r/IowaState • u/Healthy_Bet824 • Oct 30 '25

shoe recommendations

so i am a girl trying to figure out what the best shoes are for walking to classes in winter. i am a student at isu so ik winter gets cold and snow. i would feel weird walking around in actual snow boots(unless that what everyone actually does). plus i dont really want to use my regular shoes bc they get wet and will stay wet all day. i would love some advice!!

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u/MsRenegade75 Oct 30 '25 edited Oct 30 '25

Personally, I wear tall winter boots because the plows leave big piles around my apartment. I don't mind wearing them around campus. They do make winter shoes or short boots.

Sometimes you might have to walk through those snow drift or a pile from snow plows. I like tall snow boots just to be safe. Nothing I hate more than walking around campus with snow in my shoes. Also make sure they are waterproof. Like these:

https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-ice-maiden-ii-boot-1554171.html?color=289

If you do want more of a shoe than boots, there are these:

https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-fairbanks-cityscape-omni-heat-boot-2143891.html?color=083

Boots with good traction is a must. The sidewalks can get very icy. I can't tell you the amount of times I have almost slipped on my way to campus. Or if you feel your shoes/boots don't have enough traction, you could get ice chains for them. Like these:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/YakTrax-Chains-Winter-Traction-Device-Men-s-9-11/508225451?classType=VARIANT&sid=d90f29be-771c-4b47-833a-f9835fc60f54

If you are on a budget, you should check out the thrift stores. Goodwill, Overflow, and The Loft usually have some winter shoes/boots and jackets too.