Footwear for NY

2chatter · January 2015

I just found out I have to go to NY next week.

In Utah (where I usually end up when it is snowy) I don't have to walk anywhere outside. In NY I will be walking several blocks from the hotel into Manhattan.

What do people do in snow/bitter cold? I have never had to do snow. I frankly cannot imagine walking. (I live in TX).

Could I walk in tennis shoes then change into my normal peep toes or will my pants get wet? I don't even know if there is snow on the ground there right now....but it looks like there's some chance of precipitation.

groovygrl · January 2015

If it doesnt actually snow while you're there or hasn't snowed too recently, the sidewalks should be ok as far as a lot of slush/snow, though it could be icy if there is wetness that freezes. Your sneakers (and pants) would prob be fine if there isn't really anything on the sidewalk. The bigger problem would be if it snows while you're there or if it has recently snowed, the slush gets dirty & disgusting. Maybe watch the forecast and get some inexpensive boots to have just in case? order from zappos & return if you dont use them?

2chatter · January 2015

Super southern question - can I wear boots with dress pants?

GracefulStar · January 2015

If you will only be in Manhattan you should be fine with sneakers or even heels provided there's no major snow. It takes a lot of snow to stick in Manhattan. The other boroughs accumulate more snow. I tend to always travel in sneakers and change in shoes because I walk a lot, never know when there's a train issue, etc. but if your in a radius of a few blocks you'll be fine. Your pants are more likely to get wet from bad rain than snow in Manhattan.

rockychryslerb2010 · January 2015

The slush is the gross part in Manhattan. I would recommend bring a spare pair of shoes - sneakers or boots, and just change when you get to your destination. If you're worried about appearances, you could always get a nice looking pair of flats and use those. It is very common, everyone in my office in NY does it.

Helenahhandbasket · January 2015

I work in midtown Manhattan.

We got maybe 2 inches of snow on Tuesday. It's gone now, but it's icy, so just wear footwear with traction/ rubber sole. Your pants won't get wet.

jasminelorraine20 · January 2015

Do not wear heels! I agree with the above comment, I am from Queens and in the bitter cold when walking, the go to is usually boots (esp. ones that go over the pant legs).

2chatter · January 2015

I might not have to go downtown at all - looking at moving things out of the City - which would be SO nice. That isn't to say a chipmunk won't startle me at the hotel and cause me to fall over (2011, still embarrassed), but at least that might minimize the slip and fall risk. And can borrow winter boots from a friend, so excited to not have to buy any but glad to have them if needed and to know what might be needed.

I don't know how people live in cold climates and work in offices.

eyenigh · January 2015

2chatter said:

I might not have to go downtown at all - looking at moving things out of the City - which would be SO nice. That isn't to say a chipmunk won't startle me at the hotel and cause me to fall over (2011, still embarrassed), but at least that might minimize the slip and fall risk. And can borrow winter boots from a friend, so excited to not have to buy any but glad to have them if needed and to know what might be needed.
I don't know how people live in cold climates and work in offices.

I wear my big Sorel boots to work (I commute but have 1/4 mile walk to my office) and keep 40+ pairs of shoes under my desk at work (I have a giant workspace) and just change when I get here. Before I got smart and started leaving a bunch of shoes here, I carried my change of shoes with me. If I have to go between buildings, I'll still do this, depending on how far away the building is and how long I have to stay in the other building since it's way too hot to wear giant winter boots. A lot of people here do this so it isn't weird to see people changing before and after meetings. I work on a college campus so we do a lot of travel back and forth.

Helenahhandbasket · January 2015

eyenigh said:

2chatter said:

I might not have to go downtown at all - looking at moving things out of the City - which would be SO nice. That isn't to say a chipmunk won't startle me at the hotel and cause me to fall over (2011, still embarrassed), but at least that might minimize the slip and fall risk. And can borrow winter boots from a friend, so excited to not have to buy any but glad to have them if needed and to know what might be needed.
I don't know how people live in cold climates and work in offices.

I wear my big Sorel boots to work (I commute but have 1/4 mile walk to my office) and keep 40+ pairs of shoes under my desk at work (I have a giant workspace) and just change when I get here. Before I got smart and started leaving a bunch of shoes here, I carried my change of shoes with me. If I have to go between buildings, I'll still do this, depending on how far away the building is and how long I have to stay in the other building since it's way too hot to wear giant winter boots. A lot of people here do this so it isn't weird to see people changing before and after meetings. I work on a college campus so we do a lot of travel back and forth.

Everything @eyenigh said. I am like a slightly hotter, younger Mr. Rogers.

kmh2201 · January 2015

Do not wear heels or dress shoes to walk around NYC - the locals will know you're not from around there.

That's what I understand from my family who lives/works in NYC.

2chatter · January 2015

I have often worn low heels that are super comfortable to walk into the office. I am always amazed at the women I see in giant stiletto heels, especially out to lunch. I cannot walk around in those around the office, much less a few blocks to go to lunch.

My husband suggested I pack a helmet instead of boots if there is a risk of ice. Awesome.

Want a personalized experience?

Footwear for NY

Re: Footwear for NY

Choose Another Board

Search Boards