We are from Hawaii and my daughter will be going to NYC with her drama group from Dec 26 to Jan 2. We bought a pair of UGGs about a month ago, but two of her classmates told her that UGGs are not suitable for the weather they may encounter. Please help! Being from Hawaii, we know nothing about being in winter weather.

In the past we've used nubuck hiking shoes when traveling in cold places, but being a high school senior, she would like something more fashionable that is also functional. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance for your help!

Something to keep the feet warm and won't get soaked through if it rains or snows.

When we visit NYC in the winter, I wear my UGGS and they are just perfect for out and about. You can get spray for extra waterproofing. But, it's not really necessary.

I'm also from Hawaii. I visited my good friend in NYC one winter, and the day after I arrived it snowed, leaving 10 inches on the ground.

The shoes I had brought would have been fine had it not snowed, but were not suitable for walking the wet and partly icy sidewalk. I promptly made him take me to a store to buy new shoes and I still remember skidding along behind my friend, images of me completely eating it on the sidewalk running through my head.

I think having shoes that have some sort of waterproofing or are suitable for wet/snow is a good idea.

It's possible to get snow or ice at the end of Dec, but it is more likely in Jan/Feb. That being said, a pair of waterproof rain or snow boots (insulated, not wellies) would work.

Last winter I stuck my Croc's in my bag because it was supposed to be wet.
I carried my work shoes in my bag and wore Crocs anytime I was on the street.
This style allows you more coverage and they are extremely warm.

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-bistro/238402/509980

It was nice not have all that gray filth all over my work shoes or tennis shoes.
I tossed the Crocs in the wash with a rug once I got home and they were 100% like new again!

Thank you for the suggestions thus far. Any particular brands that we should look at? As for the Crocs, will she be okay wearing just Crocs with the temperatures in late Dec?

Look at landsend.com for ideas. They have all kinds of lined waterproof shoes and boots at reasonable prices. Some more fashionable than others.

It was well below freezing when I wore mine and my feet stayed VERY, VERY warm... much warmer than the rest of me!

Danskos are perfect as they rise above the wet slushy stuff, leaving your tootsies warm and dry. There is also a skid proof sole available. Enjoy the drama of winter weather - it can be beautiful.

hawaiimom, stick with the UGGS! They really will be fine, especially if you waterproof them with that spray. And why spend more money on shoes she will rarely, if ever, wear in HI? They kept me warm and dry and comfy through three Minnesota winters, they will work in NYC. (OK, they can get soaked through in rain, but unless she's going to be standing outside for long periods of time, as opposed to just walking around, that's unlikely to happen.)

I think the UGGs are perfect for her. A pair of sneakers or nice or leather shoes (water proofed) will be good for times the UGGs are to warm.

I agree with everyone about the UGGs, I wore mine last year and they were fine, even in after-snow conditions! The sidewalks will just be a little sloshy if it has snowed and the Uggs will be just fine for that. Plus, they're fashionable and warm. Everyone will have them on there.

People wear UGG's but there is no way my daughter would get her UGG's all nasty with that gray, filthy water on NYC streets!!! Spray protection or no, that nasty water ruins shoes!
We prefer to save the UGG's for cold but dry conditions and use something that can be washed!

Crocs would not work, in my opinion (with apologies to posters who wore them). They have big holes in them into which nasty cold semi-solids will enter, thereby freezing delicate toes from Hawaii.

Many people wear lined ankle boots that they waterproof - flat or very low heel. But not sure it would be worth buying just for a week.

A couple of coats of waterproof spray on the Uggs should be adequate.

They really do shovel and plow - issue is puddles of semi-frozen stuff as you step off the curb that stays there when storm drains get clogged with more of the same.

Crocs are gardening/deck shoes.

I said it! I tried to restrain myself, I do not wish to reinflame the Crocs debate, but...I am a mere mortal and lack discipline.

UGGs are NOT waterproof (assuming you didn't buy hard sole uggs). Nor are Crocs. Please, get some appropriate footwear. If it is rainy or snowy there will be puddles of gray water at every corner.

What a silly statement.

There are quite a few Crocs styles... and most are NOT gardening shoes.
We are not talking about fashion here, this conversation is about what shoes to wear in winter weather.
Waterproof, warm and washable.

I've never heard of Uggs without hard soles, hawaiimom.

Our daughter has used them for three seasons, in cold and wet Baltimore and Colorado weather. They are warm and durable.

We did spray her Uggs when she bought them, and I'm amazed how great they still look. Don't buy new ones. Take the Uggs and some tennis/walking shoes, plus dress shoes if needed.

Here are just a few styles offered.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulfarnell/266969544/

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-all-terrain/195122/435343

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-cyprus/263678/561731

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-troika/231372/495941

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-cleo/198222/439987

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-sassari/194104/433192

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-celeste.../247592/530617

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-alice/217862/473521

http://www.shoebuy.com/crocs-santa-cruz/267627/568910