New men's waterproof shoes keep rain off fashion parade

   Stylish men no longer have to let wet weather wash away their look. Their dilemma of finding a shoe that doesn’t step on their fashion sense in snow or rain has been solved.

Several brands now make weatherproof versions of some of men’s favorite shoes for the guy with a firm no-galoshes policy. They include Cole Haan, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Dries Van Noten, Dsquared2, Zara and Grenson Arlo.

The stylish selections include wingtips, Chelsea boots, bluchers, derbies, oxfords and penny loafers, and they’re available at various price points and can be dressed up or down.

Special technology has made some styles available even in suede: The Johnston & Murphy Hollis Chelsea Boot, for example, which comes in dark gray suede as well as in tan and black full grain leather. The boot is part of the brand’s large XC4 waterproof collection sold at Johnston & Murphy stores at Walt Whitman Shops and Roosevelt Field.

Johnston & Murphy, founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1850, is known for its durable but fashionable shoes for men that have been worn by U.S. presidents, including Millard Fillmore, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama.

   “It's a pain, if not impossible, to protect your shoes from harsh winter weather,” says Jason Dasal, a spokesman for the company, now based in Nashville. But we find that our consumer doesn’t want to have to sacrifice style for function in his everyday footwear.”

Dasal says the brand’s weatherproof collection is designed specifically for commuters and road warriors.

“Each style, from a traditional cap toe to a more modern sneaker, is completely waterproof — stitch to sole,” he added. We made sure to make them extra comfortable too, for those guys who really pound the pavement.”