Snow or winter boots?
 

Hi,
I'm going to Moscow and St. Petersburg from March 14 to 22, 2008.I wonder if I should wear snow boots or just winter boots.I have the impression snow boots are not comfortable for all day walking. Any suggestions? I researched weather and it could be -15 to -5C degrees.
Any suggestions on how to dress for that weather?
Thanks.

I would not be happy spending long periods outside in those temperatures and I agree that many snow boots are not ideal for ideal walking but might fit the conditions!

I'd wear my sherling Merrels which are very warm and comfortable for walking but I still wouldn't be outside for long periods!

whttp://www.sierratradingpost.com/Reviews/96459_Merrell-Primo-Stitch-High-Boots-For-Women.html



My boots are black.

Never been to either place although they are on my short list. But, I live in a similar climate and have dealt with these conditions most of my life.

Two things to keep in mind as far as boots are that you need some room for circulation and you want your feet to stay dry. If the boots are too tight, your feet will be cold. Unless you are walking around in the middle of a blizzard, my guess is that the sidewalks will be kept shoveled so deep snow shouldn't be an issue. You will also want something that is waterproof, preferably Gore-tex so your feet can breathe, because if the temperatures go above freezing and the snow starts to melt the slush will be a real mess. Keep in mind too that you may be climbing over accumulated piles of old snow at corners.

All in all, I vote for something other than a snow boot. I only wear my snow boots for walks at home when there is lots of deep, fresh snow. Otherwise, I've found that I frequently wear my hiking boots with wool socks when taking walks. Soles with good traction are very important too because if there is a freeze thaw cycle, sidewalks can become slick with ice.

I would say good walking shoes, with a profile, and thick socks are the way to go. Remember global warming affects Moscow too and it could be a lot warmer than past records show. This week, for instance, the daytime temp there varies between +1 and -7. Normally it would be a lot colder now.
Last year in March daytimes temps were above freezing from about 9 March.
http://www.flymig.com/weather/monthl...s/Mar.2007.htm

My friend is a flight attendent and flies to Moscow at least once a month and says it is ridiculously cold. I had bought a pair of awesome boots that are super comfy and cute, she picked up a pair because they are also very warm, by northface, come in brown and black.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF...ot-Womens.html

By mid March it might not be too cold, currently the temperatures are only about -7C/-10C, although I have been caught in a snowstorm late April one year.

The sidewalks are not always shovelled even in the cities and there is thick ice that has been there since winter started. When the temperatures rise in March then it all starts to melt and becomes very muddy. If you walk thru areas of snow, the boots need to be waterproof since it melts on your boots.

Hiking/walking boots with thick socks and good soles are the best.

Thank you all for your great advice! I bought my winter boots from Land's end considering all your insights.