Moi!
I moved to Helsinki very recently from the US. And in my process of adjusting I am looking for some recommendations for what feels like a frustratingly specific issue of mine: my pain prone feet and legs, and the right boots for the weather here.
To spare you a whole story I’ll jump right to specifics:

I own a pair of Docs which are great for rain and wetness, but not great for me for walking more than 4km, or when it’s below 0. I own a great pair of sneakers that are fantastic and are the exact type of comfort I need to support walking 10km+, but they are not weather resistant at all and are terrible in the cold.
Should I buy a pair of weather resistant boots like these that aren’t exactly winter boots but could be better with good socks? (The support seemed exactly what I’m looking for to reduce and prevent pain)
https://www.thenorthface.eu/shop/en-gb/tnf-fi/womens-vectiv-fastpack-futurelight-mid-boots-5jcx

Or should I wait until proper winter boots are out and get a pair of those that either have the support I need or find inserts that give me that support?

Kiitos, thank you in advance.

by crucis119

5 comments

  1. Helsinki gets about the same amount of snow as the Midwest. Just a longer muddy/sleet season. Those look great, if you take them to XXL they can waterproof them too. However if you ever move more north, you might need to invest in the ice spike shoes.

  2. Go with sneakers, just get wooly socks as well. Those should be more than enough on average in Helsinki area. If you start feeling like it’s not enough, then go and buy boots for the winter.

    You’re not in a rush with getting the correct boots imo. Unless the weather turns really cold, which is not usual in the very southern parts.

  3. Visit a large Prisma. They have wide selection of big brand boots / shoes that you can try on. I personally like Salomon – they come in regular and wide fit (regular is quite narrow). Fit is more important than anything like brand etc, so trying on few boots on is useful.

  4. Try [Sievi shop](https://www.sievi.com), near Kamppi. Their main business is professional footwear, so you can explain your problem and they will know how to direct you.

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