Q I'm emailing you with what I think is the eternal Irish man's dilemma: waterproof shoes. I'm 29, just finished my master's and prone to wearing skinny jeans and chinos on occasion. But the minute the rain comes, I'm in trouble. My Toms, Converse and other similar footwear just don't keep my feet dry. I have my Dubes, but they're not always suitable. Have you any advice on a stylish and nice-looking shoe that can be used every day under jeans (skinny and normal) that won't break the bank? Gearóid, Dublin
A Cons, Toms and Dubes. Gearóid, your shoe wardrobe sounds like a bingo card of waterlogged footwear cliches. Please don't be offended – that thinly veiled abuse-as-joke at your expense was only "banter". You know "banter" right?
Are you trolling me? There is no such thing as a waterproof shoe; it is the fevered dream of a sodden madman. You must look only for a shoe that takes in less water than the canvas sponges you are currently wearing if you want to stop yourself from succumbing to winter shoe madness. If puddles are an issue, then wellies are the most practical, if not the loveliest option. They will not look great with skinny jeans.
Converse to the rescue. The All Star hi-top trainers have been remade in navy rubber, thus ensuring a dry, if slightly sweaty, walk in the rain. They’re part trainer, part welly, and part rubber fetish shoe: depending on how you wear them, of course.
Doc Marten shoes are heavy duty, hard-wearing and rain-repellent. The cherry red colour is punchy, but more sombre versions can easily be found online.
(Rubber Converse All Star. €70, Schuh; Dr Marten Gibson shoes €120, Schuh; Dubarry Wellies, €29)
Email your wardrobe woes to wardrobing@irishtimes.com
