[hardline_42]

You can have anything from Topys to lugged half soles added over your leather soles by any competent cobbler. Personally, I think the Wolverines would look good with some Cat's Paw half soles and top lifts.

 

[hardline_42]

Good point.

I'd be inclined to leave the Wolverines as is and spend ~$100 for some Bean boots to handle the messier days.

I agree with you, except that I feel like the Wolverines should have come that way from the factory. They're neither fish nor fowl in that they have a workboot aesthetic and a Munsonesque shape with a dress shoe leather sole. I know there are other popular examples of this particular combination (Indy boots being the foremost example) but I feel that it really hampers their practicality. Otherwise, I'd say leave them and get the Bean boots. In fact, I say get the half soles AND the Bean boots.

 

[hardline_42]

^^ That's quite a collection! The Sno-Seal is a great idea, though I think the Chromexcel leather on the Wolverines does a decent job on its own. I think the OP's main concern is the durability and traction of the leather soles on slushy and salt-covered surfaces.

 

[hardline_42]

As for the second pair of boots I did not want to buy but I am starting to think I should; I think I have seen those now "in-style" rain boots (Hunters?) that can come with a furry lining. For as little as I will need use them they seem like a nice 2 for 1

I think that knee-high rubber boots for walking around town are a bit much. They're not comfortable for long distances, they're heavy, they don't breathe and they smell like a chemical soup (unless you get the more expensive natural rubber boots).

I do own a pair of cheap LaCrosse boots that I wear when walking the dogs in muddy fields with tall wet grass, when fishing etc. Pretty much, anytime I expect to be ankle-deep in something.

My wife, who's ship is easily tossed about by the ever-changing winds of fashion, has a pair of Le Chameau boots I bought for her that she wears any time it's cloudy out. Until Kate Middleton was recently seen sporting a pair, she often voiced her desire for them to have been Hunters instead. I'll let you draw your own conclusions .

 

[hardline_42]

I routinely wear leather-soled boots in winter weather and haven't fallen yet. Just don't do it until the soles are worn enough to give you some traction. I've sanded the really slickly finished ones with coarse (~40 grit) sandpaper before wearing them for the first time.

You're a braver man than I, bluesman! I remember putting on my Dad's old roper boots as a kid to purposely slide down the driveway when it snowed! Sounds like you and your boots have had some great times.