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[scampster]

I'm half tempted to buy these

http://www.rei.com/product/820024/keen-silverton-boots-womens

as I have to return a gift to REI that costs about that much anyway and I would wear them with my casual black skirts otherwise.

If you don't have boots just like this already, you need them.  Get thee to the REI store.

Done! And I even had enough left over on my exchange to buy fun striped wool socks that I will under them, hidden from the search committee by my pant legs. I actually got a slightly different boot, but pretty close.

[systeme_d_]

I'm half tempted to buy these

http://www.rei.com/product/820024/keen-silverton-boots-womens

as I have to return a gift to REI that costs about that much anyway and I would wear them with my casual black skirts otherwise.

If you don't have boots just like this already, you need them.  Get thee to the REI store.

Done! And I even had enough left over on my exchange to buy fun striped wool socks that I will under them, hidden from the search committee by my pant legs. I actually got a slightly different boot, but pretty close.

Well done!  Congratulations on the great new boots and socks!

[collegekidsmom]

Just remember to have extra socks handy. Often, when changing shoes/boots, socks can get wet. I think there is nothing worse than having damp or wet socks on all day. I hate that.

[punchnpie]

You can look for nice, stylish snow boots from La Canadienne - they are on the pricey side, but look good, and you might not need to change shoes :)

These are very nice. I have a pair myself, but more of the dressy, freezing but not snow, variety.

I interviewed in Minnesota. I wore snow worthy boots and changed into dressier wear inside. After walking around the campus in the boots, I ended having to give one presentation without time to change. I made a point of looking around and noticed that everyone else was wearing snow worthy boots, no matter how dressy or casual they were. It was freaking Minnesota, I would have looked like an idiot walking around in dress shoes or boots, and no one cared that I presented with my weather boots on.

[grasshopper]

I interviewed in Minnesota. I wore snow worthy boots and changed into dressier wear inside. After walking around the campus in the boots, I ended having to give one presentation without time to change. I made a point of looking around and noticed that everyone else was wearing snow worthy boots, no matter how dressy or casual they were. It was freaking Minnesota, I would have looked like an idiot walking around in dress shoes or boots, and no one cared that I presented with my weather boots on.

I've had conversations (plural) comparing the relative benefits of different types of Sorel boots. Those skimpy little leather numbers look great in front of a mirror, but not so hot when you're flat on your ass in a puddle of slush.

[collegekidsmom]

I have an old pair of Sorels. I love them, but they are big clunky wonderful heavy snow boots. This winter I bought a pair of the newer more stylish ones as a gift for someone. I was surprised how pretty they were while still having a definite anti-snow quality. I could see wearing these stylish sorels with almost any type of outfit and looking great.

[peitho]

Powerstep insoles are fantastic, as they have extra arch support.  They can get kind of pricy, but they are worth it.

Otherwise, I am happy to help you justify that new boot purchase.

[dr_prephd]

New boots. Always practical. Well done!

[marymandolin]

I just want to sing the praises of this stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/Atsko-1330-Sno-Seal-Wax-7oz/dp/B000E903WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327717536&sr=8-1

The company calls it "the original beeswax waterproofing." It is $6 a jar and has made my nice leather boots as waterproof as my galoshes. I live in a Northeastern coastal city where it rains buckets in the winter, and I have stopped wearing my rainboots at all because my Frye boots are now as waterproof as my rainboots and are much more comfortable. They are breathable and the leather is still supple but the water doesn't get in.

Another hack I have found is to get nice secondhand boots that are slightly too big and to put Ugg insoles in them:

http://www.amazon.com/UGG-Australia-Insoles-Sheepskin-Insoles---8/dp/B000LSW5CC/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1327717730&sr=1-1-catcorr

I have found that the layer of shearling between my feet and the cold wet snow or pavement really makes a huge difference. The insoles are only $15.

I originally tried these things to save money because I am a grad student and I couldn't afford a real pair of snow boots. I found, though, that they have the extra advantage of making my feet look more professional, even on cold rainy days. My favorite pair of boots at the moment I got at a thrift store for $10 and "winterproofed" for about $20, and they work and look great.