Des Moines Iowa in December
 

Going to Iowa in December for a business trip. What are the appropriate kind of shoes for that time? Rain Boots? UGG boots?

Normally for this part of the country I would recommend something for snow or ice but this is the midwest so it could also be sunny and 60 degrees.

Get yourself a pair of rubber overshoes, sometimes called galoshes, to wear over your regular business shoes. You probably won't need them unless it's wet or slushy. That should do it. It's not Alaska.

If you check my profile you'll find that I reside in Southern California, but I was born and grew up in Chicago and lived 3 years in the 60s in Lincoln, NE. Where I grew up, it was understood that galoshes were for "mama's boys"

Rubber overshoes? Sure, if you're an 80-yr-old farmer.

It's likely to be cold - as for snow/rain, we could be bone-dry or have 12" of the white stuff on the ground. Check the forecast before you leave.

If we have snow, or it's in the forecast for when you'll be here, you have a couple of choices - if you own true snow boots, bring those if you need to travel at all from your hotel to your meetings, taking your dress shoes with you. Or, you could easily get away with a nice pair of fashion boots (leather, NOT suede), as long as you have treated them with some sort of waterproofing.

If it's dry - whatever you'll be comfortable in.

I'd also recommend - depending on how dressy your business meetings will be - dress slacks/pants instead of a skirt. You'll be much warmer and most of Iowa is pretty casual. I'd also recommend packing layers - cardigans with blouses or tees, etc. Some buildings are way overheated, others barely get warm - all depends on where you'll be, so you'll want to have some options.

Enjoy your trip to our lovely (well, most of the time, anyway) state of Iowa! ;-)

I wouldn't count on the 60 degrees in December. Just dress warmly as you might alot of places in Winter.

Ozarksbill (formerly from DM)

Iowagirl's right on. If you have Ugg boots, those are probably perfect if it snows or gets really cold. Personally I find them too hot to wear indoors so carry a pair of your dress shoes to put on once you're back inside.

Rubber overshoes? Can't say I've seen those on anyone other than men over 75 in the last 20 years. I pull horses in and out of paddocks all year round in Wisconsin and even I don't have a pair of those although I think you can still get them at Farm and Fleet.