Winter gear recs?

[u/BrReg]

Hello. What shoes do I need for walking around in the city in the ice and snow? I am a Californian originally and have never been very happy with any winter gear I have found. I have some Croc boots but they are really hard to get on and off and leave me with blisters if I go more than a short distance. I walk at least 4 miles most days. Insulated Muck boots have been recommended to me. Is that what I need? How about a coat? Do I need a long wool one? Recs for gloves and any other gear are welcome. Thanks!

[u/Boxofbikeparts]

Unless you're fashion conscious, the best bang for your buck is an insulated down jacket with a hood. Hat and scarf to wrap your face and neck, and some softer trail hiking shoes with some type of knobby soles for traction and walking comfort on snow. You could last for miles walking along the St Joseph River trail like that unless the north wind is strong. I don't need them, but wearing wool blend socks keeps your feet warm and dry.

I wear all of that for any extended winter activities and get it from REI.

[u/pwdeegan]

Darn Tough merino socks for the feet. If you have the coin, a hooded down parka. Pants or any article that goes to the ankles. A hat over the ears for the coldest days.

[u/Thelaughingman___]

Quick tip. Whatever jacket you buy the first time you pick it up. If you don't think to yourself, this is a little bit heavy. Put it down and find a heavier one.

[u/Whole-Woodpecker-964]

layers. warm outer shell, fleece, flannel, long sleeve t’s. Long underwear is a lifesaver. waterproof boots. stocking cap. remote start on your car and a good shovel are game changing

if you’re working outside then there are additional considerations.

[u/drasb]

Regular tennis shoes with yaktrax should work in most cases but depends where you'd be walking at. A pea coat with a hoodie works for me but you may want to layer up more than that if you're not acclimated to cold. A facemask may be a good idea as well.

[u/MyMooneyDriver]

If you’re a walker for exercise and pleasure, and you’re going to generate a workout, get some winter wear with vents. Also, great snow pants. I have fleece lined ones that I wear as pants when I’m outside, so secondary pants required. I can last hours like that. I also have boots with thick rubber souls. The average temp here is 38-40 during the winter, so you get cold snow, and then slush off and on.

[u/violetmarie11]

Whatever you wear on your feet, I highly recommend wool socks. I only started wearing them five years ago or so and it's amazing what a difference they make in keeping your feet warm and comfortable! Snow boots if you're actually walking through snow, if you'll be walking on mostly shoveled sidewalks and paths, just look for something waterproof and with a thick enough sole to keep your feet insulated from the ground. I wear Blundstones pretty much all winter, every day. They're not insulated but most days wearing wool socks with them is enough.

Also highly recommend a longer (down to your knees at least) coat. If you walk a lot I'd consider a down filled coat instead of wool. I have a couple of gorgeous wool coats (one I bought in 2011 and is way too thin and isn't even lined but it looks good lol, the other I bought maybe ten years ago?) but they mostly get used in the fall and warmer winter days with a good sweater underneath. They won't hold up to the coldest days or if it's really windy. We've had some mild winters lately but last year I broke down and bought a long (between my knees and my ankles) down coat from Eddie Bauer and I wish I would have done it years ago. Last winter was long and cold and had more snow than I can remember in a long time, and it was my second winter working on campus where you often have to walk across the campus and quite a bit just to get the car. Worth every penny and I'll wear it for years. You can find some good deals around Black Friday. I've noticed by the time a lot of people are my age around here they've collected quite the coat wardrobe over the years because with the way the weather is, there's a good chance they'll all be useful.

[u/SysadminND]

Clothes aside, if you recently moved here and brought a car from sunny warm CA, be sure to check or replace your washer fluid with one the is freeze proof, and have your coolant/antifreeze checked.

[u/toujourspret]

Duck boots are good, but any waterproof snow boot will do the same. A wool coat won't help you nearly as much as a long puffer. I was resistant because I came from somewhere cooler and thought puffers were ugly, but I learned very quickly my first winter that ugly or not, a lined puffer is practically a survival necessity. You also want to make sure you have a hat and scarf if you're spending a lot of time outdoors, since most of your body heat escapes from the top of your head. Good quality touch capacity gloves are necessary too.

[u/chuckburban]

I've got a pair of La Sportiva boots that are water proof and warm. Highly recommend their gear.

[u/chargingwookie]

Carhartt bibs and jacket and solid waterproof insulated boots, you’ll be good for most extreme winter weather

[u/PeoniesNLilacs]

I love my muck boots. I live in them thru all 4 seasons lol. The muckster is perfect for running errands, hiking anything. I’ve done it all in them.