Boots for Christmastime in Germany?
 

Hallo,

Me and my fiancé will be going to Deutschland during Christmastime for our honeymoon! We really look forward to seeing some great sights and checking out the Christmas markets!

We live in Texas, and despite my growing up in Kansas City, neither of us are used to the cold at all. I'm trying to pick out a pair of boots to take, and was hoping that someone may be willing to offer some advice.

If you were only going to take one pair of boots to wear in Germany in late December or early January between the following two, which would you choose? Thanks a ton for your input!

These:
http://www.colehaan.com/zerøgrand-wa...C20041_width=M

Or:
http://www.colehaan.com/zerøgrand-wa...oes_ZG&start=7

I don't know need that much boot and at that price. I think it is overkill. Our experience over Christmas three years ago will a lot of light snow but not a lot of deep snow. So slush. We use the ECCO "city walker ???". It is a waterproof shoe at about half that price.

Hi GapHitter

I agree with fmpden above -- you may not need boots at all. Are you actually going to be hitting Garmisch-Partenkirchen? Are you planning to hike in the mountains?

For getting around town, all you need, yes, are waterproof walkers with good tread.

If you are planning to hike in the mountains, I would get a good hiking boot, something made for function, not style. I would look at Lowe or Salomon. You may want to buy something here in Germany, and the boot could also be a souvenir!

Have fun as you plan!

s

I would address the low temperature first then the waterproof part. I was in Germany during the Christmas market time and I froze! The temp was around 20F during my stay and went down to 17F at night while visiting markets. At this temperature, there was no water on ground but ice. My feet froze even though I wore a hiking type shoes with thick socks. For my next year's trip, I am planning to find something super warm to be able to stay on freezing ground to visit the Christmas market booths.

However, I found that they really heat the indoors, so it is necessary to switch back and forth between the two quickly. Also, you need a way to protect your head, ears, hands, and necks from the strong freezing wind.

I think that you'll see most women wearing stylish leather boots rather than mountain camp boots. It doesn't get real cold in Germany except at high altitude. Dress in layers.

oh greg. The problem was not the boots or the socks.

The problem was NOT ENOUGH GLÜHWEIN.

;;)

Hope you're planning a great trip for next year!

s

< think that you'll see most women wearing stylish leather boots rather than mountain camp boots> I could be wrong but I believe the links are to men's shoes. After all women aren't the only ones with footwear questions;).

For me the first pair are decent, even stylish. But the second pair are a mistake. They resemble those duck shoes which seem to have had an unfortunate revival and even an appearance on fashion blogs including (gasp) the Sartorialist but please make it stop! Like the lumber sexual I'm hoping they are on the way out!
OK end of rant... what does your fiancé think?

As others have already said, unless you're planning doing some hiking those are overkill. It also depends on where you will be.

Wear whatever footwear you would wear on a cold and rainy day and some warm socks. If need be, buy a pair of boots in Germany that way you get a souvenir you can wear around when you get back to the U.S.

By the wording of your post, I think I need to tell you that the Christmas Markets end on Dec 24 in the afternoon-ish. There might be a straggler or two but I wouldn't count on it.

overkill for sure, look at something a bit more stylish or wait till you get there because their boot selection is fabulous.

http://www.bornshoes.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=11471

They clear the sidewalks very well but buy some smartwool socks before you go, good wool socks will make the difference in your feet freezing.

I prefer the Cole Haan - and that is the type of boot I would wear if heading to the countryside as well as towns. If cities only I would stick with one of my regular winter booties - low pants boot with flat heel but not so industrial - but still the leather is waterproofed.

Agree that the mot important part is, preventing cold and if you get cold weather - you may not, it may stay around 40 if not in the mountains - warmer socks are a good choice. Just make sure the boot is large enough that you can easily fit your foot in - and wiggle your toes - eve with heavy socks. The worst thing is boots that are too tight and you end up with feetcicles.

<i>The worst thing is boots that are too tight and you end up with feetcicles.</i>

I thought that looking cute was more important than personal comfort.

Footwear for cold is pretty individual. We have been to Germany for 4 Christmas Market seasons and I am a walker in Salt Lake City. I like a water proof, breatheable shoe (or boot). Gore-tex lining in my low boot has served me well.

Thin wool socks ("Smart Wool") works best to keep my feet war. If I wear thick socks and compress them, they lose insulation value. Likewise if I wear cotton socks, they will lose their insulation value when they become wet (sweat or melted snow).

You definitely want Gore-Tex. And, you want good socks to go along.

We live in Minneapolis, land of ice and snow and cold. My husband walks all winter in just a regular, ankle-high, Gore-Tex-lined boot with some quality wool socks.

It usually does not get really cold in Germany before mid-January. The time of Christmas markets is more often the time of cool or cold, rainy weather with some occasional black ice during the dark hours, maybe some snow showers.
Even when there is snow it turns into ghastly, dirty slush in the cities after street cleaning put some de-icing agents on the streets and sidewalks. Our snow is also much wetter than what you get in the Rockies, and that adds to the ickiness of the whole issue.
So you run a much bigger chance to get your boots or shoes dirty every day - not sure if I wanted that with brand new and expensive footwear.
Some decently insulated, water-proof and easy to clean boots plus adequate socks would be my choice.

You definitely want Gore-tex. And you definitely want insulating inlay soles in your shoes. The latter can be obtained from any shoe shop or department store at little cost, and they do make onehelluva difference when you are standing on cold ground (Christmas markets!) I prefer the thin woollen ones with a layer of aluminium underneath.

<< I could be wrong but I believe the links are to men's shoes.>>

They are. Evidently GapHitter is a man even though he has a fiance. If he's marrying a person of opposite sex, he'd have a fiancee. Either that or GapHitter is a woman with feet that don't fit into women's shoes.

That said, you live in Texas so go to a nearby REI. Even at REI (which is not known for low prices but is known for top quality), you can get gore-tex boots for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the Cole-Haan's and the REI offerings will be made by a company that specializes in heavy duty outerwear. Cole Haan is known first and foremost for dress shoes.

I like the second one, mainly because I am not a fan of white soles on boots. Looks ugly to me. Shoes/boots disappear more when they don't stick out like that, you can wear them anywhere.

Wow, thanks a lot for all the info, guys! Way more input than I expected!

I am indeed a male, lol! I guess I need to educate myself on the usages of fiancé and fiancee... Honestly, I feel lucky when I remember to introduce her as more than my girlfriend still! :)

I guess it's quite telling that these boots were mistaken by most of you for women's boots. The reason why I tend to default to Cole Haan footwear is the experiences I've had with them in the past. I have a metal plate and rod on the inside top of my left foot. There's not much meat on that particular area of one's feet, so needless to say I have become quite picky with the shoes/boots I will wear. Though I haven't experienced many brands, I will say that Cole Haan dress shoes are one of very few dress shoes that I can consistently wear without rather serious sacrifices in overall comfort. While I do agree with most of you in regards to the exorbitant cost and flashiness of these two boots, I also feel that I could expect him quality, comfort, and functionality from them as well. I do thank you for the advice of going to REI. That would surely be the best way of picking out the best footwear for my situation.

As far as hiking... I really feel like it would be a shame to make the trip to Deutschland and not at least spend a day taking in the scenery on a short, relatively light hike. I forget the name of it, but there are mountains seemingly roughly an hour or so west/southwest of München. I believe the area is mostly known for its skiing, but I have read that there is also a significant amount of beautiful hiking trails that are relatively low traffic areas in this region as well. I would love to make this a part of the trip! However, it would only be a relatively short experience. We are only in the country for a relatively short amount of time to begin with, and unfortunately we will not have room to pack legitimate hiking gear in addition to the souvenirs that we do hope to bring back.

So... That is kind of where the idea for the boots in the 2nd link came about. Though most of our time will be spent in urban areas on potentially cold cobblestones, I am honestly quite stubborn, and would really like to bring only the boots that I will be wearing, in hopes that they will serve me well in any situation that we find ourselves in. Regardless of the make of the boots, do you guys feel that this is a realistic expectation?

Also, this group seems to be quite experienced in this particular trip we will be making. I'd like to share with you what I will be packing to get more helpful input! I grew up in the Midwest, and I believe that the winter season in Kansas City offers very similar weather to that of Germany (though maybe not as wet from the sounds of it, and also not as dependent on elevation...) I have lived in Texas for quite a while now, but do vividly remember the importance of layering! Here is currently what I have set aside for the trip:

-Luggage bag
-Kletterwerks Daypack
-Woolrich aviator hat
-light, merino wool beanie
-light, merino wool scarf
-Arcteryx lightweight, packable down jacket
-Northface venture shell jacket (I melted a hole in my current one, will have to replace, open to suggestions on alternatives)
- x3 merino wool t shirts
- x2 icebreakers merino long underwear (should I buy another pair of these?)
- icebreaker full zip merino hoody
- merino crew neck sweater
- cashmere crew neck sweater
- x2 pair of jeans
- x1 pair of Patagonia cords
- x4 pair, various mid weight synthetic socks
- x3 pair, somewhat thin merino socks

I still need to purchase footwear and a pair of gloves. I remember being very picky about gloves when I was younger, and almost felt like a lot of gloves seemed to make my fingers feel colder. Maybe they didn't fit right, I'm not sure. So I'm undecided on gloves as well.

Anyways, I really appreciate the time and advice that you guys have shared with me! Thank you! :) Please let me know if you see any obvious issues with any of the rest of my choices. Safe travels!!

Bis Später

Also, I will be wearing one outfit out of the above on the trip over, so will be packing one outfit lighter, basically.

And I greatly appreciate your concern in regards to the timeframe of the Christmas markets. We will have a couple days free before Christmas. Though we will be cutting it close, we do hope to at least spend one good night at a market!

Thanks again for all the input! If any of you have advice on things that we must see or do on our trip, please feel free to offer your input! :)

Your list looks to me like something I would take on a ski trip - or someplace REALLY cold. Munich is not that cold (at least to a New Yorker - it's usually colder here) and I would never dress like that unless outdoors the whole day. I would be dying of the heat. When you are in the town and going in and out of buildings all day I fear you may find it way too hot as soon as you get inside.

But I guess it's what you're used to. DH's niece from FL kept wanting us to turn the heat on in early summer - she was wearing a sweater and freezing when it got down to 70 - when everyone else was running around in tee shirt and shorts.

My piece of advice is to make sure you can really, really layer so when you go indoors (where it can be really warm) you can easily strip down to a comfortable weight layer of clothing. Indoors can be a lot warmer than you might anticipate.

NY, I hear you. Honestly, you probably have much more tolerance for cold than I do, and most certainly my fiancée. She gets cold very easily... I'm constantly giving her a hard time about it.

It's really hard for me to tell, as it's been so long since I've experienced that sort of climate for an extended period of time. I feel like living in Texas has surely changed my perception of what cold is. But I also remember my 1st winter in Texas surprising me, mostly because of how humid it is where we are, so I don't know.

I think all of these variables coupled with the feedback that I've heard countless times now about how the indoors are kept so warm over there does indeed validate the importance of actually having multiple wearable layers, as mentioned, in case I find myself uncomfortably warm.

I definitely don't want to pack a bunch of stuff I won't use, though. And more space for souvenirs is a very good thing! :)

I'm beginning to think that 2 pair of the icebreakers long underwear are enough now, though. If we know that we will be mostly indoors for extended periods of time, it sounds as though I may just want to wear normal underwear. Although I am quite impressed with how breathable the merino long underwear are though. Pretty nice material!

Thanks again guys! This is getting me pretty pumped up about our trip! I used to love the winters in KC as a kid! This will be a lot of fun for us!

Also, both jackets I was planning to take are relatively thin and quite packable. Neither takes up much space when not in use.

Additionally, the shell jacket would mostly be used only in the event of rain or wet snow. The Arcteryx jacket is very warm for its weight and very nice as an outer layer except in wet weather. It doesn't do very well when it gets wet.

So while I have all these layers listed above, I probably should've offered more info as to specifically how they would be used.

Thanks again for the discussions, guys! :)

Yeah, you have Arcteryx, North Face and Patagonia and I'm the one who had to suggest REI? Those are all staple brands.

And even though the cost/utility equation you used for the boots you linked is justifiable, the fact is that if you get as good or better for less, you can tell your fiancee about it and she can tell you how to spend the savings on her.

Win win, sort of.

Well, I've spent the last two Christmases in Germany and Switzerland (and will be in Germany for Christmas again this year) and I only take my Keen Voyagers...and we do quite a bit of winter hiking. We also take a pair of Yak Trax for icy trails.

Funnily enough, I'm currently waffling over whether to invest in a pair of over-the-ankle waterproof Keen boots or to go for the waterproof low Keens (I'm blister prone), but I've decided that it's time I went with waterproof as my current Keens are getting leaky.

Regarding warmth, I've been getting by with thick socks, but have recently been reunited with a pair of silk socks perfect for layering, so they're going with me.

Signed,

Function over Fashion every time

Wait. You're a dude? Take along a pair of Clark's Desert boots. Clark's makes some that have a light lining and pair that with some wool socks and you will be good to go.

http://amzn.to/1HrDJnD

And for "hiking", take what you use now.

I'm from CA and can understand why you would consider this packing list. We've been to Germany in the winter and it was cold. Then again, I've spent some time in Dallas during the winter and I packed for very cold weather every time with absolutely no regrets.

The 2nd ones look good. Rugged enough for a hike to a castle, urban enough for a museum, If you're only taking one pair. My husband has thought of taking one pair of shoes and switching the liner every day. He finally decided to be sensible and switch shoes, travel is hard on shoes.

I don't know if this is your first time in Germany. Hiking up a hill is different than taking a hill in the states. Not as rugged and when you get to the top there's a café on top to have a beer and relax.

We used to bring regular hiking boots to Germany but don't anymore because we didn't like being stuck clomping through urban areas in them.

BigRuss,

You nailed it with REI. I've gotten in a bad habit of just buying everything online. Since I have consistently had good luck with Cole Haan honestly that was pretty much the 1st thing that came to mind.

REI is at least an hour away, but for a boot purchase I think that's reasonable, especially considering I could get (functionally) the same boot for literally 1/2 the price. Being able to try them on would also be ideal compared to taking even a minor gamble with the Cole Haans.

Currently I have 2 pair of Merrel boots that I've used for pretty much any sort of outdoor activities. Only problem is both pair I think are about 4 years old now, and it wouldn't surprise me if they're not really waterproof anymore. I haven't really put them to use in a while.

I'm interested in opinions on 2 pairs of shoes being necessary. I really have been planning on taking only one pair for a while, and I feel like that should be fine. But I've read at least a couple opinions expressing the need for two pair of shoes for a trip like this. I'm trying to consider everything, so I value all opinions.

Obviously, taking 2 pair of boots/shoes would be much less of a compromise in a lot of ways. Shoes are so bulky and cumbersome though, when not worn. I really wanted to not have the extra clunky, dirty, stinky weight carry around. Maybe I should reconsider...

Thanks guys! Y'all have been extremely helpful!

God bless the French and all those effected by the horrible attacks on Friday. :(

The Fiancée's parents are suddenly fairly opposed to us carrying out our travel plans.

I understand their concerns, but I don't like the idea of my decisions being influenced by terrorists. Will the current situation change any of your travel plans for the upcoming holidays?

-Bis Später

I won't change our plans to visit Germany in December.

Hi again,

I'm in Paris now and feel no real danger. Things are closed because of the 3 days of mourning, but that's only an inconvenience.

Don't really think Germany has been affected.

I would have still come here if I had known this was going to happen, and a friend is still joining me on Saturday. Then we're going to my apartment in Garmish.

Remember that some Europeans are scared to travel to the USA because of random gun violence. What would you say to them?

I say, go!

s

Your instinct not to be controlled by terrorist is a good one. I felt that way after 9/11 and went to Italy the next month.

One never knows what will happen. This is life. Germany is not affected now, except in grief.

Enjoy your time in Germany. It's a beautiful country.

What boots did you decide on?

Glad to hear that a lot of you will be carrying on as usual. I'm hoping that a little time will help everyone see a little more clearly.

The gun violence metaphor is very interesting! Thank you for that, as I think it's a great perspective. I could go on for days about all of that, but it's unnecessary. Point taken!

I hope to head to REI next weekend to pick some boots out. There were also a couple recommendations on here that I still haven't been able to look at. But if will before I make any decisions! Thanks for all of your help!

Tschüs!

Well, I decided on the Forsake Hiking Boot from REI. Thanks for the suggestion. We also picked up a few more things for our trip.

The fiancées parents are still quite concerned, especially considering we were planning to spend a night or two in brügge...

We will see.

Bis Später

Hi, GapHitter,

just chiming in here for the first time, but where do your fiancee's parents want you to go for your honeymoon and how do they know you'll be safe there? The fact is that we never know what's in store for us - just yesterday some tourists in NZ were killed in a helicopter accident on the west coast glaciers. You could travel and see the world in perfect safety, or stay at home and get run over by a bus!

I think that you can re-assure them that security in Europe is likely to be super-tight over the next few weeks which will include the time that you are going to be here. Certainly it had been stepped up at Gatwick when we came through there on Monday and I suspect that will be the case everywhere else that you are likely to be. Brugge should be lovely [though it might be a bit chilly due to the canals, and damp cold can be very wearing] so good waterproof footwear is essential, IMO. Personally I think that two jackets is overkill - it's layers that you want like a silk vest next to your skin, then a thin washable jumper or t-shirt, possibly a cotton or woollen shirt next, then a fleece, finally a waterproof/windproof jacket. You only need one fleece and one outer layer, but more of the under layers to allow for washing, change of weather/mood etc.

also, if the long underwear is wool, I'd forget those too [or just bring one pair] and get some silk ones - much lighter and more adaptable to the sort of weather you are likely to get.

BTW, what is your fiancee bringing with her?????

Hi Bis, I loved the pair of Cole Hahn in the first link. I would take two pairs of boots/shoes - CH for form and something for dealing with dirty, slushy snow for function.

I also loved those women's Born boots someone linked to and will check those out for myself.

Just wondering if there might be an age issue here in regards to the OP and others. The CH shoes are kinda hipster (including the currently trendy white soles) versus the sensible walking shoe replies (helpful but the type of thing I would say to my daughter).

My daughter was in Germany for a month December 2010 - Jan 2011. They had a ton of snow. I guess that year must have been the exception. She had two pair of boots - form (fashion) and another pair for function. Despite the conditions she wore the fashion boots more.

I wish I could edit my comment but anyway. I just took another look at those CH in the first link. Since they are waterproof I think those boots would be a great choice for your one and only boot - both form and function.

Hey guys,

Sorry for the delay!

Honestly, I don't 100% know exactly what my fiancée is bringing. I can tell you that I talked her into base layers from icebreaker, as I've used them in the past and have been very happy with them. I also know that she's bringing a pair of Baffin snow boot things that are really tall. She's also bringing at least 1 other pair of shoes. Whereas I make it a point to travel with only what I know (or think) I'll need, this doesn't seem to be nearly as important for her. I will often have to help her lug extra stuff around. Though not ideal, I'm ok with it, as long as she's happy.

As far as the travel safety concerns with the inlaws, that battle has been won! :) We will be honeymooning in Germany. I don't criticize my inlaws for their concerns, but I don't have time to be inconvenienced by idiots.

As far as the Cole Haan's they're no doubt a little hipster, but I'm ok with a little color. To be completely honest with you, the very reason that led me to the brand in the 1st place was 100% function, as they make dress shoes that are pretty much like wearing Nikes. Though they are pretty colorful, the Cole Haan's are as functional as it gets in my eyes. These Forsakes are pretty great for an all arounder though I feel like! I think they will do just fine.

The more I'm looking at things, the more I realize I want to spend some time in the alps. There's a gorge I want to hike near Garmisch-Partenkïrchen, and a 30 minute toboggan run I want to see 45 minutes northeast of there. Does anyone know of anything we need to experience while we're in that area? I swear, the Bavarian Alps are just the most beautiful thing I think I'll ever see.

I'm already planning ahead to a september trip in the future so I can hunt Edelweiss in the Alps and rent a race car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife... I guess something to look forward to!

Auf Wiedersehen

Hi again,

I live in Garmisch, so I have a ton of things I would say are worthwhile experiencing. We did have some snow (I was on vacation in Paris at the time), with temps in the freezing range for several days. Right now, it is mild (9 deg C) and rainy.

If there continues to be no snow, there are many hiking trails you can take up to the mountain peaks or around lakes or just through rolling hills -- if you tell me your preference, I can give you some suggestions.

If it turns cold and freezing, I would suggest walking the Partnach gorge at night, on a torch-lit tour, when the frozen sheets of water over the rocks are magical.

I also love the village of Mittenwald, and I think the violin-making museum is worthwhile.

If you like peaks, ascending the Zugspitze is a good idea.

Have fun as you plan!

s