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When bad weather strikes, you don't always want to to don a pair of clunky boots to brave the elements. There's also no way you want to risk ruining your favorite Chanel flats in a nasty downpour. Enter the overshoe! This waterproof shoe is usually made of rubber and meant to slip over your regular shoe. Though not the most stylish of solutions, this sturdy shoe is a genius at keeping out rain and snow. This means those uber-expensive boots or flats you cherish won't get trashed, no matter what Mother Nature has in mind.
History of Galoshes
You may think the word galoshes refers to those colorful rainboots you love to wear with thick knee socks. In actuality, the word galoshes refers to a waterproof overshoe. If you can believe it, Amazonian Indians were making the first, very crude, version of this rubber boot pre-Columbus discovering the New World. But it was Charles Goodyear who, in 1839, figured out a rubber concoction that wouldn't crack in the cold or melt in the heat. This process, called "vulcanization," is how rubber galoshes are still made today.
Rubber Overshoe Styles
Rubber overshoes for women typically come in two styles; one is for wearing over flats, the other looks more like a rainboot. The flat version comes up over the top of your foot, which means you can wear it over ballet flats, loafers and oxfords. The boot version usually hits at mid-calf or just below the knee and can be worn over any height of boot or even regular shoes. Know, though, that both these versions of the overshoe are only meant for flat heels. Ladies who adore stilettos should not despair -- according to the website Trendhunter Fashion as well as the "Chicago Tribune" newspaper, there are companies that make galoshes designed for high heels.
Snow Overshoes
Gals who live in super-wintry climates should consider wearing a snow overshoe to protect their footwear from slush, salt and mud. A snow overshoe is made of thick waterproof fabric like nylon and is insulated to keep your toes warm in frigid temperatures. You'll find versions that are meant just for wearing from the car to your office door and versions that are sturdy enough to withstand a winter hike.
Qualities That Matter
Before you throw down a handful of cash for those overshoes, make sure the pair you've picked has these oh-so-important qualities. Whether they're made for snow or rain, your overshoe should have a grip sole so you don't end up flat on your bottom if things get slippery. Look for overshoes that have a nice amount of stretch so you're not struggling to pull them on. If warmth is a concern, try to find overshoes that are lined in fleece or wool. For those ladies looking to use rubber overshoes in both rain and snow, purchase a pair that won't crack in the cold.
