Boots for Chicago Winter
Looking for recommendations for a good pair of boots for Chicago winters, I’m moving up in January from Florida. I’ll be working hybrid (3 days in office, two days remote), and dress is casual at the office.
Was looking at Sorel, Solovair, and LL Bean, but looking for other recommendations.
16 Replies
Do you walk, take public transit, or drive? Do you want them for work days or all around use? Will you be shoveling snow in them, will you be walking through snow with them?
As a former Chicagoan I'd recommend L.L. Bean. If you get the unlined boots, be sure that they fit your feet when wearing thick socks--you need to consider whether you can wear them when it's below zero.
Sorels are pretty common there--most people I know who have them say they're functionally very good but I don't care for the look.
I plan on commuting, using public transit. Want them (ideally) for both work and general use - can always change into sneakers in the office when I get there. Won’t need to shovel snow as I’m selling my car before I move up. Idk if i’ll be walking through snow in them, maybe a native chicagoan can shed some light on if i’ll need to.
Yeah would probably get the lined boots
You will absolutely be walking through snow. If you live more than a half mile outside the loop your neighbors will not consistently shovel their sidewalks.
If you're downtown you'll just be walking through the occasional sleet
Yep. Get proper winter boots, waterproof, lined, warm and comfy. Keep nice shoes at work.
I’ll go against the grain on this one. I almost never wear my insulated boots in Chicago and I’ve lived here for over 15 years. Generally in the winter I’m wearing leather boots (Danners, White’s, Aldens, or whatever) with darn tough socks and that is more than enough to keep my feet warm and dry unless I’m truly spending hours outside or it’s -20 degree polar vortex conditions. YMMV.
I also didn't get insulated boots, I just wore warm socks when it got cold. That also let me use them as rain boots in warmer weather.
I wear Bean Boots here when it's wet and cold out. Otherwise just normal boots with chunky socks. If you don't have any boots in your wardrobe, then starting with Bean makes sense to me. They'll make good beaters down the line.
any specific bean boot recommendations? looking at these ones but some of the reviews say they’re really hard to get on and off
L.L.Bean
Men's Storm Chaser 5 Chelsea Boots | Snow at L.L.Bean
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L.L.Bean
Men's 8" L.L.Bean Boots: The Original Duck Boot
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Or one of the insulated versions
Personally I use the uninsulated pair you posted the most. I have the goretex/thinsulate version too but it’s overkill 99% of the time.
L.L.Bean
Men's Bean Boots, 8" Insulated | L.L.Bean Boots at L.L.Bean
Find the best Men's Bean Boots, 8" Insulated at L.L.Bean. Our high quality Men's Boots are thoughtfully designed and built to last season after season.
these ones?
or the flannel lined ones:
L.L.Bean
Men's Bean Boots 8", Flannel-Lined Insulated | L.L.Bean Boots at L....
Find the best Men's Bean Boots 8", Flannel-Lined Insulated at L.L.Bean. Our high quality Men's Boots are thoughtfully designed and built to last season after season.