Shoes are lovely things. When the weather is nice.
When it gets cold, you need a pair of boots. Big, mean, stomping boots. Waterproof, warm and durable. They must be able to stand up to snow, slush and ice. And salt. That’s right. Salt.
We use tons of it on our streets and it will eat your boots.
Mine are on their last legs but they have one winter left. I hope.
These are American Garrison boots and are no longer in service. For some reason, the US Army is now making a lot of desert boots. Those do me little good.
They’ve lasted so long because I use a good deal of mink oil. I recommend you do the same. Polishing a boot is a mediative experience. And, unlike meditation, it’s actually rewarding. Your boots and your feet will thank you for it.
Although (treated) leather is a serviceable material for the boots, it’s not much good for the soles. Sadly the leather soles that are one of the hallmarks of a fine pair of shoes are foolhardy on ice. One requires thick rubber soles. With grip. Or one will find themselves looking up at their exquisitely crafted shoes while tumbling towards the earth. It’s quite difficult to appear stylish after falling over.
Believe me, I know.
And, for the record, it’s also quite difficult to appear stylish while walking into a glass door. But that’s another story.
In a sane country, boots would be enough. Yet in Canada, they are not. Just as important are socks. Generally, you need something thick and woolen.
Such as these:
But those are ugly.
Very ugly.
If you need to show some sock, get some silk linings. These will fit nicely below a pair of normal socks and are reasonably warm. As long as you’re not outside for too long and have a decent pair of boots, you probably won’t have to worry about a frostbite related amputation.
And, really, that’s about the best one can hope for.
