Shoes in Uk?

[Neodymium]

we are coming to the Uk in December (from Australia) and just wondering what are the best shoes to bring? I know it’s quite cold and rainy. We have got boots which are waterproof but we need to bring some joggers or something too. Dh said he’s just going to bring Dunlop volleys (which are made from canvas) but I think they aren’t suitable for there in winter. The kids and I have got converse (leather ones).

What sort of things have you got planned for while you are here? I'm UK based and would wear:-

• driving a car to an indoor venue:- canvas shoes/converse/trainers fine
• walking round a city outdoors most of the time:- a pull on leather Chelsea boot
• hiking:- proper waterproof hiking boots

The problem really imo is the rain. If it doesn't rain, then trainers fine. But we have an awful lot of rain so keeping your feet dry is going to be the priority.

Good grips - it’s unlikely to snow but ice is very probable.

Leather trainers will be ok for some days. When it really pours if you are going to be outside for a while you will want leather boots. Biker boots are fashionable and practical.

(Btw joggers here are tracksuit bottoms.)

Where in the U.K., could make a big difference to whether it might snow/ how much rain you might get. I wear adidas trainers or vans normally, that’s walking around town on pavements. I have some winter boots I wear which are waterproof if going on a ‘proper’ walk in fields etc.

We are spending some time in London (with no car so walking/public transport) then hiring a car and driving to Cornwall. I’m not too sure what we will do there! Just want to travel round. The waterproof boots we have are Merrells.

Waterproof boots and a pair of trainers will do you fine then.

Depending on what kind of activities you're doing and whether your kids are of an age to jump in puddles, even accidentally, you might want the option of a change of shoes.

Having lived in the South of England and now in Edinburgh, I'd say regardless whereabout in the UK, canvas shoes are not a good choice at all in December.

Im in boots all winter unless im indoors. Otherwise if have wet feet all the time.

I reckon Merrell boots and trainers will do you fine.

You’ll wear the Merrells most of the time in Cornwall I suspect and the leather trainers in London. Bring thick/long socks to avoid cold ankles.

Canvas trainers not great - they will get soaked through quickly if it’s raining and immediately if he steps in a puddle, also they’re not warm.

so leather converse would be ok for walking round London?

we live in Queensland so our experience with winter is very limited. Our winter might get to 10 or 12 degrees on the coldest days and it’s typically very dry, we don’t get rain in winter. It rains in summer but then it’s hot and so wet shoes aren’t as much of an issue.

Yes I think leather converse would be fine walking around London.

That’s what I told dh, they will get wet too easily. He then said he would just take the boots but I think we need another pair of shoes each. He likes Dunlop volleys which is pretty much all he wears and I’ve just found that I can order them in leather so I might get those for him.

we have got thick socks packed, and warm goose down jackets and beanies. I feel like we have no idea what we are in for. I typically put a jumper on when the temp drops to 22 degrees 😂.

That’s beach weather for me 😂

Ha, I’m like you and get cold easily - in December I wear T-shirt, thick jumper and jeans inside, and then a down coat and hat and gloves if outside. Don’t forget gloves! And are your down jackets waterproof - if not you’ll want umbrellas too, the lightweight mini kind are useful if you’re travelling about.

It’s really hard to tell. I live in south Wales and a few Christmases ago it was 14 degrees. I’ve been on the beach today and had breakfast outside.

It rains a lot and if the sun is out then it can be mild and fairly warm. But in the rain and dark you will want something more substantial than canvas shoes.

Yes the jackets are properly waterproof. They cost me a fortune. Macpac phoenix ones. Except for Dd one I couldn’t get hers waterproof but I’ve got her a raincoat for over the top. They don’t make them in kids sizes.

i think we will but umbrellas once we get there. Not a huge range of them here especially mini ones. We have got gloves but I think we will get better ones there.

It’s currently 18-28 today. I find that pleasant weather. I was abit cold overnight. I wouldn’t get in the pool or anything yet though. Needs to be over 30 before I swim.

Woolly scarves! Gloves!

I basically love on either leather ankle boots or leather knee high boots!

DH wears leather shoes or wellington shoes.

I wouldn’t bother with an umbrella. Just get decent waterproof coats. Bring lots of layers. A fleece or lightweight puffa can go under another jacket and then you can take things off if you get hot indoors. Uniqlo do good ones. Also you’ll need scarves, hats and gloves.

Waterproof over trousers are good for Cornwall because then you can be outside even if it’s wet. Not much to do there if you can’t go for a walk. You can get quite cheap ones from Mountain Warehouse.

22 is when I start complaining it’s too hot!

Merrells and weatherproof trainers good, it is unlikely to be dry or especially cold.

Don’t bother with an umbrella, I’ve not owned one in years. If it’s rainy it’s often windy. A decent waterproof coat and a Tilly’s hat will do you right.

Hi OP good advice from everyone so far.

I only wear gloves if I am outside for hours watching DS2 play sport, and I never wear a hat, but I accept that I am always warm. So I think gloves and hats may be good, but no need for fancy skiing gloves or such. It won't be -10 in London and Cornwall in December.

What are you planning to do in Cornwall? Lots of things will be closed as it is quite a seasonal area - tho of course the beaches and spectacular scenery will be in place. But if the weather is poor that may have limited appeal. London great in all weather tho