Winter boots for New York trip - help!

[LegoEveryhwere]

I live in a hot climate so I only have open-toed shoes and sandals (don't hate me - please keep reading!)

I am going to New York in December so I will need some winter boots that I can do a lot of walking in and keep my feet warm and dry.

I will be in the UK (Manchester) for a few days this month so that will be my best bet to find a pair. The added complication is I have fairly small feet (UK 4) but can probably pad up a size with socks. Looking for just above the ankle boots, not knee length - chunky calves don't you know.

As I will be short on time, what shops are best or does anyone have any specific tried and tested on the winter streets of NY recommendations?

Should I even be thinking about UGGs?

Budget is up to GBP250

Thanks!

What are you going to be wearing them with?

Very comfortable brands for walking are Ecco and Gabor. You are likely to find them in major malls.
If not, the easiest way to shop for shoes in my opinion is to go to Debenhams or John Lewis department stores, every UK city would have one.

Erm, OP are you me?! I logged on to ask almost the same question.

I also live in the desert and until yesterday didn't even own a pair of socks, never mind closed shoes or boots, and am visiting Toronto in December. I have a week in Manchester shortly where I can shop, and also have chunky calves so can't have boots too high.

My friend who I'm visiting has stopped wearing her Uggs as the wet and snow has ruined them. I know canada will be a little more guaranteed snow than New York, but just thinking it may not be worth spending all that money on them to end up with soggy feet!

Merrell do lovely warm, waterproof boots.

Ah, cross post with 2fedup!
Have a look on Amazon.co.uk as well, and if there's some you really like, order for delivery to your accommodation in Manchester. It's free delivery and free return so simply post back the ones you don't want. (I did this when I visited the US from the UK and saved loads on some specific US designer shoes)

SteveBrucesNose - how funny, yes Toronto will be colder I expect, we went in Feb one year and it was the coldest I have ever been but the underground tunnels are great. Good point on Uggs getting soggy.

Bobbipins, I will be wearing them with jeans or wool trousers unless I pick up a skirt and some warm tights too. I favour comfort over style particularly when it comes to walking and being warm.

Thanks all now I have an idea of which brands to look out for and have found the shops in Manchester that stock them. Dept store seems like a good idea.

From my experience of New York in the winter if you plan to walk a lot bear in mind it may have snowed, I'd appreciate a boot with a good tread and also warm. Central Park is another place you may want to trek around.

can't think of any brands now

Duo Boots are good for wide calves IIRC

LegoEverywhere,

If what you need is comfortable waterproof and warm boots to wear with jeans, you may consider just getting a pair of walking boots like these from Timberland shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=26699176
They have a ton of style options.

I have a pair of those, wear them with bootcut jeans when I go for long walks or when there's slush on the road. I wore them in NYC in spring as well. These boots are good for both winter and in-between-seasons.

If you are near a Sports Direct they usually have good walking boots.