Boot Intervention
Someone schedule a boot intervention – QUICK. I must admit, the minute it turns semi-cold outside (which down south means anywhere in the 60s…), I jump to put my boots on. Obvi I’m a heels girl through and through, but c’mon, I’m a sucker for a great pair of boots (especially since skinny jeans have become popular…best combo since peanut butter and jelly, if you ask me). So, I’ve rounded up four of my go-to pairs this fall/winter season. And while I was lucky enough to receive samples via IHH and the Lucky FABB Conference I attended, trust me. These are some of the finest boots on the market right now, and I wouldn’t steer you wrong. (P.S. I never thought I would wish cold and rainy weather on myself so much. Keep in mind, these are the boots meant for weather. They’re not really boots I would wear out and about several days a week – but, maybe if I lived up north, I might…shrug.)
My favorite of the bunch? The Sorel Tofino ($140) above. These are by far my favorites because, duh, they have a faux-fur “collar.” If you don’t buy a faux-fur vest this winter, these are another great option. I wore them the other weekend to my parent’s house, just hanging out, and they were so freaking comfy (and I still felt pretty cute!). These are very similar to the Joan of Arctic style I’ve been pining for for years (Kate Hudson lives in hers). They’re waterproof, lined with Sherpa, have great traction and – for those of you worried about chicness – come in several colors and include more than one set of shoelaces (always a plus, right?). Yep, I’m pretty much gonna live in these babies when I’m not in my heels.
Next on my boot lust list? The Timberland Crystal Mountain (Waterproof!) Tall Lace Boot ($195). In pink, natch. At the Lucky FABB Conference, we were given our option of which boot (of a few choices) to try out, and this pink one screamed “pick me!” from way across the room. After all, until now, I didn’t own a pair of pink boots, and every girl needs a pair, right? These are like a big ol’ puffer jacket for your feet – and puffy things are so in right now, haha. It’s not like outdoor shopping is really considered “the elements” (laughing out loud), but won’t I look cute doing it? In case I do go skiing or something, these will def keep me warm with the SmartWool footbed for climate control. And they’re yet another eco-friendly pair Timberland has recently released that uses recycled PET fleece and a recycled rubber sole. Just remember: when you first put them on, you really have to loosen those laces. I was baffled at first, but once I got them on, I didn’t want to take them off. Looooove.
Next up? My Rider Emboss Bogs ($118). I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this company by now. But, apparently they’ve been in the shoe industry for more than 40 years (slapping my head!). And after I got mine, I was flipping through the J. Crew catalog and saw they even have little kid’s Bogs – swoon (little C. must have). I severely needed a pair of sturdy black rain boots (I only had brown and they were actually not that comfy). So a couple of weeks ago, I took these for a test drive when it rained, and I felt so chic. My fav part (and why I chose this style) is the EVA sockliner…it looks like you’re wearing socks with them, but it’s actually part of the boot. And sturdy these puppies are! These boots aren’t playing. They’re made of durable rubber, but also have a fleece lining for warmth. I found them a little awkward driving in, but, hey, when you’re used to stilettos…Which makes me point out that these do have a slight heel. Wink.
And last, but not least! The Ahnu Tahoe boot in (winter!) white ($220). I have a pair of blue Ahnu tennis shoes I wear to the gym religiously, so I was excited to try out a pair of waterproof boots. And just like I didn’t have pink boots, guess what? I didn’t own white, either. So, these were a perfect addition to my boot closet. These boots, in particular, are a great hiking boot for cold weather because they have a special traction for a variety of surfaces and Numentum Hike technology. What is that, you ask? It basically means it keeps your foot in a neutral position while out and about, so you don’t injure it and it’s more comfy that way. It has tons of insulation for warmth, and, of course, a chic shearling cuff at the top (hello, my selling point!). I probably don’t have quite as many places to wear these boots, but I do think they’re the perfect boot for anyone who is active, yet still wants to look good. Because, yes, you can wear white in the winter (rolling eyes).
[Photos Courtesy Nordstrom.com; Timberland; Bogs; Ahnu]