Galoshes

[Incubus]

My shoes, socks and feet are all wet from walking in that downpour at noon. Anybody know where I can find some galoshes in Taipei? It'd be great if I could just slip them over my shoes before I go out on a day like today.

Alternatively, can anybody recommend some reliable waterproof shoes, ones that I can wear to the office and won't make me look like I'm going hiking?

[Belgian Pie]

I you want to be fashionable, do as many do and wear rubber boots, especially when taking the MRT ... (horse) riding boots, farmer's boots, construction worker's boots ... all is 'in' at the moment. Just pack your normal office shoes in your bag.

[Dragonbones]

In most traditional neighborhoods you'll pass by stores that have raincoats, flip flops, galoshes, umbrellas and maybe helmets etc. displayed in the doorway, often with signs saying 雨衣 (rainwear). Any such store and many mom and pop sundry goods stores will have galoshes. Just ask a neighbor to point you in the right direction. If you more clearly specify your location, someone may be able to point you to a particular address.

[Icon]

My shoes, socks and feet are all wet from walking in that downpour at noon. Anybody know where I can find some galoshes in Taipei? It'd be great if I could just slip them over my shoes before I go out on a day like today.

Alternatively, can anybody recommend some reliable waterproof shoes, ones that I can wear to the office and won't make me look like I'm going hiking?

At the Japanese stores, they sell plastic covers -both for men and women's shoes- that are zipped over, sort of light plastic booties, to protect you from the rain. They are not very tall, but you can walk easily and they are not slippery nor look dumb.

The reliable waterproof shoes I wear are loafer style. I purposely stepped on a puddle at noon and my socks are dry as they can be, no problem. I have black and brown, and they go well with pantsuits, as they look like elegant loafers, not casual. Bought them at Rockport, close to Breeze Center. Timberland has even better ones. I recently bought their waterproof boots, and they are OK to wear under pants, look good. Please do consider that they are more pricey than in the West, unfortunately.

This: http://www.zappos.com/rockport-editoria ... roof-black
Mine look sort like this but women's waterproof: http://www.rockport.com/mens-loafers/wa ... atnew=null

You will see many of the locals wearing plastic boots, that is also an extreme alternative. Even I have thos ein case of typhoon. The black riding boots made of latex seem to be the rage right now.

[Incubus]

Thanks for your replies guys and gal.

BP,
At my age, I have to be careful. If I tried too hard to be fashionable, I'd just end up looking silly in those trendy boots. "Look mom, a farmer taking the MRT!"

DB,
I know exactly the kind of store you're talking about. Unfortunately, all of such stores have been replaced by convenience stores in the neighborhood I live in (Taipei city center).

Icon,
There're a couple of those Japanese stores near where I live. I'll check them out. The Rockport looks nice, though it's been ages since I wore laced shoes. Timberland may be too rugged-looking for the office.

[Icon]

Mine are not laced, the other link is for the slip on. Mine are rounded and have heels, though.

Laced are not totally waterproof, me thinks that the water will slip through the holes. The Timberland boots do not look out of place under casual wear, like chinos or other loose pants, which you can wear at the office if the office is not too strict. If you are suits only, then the Rockport loafer styles are your thing.

There is also a waterproof spray I have used which I also bought at that same store. I bought it to protect normal leather shoes from the occassional drizzle. It works OK.