Quote Originally Posted by Ranald
The advice I'm taking is long hose/socks. Just like the picture on ospreys 18th century highlanders.
I also thought those white leggings the government troops wore that resemble long spats seem like they may have worked just as well.
For regular daily wear the traditional wool kilt hose are perfect for cold days. I've worn them every day in the winters of Boston with no ill effects, and it gets pretty cold here!

While hiking in the winter, instead of wearing kilt hose I wear tall gaiters. Both REI and OR make excellent models for winter hiking. If you were just on a winter walk, you could even wear kilt hose beneath these for additional warmth (though I waded through shin-deep snow for 33 miles one day in only gaiters, running shoes, and ankle socks, and had no problems). These gaiters are essentially modern versions of spats - they're made with waterproof/breathable fabric instead of the canvas of spats.

Andrew.