's and wow -- I may never buy boots elsewhere again. The ones I bought are high, so they won't work for you. However, they have a 2"+ heel and are insanely comfortable. Like, I'm 36 weeks pregnant and can wear all day comfortable. They're water-resistant (I just wipe with a damp cloth if I get any slush or mud on them, comes right off and they're suede), warm but aren't too warm to wear inside, stylish but fairly simple.

NP here and these sound great - which ones do you have?

The Marilyn boot: http://www.lacanadienneshoes.com/us/marilyn-black-suede.html?___store=us_english&___from_store=us_english&countrySelection=us

They're wide calf, though, so if you have thin calves, they won't work. My calves are 15 3/4" and it's a pretty perfect fit.

I should also amend my earlier comment to say that they do get a bit warm inside. But I'm 37 weeks pregnant, in a sweater dress, tank top, tights and boots, so it might not be the boots alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Thanks all! I've had to take a break from the online world M-F, so this is the first I've been able to get back to you.

I'm going to try some La Canadiennes I found on sale. I tried a pair of Clarks (too tight in the toes) and a pair of Patagonia (rubbed my ankles) without success thus far. Fingers crossed while I wait impatiently for Wednesday's UPS delivery.

What'd you get? I'm in the same boat and have been waiting for an update.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at La Canadienne or Aquitalia by Marvin K. Many of them are wedges but I think there are some non-wedges that meet your criteria. Expect to spend $300-400, although they do go on sale (but somehow never the ones I want!)

I just bought a pair of La Canadienne's and wow -- I may never buy boots elsewhere again. The ones I bought are high, so they won't work for you. However, they have a 2"+ heel and are insanely comfortable. Like, I'm 36 weeks pregnant and can wear all day comfortable. They're water-resistant (I just wipe with a damp cloth if I get any slush or mud on them, comes right off and they're suede), warm but aren't too warm to wear inside, stylish but fairly simple.

NP here and these sound great - which ones do you have?

The Marilyn boot: http://www.lacanadienneshoes.com/us/marilyn-black-suede.html?___store=us_english&___from_store=us_english&countrySelection=us

They're wide calf, though, so if you have thin calves, they won't work. My calves are 15 3/4" and it's a pretty perfect fit.

I should also amend my earlier comment to say that they do get a bit warm inside. But I'm 37 weeks pregnant, in a sweater dress, tank top, tights and boots, so it might not be the boots alone.

wow Preggo mama. these boots are sexy!!

[Anonymous]

These are my everyday casual winter boot. They are very comfortable and waterproof:
http://www.zappos.com/la-canadienne-blanche-black-leather
They are also cuter on than in the picture.

I have two older pairs of La Canadienne, the style is similar to this
http://www.zappos.com/la-canadienne-passion

and this
http://www.zappos.com/la-canadienne-rimes-black-neptune-leather#prdInfo