Appropriate shoes for Oslo

14 comments

1. All your assumptions are correct.

2. This depends a bit on the weather. When there as heavy snow, of can get kind of slushy in the streets, even in downtown Oslo. However snow clearing is usually quite good, so you can get away more office friendly shoes.

   It seems a bit over the top stumping around in those boots in the office every day.

3. There is a big difference in between Northern Norway and South-Eastern Norway where Oslo is. Climate is similar to that of NYC

4. Keep in mind that for your shoes in oslo the slush is the biggest issue for your shoes. Since oslo is near the water and cities are always slightly warmer then the surroundings there is a lot of slush on the oslo streets during the winter.

5. What you can do is get those rubber pullovers for your shoes, or get something similar to your 1st option for slushy/snowy days

   Oslo gets little snow (generally). One year I could skate to the train every day without snow, but right now there is some snow

6. For Oslo, both kinds are probably a good idea. Heavy boots for deep snow, lighter boots for after it’s been cleared. A pair of shoes that you change into in the office is a good idea as big boots are a bit cumbersome. Beware that as well as snow you’ll probably also see a lot of slush in Oslo.

7. My opinion: The ones on your first link are perfectly fine. I personally recommend proper boots like this over lower shoes, as you’re bound to end up walking in unplowed snow from time to time – and nothing is more annoying than getting snow into your shoes. I also recommend picking waterproof ones, as the winter is hardly stable and you are also likely to be trudging through slush and/or water at some point. I always keep a pair of indoor shoes at the office so I don’t have to worry about wearing heavy boots all day.

   That said, if you prefer to keep it simple you’ll be fine with regular low-cut shoes most of the time, if you live centrally in the city. But if you go that route I would still recommend having an extra pair of shoes (and dry socks) in the office, as you’re bound to get wet feet at some point.

8. After some years of experimenting I’ve found goretex trail runners to be my winter shoe of choice for Oslo. Nimble, waterproof, loads of traction, comfortable, and can pass as sneakers. Most running shoe companies sell some variant of these.

   Generally I don’t find the cold or amount of snow to be the issue – more often than not the problem is a surprise icy puddle, or transitioning from asphalt to slush to glacier in the same 20m stretch.

9. My boyfriend is Norwegian and he suggested a brand called Diemme when I was looking for boots. It’s an Italian company that makes good winter boots. They are expensive btw but I was told the quality is very good and last a very long time. Also they are actually really cute!

10. In Oslo, I’ve been very happy with boots like [these](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvdAkkrXIXVFPVFJk8O7yVh1SKvSTfzaLpRg&usqp=CAU) (no endorsement of any brand), even though they are a little light for the most slushy days. It does depend a little on where you communte to/from and how far it is to walk. But studying at Blindern and communting from Carl Berner/Helsfyr, this kind was perfectly fine. And look good as well.

    I would strongly advice to make sure you properly care for your boots and to not use suede. Make sure to use plenty of fat to waterproof your boots. Don’t try to spit-shine them akin to army parade shoes, that doesn’t actually protect from the water and salt. Make sure to brush off excess salt/snow-mix when you get home.

    ​

    If you do opt for more heavy duty footwear, having office boots is paramount, and also to use shoes/boots you can actualyl walk in. Commuting by public transport does include some amount of walking, and a number of heavy boots are made for keeping warm when sitting still in very low temps. This will suck when you have to sprint to catch the bus, or when standing in a packed subway.

    Oslo doesn’t get all that cold, the challenge is grip and getting wet from the slush.

11. I’ve been keeping birkenstocks at work and I’m very happy with that for indoor use (and I have a pair for summer and I absolutely love it, finally I can take off my socks).

    Other than that any type of winterboot would be my go-to, but I’m also quite cold like 90% of the year and usually go over-the-top with my winterclothing.

12. Any mildly warm and waterproof hiking shoe or boot will be fine. Though it is a common practice to keep a lighter shoe or even grippy socks at the office.

13. You should have both.

14. Both will work fine under normal circumstances in winter in Oslo.

    The lighter one will only work well in the city itself, not if planning on hiking into the woodlands/hills around Oslo.