Boots for Christmastime in Germany?
Nov 8th, 2015, 07:39 PM
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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
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
Nov 8th, 2015, 07:50 PM
#2
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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.
Nov 8th, 2015, 09:07 PM
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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 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
Nov 8th, 2015, 09:33 PM
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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.
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.
Nov 8th, 2015, 10:41 PM
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< 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?
. 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?
Nov 8th, 2015, 10:51 PM
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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.
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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 03:57 AM
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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.
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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 04:44 AM
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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.
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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 05:36 AM
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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).
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).
Nov 9th, 2015, 05:52 AM
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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.
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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 07:02 AM
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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.
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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 07:06 AM
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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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 07:09 AM
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<< 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.
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.
Nov 9th, 2015, 08:56 AM
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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
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
Nov 9th, 2015, 09:02 AM
#19
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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!
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!
Nov 9th, 2015, 09:18 AM
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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.
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.
