I have an affinity for quality footwear.  Almost every pair of shoes and or boots that I own are so good that in truth, I don’t really don’t need to buy another pair of shoes and/or boots for the next decade.  And yet, like a moth to a flame, I recently found myself adding to my footwear collection yet again, with my latest infatuation being the ruggedly stunning Dubarry Wexford boots.

If the name Dubarry sounds familiar, it should.  It’s the brand that kicked off our lifestyle section back in 2010, when my friend/colleague Thomas told you about his Dubarry Galways.  He’s still wearing his Galways – they’ve not only held up well over the past two years, they’ve actually gotten better looking with age – and it’s largely because of this that I decided it was time to add a pair of Dubarry’s to my collection.

Dubarry Kilternan Boots Closeup

As much as I love his Galways, I decided to opt for the Dubarry Wexford boots, namely because I have wider feet.  The Wexfords are similar in style to the Galways, but they’re built a little wider and boast a zipper side, which makes entry and exit a bit easier.  Both look great, and to be honest, I’d be happy with either.

Then there’s the Dubarry Kilternan Boots.  During my decision phase in which I was choosing between the Wexfords and Galways, I asked my wife to weigh in with her opinion.  She picked the Wexfords, and she then went on to tell me how much she loved the Dubarry Kilternans.  Needless to say, I bought both, so we’re now the proud owners of both the Dubarry Wexford and Kilternan boots.

Two months later, and we’re both loving our Dubarrys.  For men, the Wexfords are a perfect option.  They’re beautifully constructed, comfortable and handsomely styled.  The Kilternan’s, on the other hand, are slightly more feminine, but with the same comfort and gorgeous construction as the Wexfords.  Both pairs of boots are unisex, but seeing them side by side, I’d definitely say the Wexfords are the more masculine of the two.

Dubarry Wexford Boots Closeup

As for the details of each, here’s a rundown of both the Dubarry Wexford and Kilternans.

Dubarry Wexford Boots ($579)

With a ruggedly good-looking style and a wealth of performance features, Dubarry Wexford boots are suited perfectly for a variety of outdoor activities.  Construction wise, a GORE-TEX lining and DryFast-DrySoft leather make the Wexfords completely waterproof yet still breathable.  For maximum grip, Wexford’s note a direct inject moulded bi-compound, bi-color outsole, while a full side zip with bellows makes entry and exit supremely easy.  The full feature list of the Dubarry Wexford features includes:

• GORE-TEX® lined, waterproof and breathable
• DryFast–DrySoft™, breathable leather
• Full, heavy duty zip with bellows for ease of entry
• Button fastener to hold zip secure
• Maximum grip outsole
• ExtraFit™ for foot entry and foot forepart
• Direct inject moulded bi-compound, bi-colour outsole
• Subtle, signature Dubarry and GORE-TEX® branding

You can learn more about the Dubarry Wexford and/or buy your own pair at the official Dubarry U.S. website.

Dubarry Kilternan Boots ($499)

Based on the classic Galways, Dubarry’s Kilternans are an Aprés-ski boot loaded with extra performance features.  Inside, the Kilternan’s are GORE-TEX Partelana lined, giving them four times the heat retention when compared to Dubarry’s standard GORE-TEX lining.  Outside, Dubarry’s DryFast-DrySoft leather construction is both waterproof and breathable, and a genuine “shearling fleece” cuff up top adds both warms and style to the Kilternan.  For grip in slippery conditions, the Kilternan notes a duo compound PU and Rubber sole, directly injected onto the upper, while a three layer footbed that includes a thermal foil lining helps keeps the cold out.  The full feature list of the Dubarry Kilternan features includes:

• GORE-TEX® Partelana lined – four times more heat retention than Dubarry’s standard GORE-TEX® lining
• Partelana lining which goes down to ankle, providing extra warmth as well as preventing snow and ice entering the boot
• DryFast–DrySoft™, waterproof and breathable leather
• Genuine “shearling fleece” cuff
• Footbed is made up of three layers including a thermal foil lining, to protect the foot from cold
• Finger pull fitted inside boot and wide entry for ease of fit
• Duo compound PU and Rubber sole, directly injected onto the upper
• Black or Walnut

You can learn more about the Dubarry Kilternan and/or buy your own pair at the official Dubarry U.S. website.

Growing up in the Midwest, SOREL boots have been a staple in my winter wardrobe for as long as I can remember.  And while the styles have changed over the years, transitioning from more rugged, functional boots to boots as at home on the runway as they are on the street, the one thing that hasn’t changed is Sorel’s core attributes.  They’re incredibly warm, they’re incredibly comfortable, and they do an impeccable job protecting you from the winter elements.

This year for Christmas, I wanted to get my wife a new pair of boots, which is what led me back to the Sorel brand.  I had a relatively good idea of what I was looking for going into my boot hunt, and when I found Sorel’s Conquest Carly boots ($220), I knew my search was over.  They’re really a fantastic boot, with a structured, iconic design perfectly suited for wear in the city.  They’re also quite slimming compared to many of the other boots I looked at.  It’s a design that was taken from one of Sorel’s heritage boots, but re-imagined to be equally bold and beautiful with a hint of femininity.

Don’t be fooled by their good looks though, Sorel’s Conquest Carly boots are rugged enough to take you almost anywhere, and they’re lightweight to the point that they should handle long treks with ease.  From a protection standpoint, there’s a full grain leather and nylon upper (with bungee and lace enclosure) to protect your calf, while the leather stacked heel and waterproof rubber shell help keep your feet dry and toasty.

After ordering my wife’s Conquest Carly’s and absolutely loving the style when I saw them in person, I did the only logical thing that someone in my position could do:  I looked into a pair of men’s Sorel boots for myself.  Lo and behold, the Sorel’s Chugalug ($190) immediately caught my attention, so I picked up a pair.

What I love about the Chugalug is its vintage look.  Inspired by a Sorel boot from the 70’s, the new Chugalugs note such a unique style – totally different than other boots I already own.  They’re a little bit rustic, but modern enough for city life.  I totally dig them.

Construction wise, the Chugalug protects your feet with a full-grain leather upper and moc stitched shell attached to a natural crepe rubber sole.  In use, Sorel’s Chugalug is incredibly comfortable to wear, a little bit roomy (perfect for warm wool socks), and as I’ve come to learn, draw praise from everyone I meet.  Overall, I adore my Sorel Chugalugs, and I have no doubt my wife will adore her Conquest Carly boots as well.

If you’re looking for functional yet stylish boots this season, Sorel has done a fantastic job with their latest designs, perfectly combining each.  They’ve maintained the rugged qualities and craftsmanship they’ve become known for while making their boots equally as fashionable.  The Sorel Conquest Carly and the Chugalug Chukka are a perfect pair of boots in my book, and well worth checking out this holiday season.

You can see more of the Sorel Chugalug and Conquest Carly boots in our gallery below, or head over to the official Sorel website for more details and ordering information.

A brisk winter storm is currently blanketing much of the U.S., and with it a lovely winter snowfall that you may or may not be prepared for.  In my case, a bigger snowfall earlier in the year meant a trip to my kids’ winter storage bin to find their winter boots, only for me to discover that both had outgrown their previous year’s boots, despite both pairs of boots being too big last year.  So much for buying in advance, right?  And so my latest adventure into buying kids winter boots began.

As with any good boot, I wanted to find ones that would keep my kids’ feet warm no matter how low the temperature got, but also boots that they could wear both outside and as normal footwear.  Also, because my kids hate wearing socks, something that would work without socks was also on my list of wants.  After a huge amount of mom research, I stumbled  upon Koalabi Australia, makers of genuine sheepskin boots from Melbourne Australia. Their boot designs are built with 100% authentic double sided sheepskin so that you have smooth suede outers and cushioned sheepskin interiors, making them perfectly insulated for winter wear, while keeping your feet cool by absorbing excess moisture in warmer temps.  The benefit is that you can wear them in a wider range of climates, and best of all, you can wear them with or without socks.

About the only disadvantage with Koalabi is deciding which pair to get, as they’ve taken the idea of a traditional sheepskin boot and created trendy fashion footwear in several styles and colors, both for kids and adults. I loved my kids’ boots so much I actually bought several pairs for myself and husband, which I’m going to talk about in another article. But for your kids, I wanted to share my favorite Koalabi Australia boots – the Koalabi Kids Original Boots and the Koalabi Airlie Boots.

Koalabi Kids Original Boots front

Koalabi Kids Original Boots

For my son, I took the classic route and chose the Koalabi Kids Original boots, almost an exact replica of the adult Australian made original. Designed from double faced sheepskin and raising to about mid-calf, the Kids Original is insulating enough for almost any weather condition, and with its classic style, it is perfect for almost any occasion.  Despite my son wearing his boots almost everyday since I bought them, they’ve shown little wear and are holding up incredibly well.  But, best of all, unlike many other winter boots, my son can put them on and take them off himself, which makes getting ready to head out the door so much easier.

Koalabi Airlie Boots front

Koalabi Airlie Boots

My daughter (being her stylish two year old self) actually helped choose her own boots, and she picked the Airlie.  Fitted with elastic lacing in the back, the Airlie again is fairly easy to get on and off, and adjusts to her growing feet. Like the Kids Original Boots, warmth and comfort are two of the Airlie’s main benefits, but with an added dash of style thrown in for good measure. They’re also made from 100% Australian double faced sheepskin which keeps my daughter’s feet are dry and warm. Another benefit of these (and all) Koalabi kid boots is that they’re all lightweight when compared to normal winter boots, making it easy for kids of all ages to stay active when wearing them, unlike the bulky winter boots that tend to weigh your kids down.

To see more of both boots, you can check out both the Koalabi Kids Original and Airlie Boots in the photo gallery below, then head over to Koalabi’s site for both ordering info and a look at all their different styles.

Boots – they’re the staple of any winter wardrobe.  They can make or break an outfit, making tights and a tunic look like a well thought out ensemble or a complete fashion fail.  In addition to making a style statement on your behalf, the best boots are functional as well, keeping your feet toasty warm and dry no matter what kind of weather you’re enjoying.  And while you’re not going to find a stylish and functional pair of boots at bargain basement prices, if you choose right, you will get a great pair of boots that will give you several winters worth of use.

Choosing the right pair of boots seems like a daunting task, but rest assured, I’v done the leg-work for you.  Having tried and failed with several styles and brands over the years, I’ve had freezing toes at a football game, a heel break off at a work dinner and blisters from the wrong shoe selection while on vacation.  Trust me when I say that a great pair of boots, while a necessary part of winter, can be one of the best parts of winter.

To start off my winter wear picks, I decided to choose a few styles from one of my favorite brands and one that has never left my feet freezing, uncomfortable or unattractive – Sorel. They’ve been around since 1962, so it’s no surprise that over the past five decades they’ve mastered the art of boot making.  They originated in Canada where cold weather deems it necessary to wear warm protective boots nearly year round.  And just as importantly, they work with some of the best designers in the business, making boots that are at home on any snow capped mountain while equally at home in any fashion mag.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Premium

To give you the broadest range of what Sorel has to offer I decided to choose three very distinct winter boots for three very different looks.  The Joan of Arctic Premium is a classic style from Sorel, but every year they update it with new details and different colors and materials. Even with the changes, however, Sorel has never lost sight of what made it an iconic boot in the first place.  Why the Sorel Joan of Arctic Premium?  It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about puddles and melting snow.  It’s really warm, thanks to a felt lining that keep your feet at a comfortable temperature without getting sweaty.  And lastly, they look great, with the perfect blend of ruggedness and style.

Sorel Conquest Carly Short

The second pair of boots (and the ones that could become my favorite go to boots of the season) are the Conquest Carly Short Boots.  In a couple of days, these boots will look very familiar to you, as their taller sibling is featured on Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games Catching Fire movie that’s about to hit theaters.  Like the taller version, they’re lightweight, meaning when you’re trecking through the snow, you won’t be the slow one that’s stomping around like you have weights around your ankles.  And thanks to the combination of a rubber sole, nylon and leather upper, your feet will also stay dry.  What I really love about these boots though is their style.  They’re a go to boot that pair well with just about anything, and personally, they’re one of my favorite boots to get dirty.

Sorel Winter Fancy

And the final Sorel boot recommendation is the Winter Fancy Tall Boot, a classic dress boot with the same great waterproof and insulating properties as Sorel’s more rugged winter boots.  The Winter Fancy boot is perfect for nights out when you want something a little more sophisticated and dressed up but don’t want to sacrifice feeling in your toes or if you just prefer a sleeker city style.  They have a great heel and buckle detail, but my favorite part of the Winter Fancy design is the front zip for quick and easy removal after a long day of trekking through cold weather and snow.

With summer here and fall approaching ever so quickly, we thought now would be the perfect time to bring you three of our favorite shoe picks from one of our favorite footwear brands: Sorel.  What makes all of our Sorel shoe picks so great, however, isn’t the fact they’re purely summer shoes. All of them will help you make a perfect transition into fall as well, when temperatures start getting a little cooler and the weather a little wetter.

There’s the Sorel Yaquina, a casual, Mexican inspired summer boot featuring a lovely and bright textile upper (in a design that’s completely unique). There’s the Sorel Lake Wedge Sandal, a flirtatious shoe that’s perfect for a day on the boat or a night out on the town. And there’s the Sorel Medina Rain Heel, a functional, stylish boot that keeps your feet dry and still looks incredible with a dress.

You can check out all three of our Sorel Shoe picks in the gallery below, or check out the full lineup of Sorel footwear at the official Sorel website.

It’s March, which traditionally means the blessing of warmer weather begins to fall upon us.  And while we’d love to start talking spring, the reality is that for those of us in the northern half of the country, a fair amount of snow still remains.  In an effort to make what’s left of the winter a little more bearable (and a lot more fashionable), we thought what better way to end the cold season than with another look at boots from one of favorite footwear purveyors – the always fashionable Sorel.

This isn’t our first look at Sorel.  As you probably remember, I recommended a pair of my favorite Sorels a couple months back (which I still adore by the way).  Since then, I’ve managed to convert numerous friends and colleagues to make the switch to Sorel, and so today I’m going to be showing you my co-workers’ choices in boots this winter.  And if you think it’s too late to buy a pair of winter boots, think again.  All three of the boots I’m about to show you are on sale, meaning not only can you look great this (and next) winter, you can save a bunch of money doing it.

So without further ado, a look at our staff picks from Sorel boots, each of which varies dramatically in style, but all of which do an incredible job keeping your feet dry, warm and stylish.

First up, the Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot ($270, on sale for $201.90)

The Joan of Arctic Wedge is a unique winter boot, in that it’s an incredibly sleek and stylish boot perfectly at home in the city; but it’s also one that notes a thick rubber sole to help you take on even the coldest days of winter.   Available in both brown and black, the Joan of Arctic Wedge notes the same great wedge heel that Sorel has popularized over the last few years, but it’s styled in a way that blends perfectly into the style of the boot.  It gives you height, but not at the expense of an overly chunky heel. Overall, the Joan of Arctic Wedge takes a classic boot and adds an air of sexiness to it.  Also worth noting is that the Joan of Arctic Wedge Boot’s note a full lace design with great D-Ring hardware and matching rivet details.

Construction features of the Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot include:

• Full-grain leather upper
• Leather lined
• Molded rubber outsole
• Weight: 21 oz / 600 g
• Shaft Height: 15 in / 38 cm

You can order the Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot at the official Sorel online store, with sizing starting to become limited.

Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boot ($320, on sale for $159.98)

The Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boots are a stylish, cozy pair of boots, with a style perfect for curling up by the fireplace with a book and cup of hot chocolate (at least that’s how the girls in the office describe them).  Up top, a knit upper gives the boot a built-in leg warmer, while a full-grain leather shell and molded rubber sole help to create a durable, comfortable base to protect you from the elements.  To give you a bit of added height, the Crazy Cable Wedge also notes a 4-inch heel with 1-inch offset, but like the Joan of Arctic Wedge boots, they do so in a way that doesn’t look bulky or unattractive.

Construction features of the Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boot include:

• Leg-warmer knit upper
• Full-grain leather shell
• Molded rubber outsole
• 4” heel with 1” offset
• 15 in / 38 cm shaft height
• Weight: 26.5 oz / 751 g

You can order the Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boot at the official Sorel online store, but we’d recommend doing so quickly, as sizes are already becoming limited.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boot ($400, on sale for $299.90)

The Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boots takes the design of a classic winter boot and adds in an edginess with the use of a spotted cow hide.  The ultra-luxe limited edition boot features spotted hair-on cow hide in black and white, a removable shearling liner, and to protect you from water and snow, a vulcanized rubber shell.   The result:  a super stylish, incredibly unique winter boot designed to keep you perfectly protected from even the harshest winter elements.

Construction features of the Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boot include:

• Seam-sealed waterproof construction
• Leather upper
• A removable 6mm recycled felt InnerBoot
• Faux fur snow cuff
• 25mm bonded felt frost plug
• Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with herringbone outsole
• Shaft Height: 12 in / 30.5 cm
• Weight: 31 oz / 879 g
• Sorel rated: -25° fahrenheit / -32° Celsius

You can order the Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boot at the official Sorel online store.  If you’re interested, we again recommend ordering quickly as numerous sizes have already sold out.

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense winter boot designed to keep your feet warm while traipsing through the snow, look no further than the Teva Bormio.  Whereas most winter boots tend to be heavy and awkward, Teva Bormio’s are exaclty the opposite.  They’re light, they’re comfortable to hike in, yet they still offer 200g of Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet warm and toasty.

Helping you stay upright in slippery conditions, the Bormio’s feature a White Spider Rubber sole and a nylon shank to keep your feet stable.  Up top, a waterproof leather upper and gusseted tongue keep water out, while all seams are sealed to provide another layer of protection.  And from a comfort standpoint, the Bornio’s are outstanding, feeling more like a pair of hiking boots than a pair of winter boots.  I’ve worn them on numerous excursions this winter, and they’ve done a fantastic job keeping my feet warm and comfortable even in sub-zero temps.

When you want a warm, lightweight and incredibly functional boot, the Teva Bormio fits the bill perfectly.

Here’s the full list of features offered by the Teva Bormio.

Teva Bormio Grip

• White Spider Rubber sole will help keep your face a safe distance from the ground when the temperature drops
• A nylon shank keeps the foot stable and in control

Teva Bormio Hydro

• Waterproof upper materials can handle getting wet
• The gusseted tongue keeps water out
• Seam sealed to keep you dry

Teva Bormio Comfort

• 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate™ insulation keep your feet warm when it’s freezing out
• Leather upper
• Super light EVA foam is waterproof and insulative to keep you warm and dry
• Leather and synthetic upper
• Approximate shaft height: 8″
• Approximate shaft circumference: Adjustable 12½”

Interested in the Teva Bormio?  You can purchase them directly from Teva, with pricing set at $150.

A look at the history of Teva

In 1984, a young Grand Canyon river guide revolutionized the footwear industry when he created the world’s first sports sandal. This idea soon spawned a brand, and the new adventure of Teva was born.

It’s been 25 years since we took our first step into the Grand Canyon, and not a moment has gone by that Teva (that’s “teh’-vah,” not “tee-vah”) hasn’t been hard at work developing products that enable and encourage your adventure. Of course, given our heritage, we have an obsession with water, and our passion lies in identifying and enhancing the areas in which water effects an adventure. To us, water presents a paradox. It is the source of a year-round playground, but it simultaneously poses a year-round problem. Anyone who has ever slipped on a patch of ice or been forced to deal with soaking wet socks can attest to this duality.

Essentially, Teva has two fundamental responsibilities: to play and to protect. We play in the water, but we also see the need to be protected from it. Our responsibility is to manage this delicate balance, so you can go forth without reservation. Armed with a quarter-century worth of knowledge and technology, we are dedicated to developing products that strike this balance to deliver the most out of your adventures.

Didn’t get what you want this Christmas? Fret not, ladies and gentlemen, because we’re here to give you a rundown of the awesomest stuff you didn’t get. So once you’re done enduring those seemingly endless holiday return lines, take the cash you get back and put it towards the stuff you really want, starting with this insanely stylish pair of boots from MOU.

Unfamiliar with MOU? Here’s a quick rundown. Founded in 2002 by Shelley Tichborne, MOU is a London based brand that creates hand-crafted footwear from the finest natural, ethically sourced material. Fundamentally, they pride themselves on providing warm, durable, sensually soft designs that keep you warm and comfortable, all while keeping a back-to-nature feel and eclectic styling. It’s an ideal that’s been met with tremendous success, as MOU has since become one of the most sought after brands by some of the most well known names around the world, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and Emma Watson (all of whom can be seen wearing their MOU boots year round).

In addition to their one of a kind designs and eco-friendly production, MOU boots have two great features that many other boot brands lack: first is the exceptionally generous cushioning in the sole, and second is the supportive heel. Over time, most boots mold to your feet, making your boots seem cool and hollow when you wear them. With MOU boots, however, the cushioning stays in place, which means the boots stay soft and warm on the inside, thus keeping your feet more comfortable and protected from the elements. The supportive heel insert, while something easily overlooked in selecting a new pair of boots, is also a huge design benefit found in MOU boots. It keeps the heel in place and prevents the boot from slouching and stretching like similarly styled boots. By keeping the boots original shape, the soft interior remains against your skin, preventing any cool spots while you’re wearing them. And it works brilliantly.

So which pair of MOU boots should you pick? Honestly, you’re going to be hard pressed to pick just one. They’ve got some incredibly gorgeous and unique options, including Macedonian goatskin, calfskin and sheepskin in numerous shades. But in picking my first pair of MOU’s for my wife, I had to opt for the MOU Antelope Cowboy Boots. They note a stunning palette of honey and white colors, and simply put, note an incredibly exotic, stylish design unlike anything I’ve seen.

MOU Antelope Cowboy Ankle Boot Details (€355.00)

The Antelope Cowboy Ankle is a one of a kind boot, designed perfectly to take advantage of it’s one of a kind antelope exterior.  As I’ve already noted, the outer portion of the boot is genuine antelope in a gorgeous honey color mixed with white, and believe me when I say your first instinct is that you want to pet them – they’re simply stunning.  The interior is done in a super soft sheepskin lining with an EVA and rubber outsole.  And before you start questioning my affinity for wildlife, it’s important to note that MOU only uses verifiably NSPCA approved, ecologically managed antelope from South Africa.   NSPCA is an organization in Africa that oversees the welfare of the animals that are sourced by MOU, ensuring a future population by promoting the ethical and sustainable raising of animals (instead of poaching).

So what does my wife think of MOU’s Antelope boots?  She absolutely loves them.  Despite possessing a boot collection that includes a huge variety of different styles (tall boots, short boots, rain boots, heeled boots… you get the idea), the MOU Antelope are without question the most exotic.  Whereas many other styles of boots tend to overlap with one another, the MOU’s are instantly recognizable and note a style unlike anything else in her collection.  They’re stylish, extremely elegant, luxurious, and most importantly, incredibly comfortable to wear (as noted by my wife).  They’re one of those fashion elements that when you walk down the street, you’re stopped by random strangers asking who made them and where they can get their own pair.

So if you didn’t get the boots you wanted this Christmas, we’ve got one word for you:  MOU.  Whether it’s their Antelope Cowboy Ankle Boot or any of their other luxurious styles, MOU’s are one of the most stylish, unique boot brands in the world.

You can check out more of the MOU Antelope Cowboy Ankle Boot in the photo gallery below, or head over to the official MOU website for their full lineup of boots and ordering info.

December is finally upon us, which means the holiday shopping season has officially kicked into high gear.  We know how difficult it can be finding the perfect gifts (both for yourself and for your family and friends), so to help make your decisions a little easier, we’re going to be bringing you some of our favorite gear throughout the month.  Style, food, gadgets, sports gear – we’ve got a little of everything planned, and you can’t go wrong with any of it.  Kicking things off, we’ve got some great early winter wear for you from one of our favorite outerwear brands:  Helly Hansen.

Here in the Midwest, selecting winter gear can present somewhat of a challenge.  Winter starts out cold, and then it gets ridiculously cold come January and February.  As such, I typically tend to have to two winter wardrobes – one for the cold, and one for the extreme cold.  For normal cold, I love the new Helly Hansen Chill Jacket and W Embla Wool Jackets.  They’re both warm and super comfortable, but they’re not too bulky either.  In addition to the coats, I’m a huge fan of the Helly Hansen Arctic Boots (to help withstand the cold and snow that’s just on the horizon), while for the women, the Stoneham Midlayer is a perfect compliment to the W Embla Wool Jacket.

Here’s a closer look at each.

Helly Hansen Chill Jacket ($300)

For a winter jacket, the Helly Hansen Chill is perfect if you’re looking for a slightly more casual, warm coat that’s not overly bulky.  Available in navy, smoked pearl (a gray color) or black, the Chill jacket is reminiscent of a classic tweed, but with Helly’s leading cold weather technology built in.  Outside, Helly Tech’s waterproof layer keeps the cold, water and wind out, while still allowing moisture to escape, meaning you won’t overheat while wearing it.  Inside, Warmcore by PrimaLoft provides an added layer of insulation with ultra-fine microfiber technology, again keeping you warm while still offering breathability during high performance activities.  As for the style, the Chill Jacket boasts raglan sleeves and diagonal pocket flaps, offering a classic look that still notes an air of sportiness.

For more info on the Helly Hansen Chill Jacket, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

Helly Hansen Arctic Boot ($150)

When it comes to trekking through the snow and ice of winter, nothing beats a quality pair of boots to keep your feet dry and warm.  One of my new favorites is the Helly Hansen Arctic Boot, gorgeously constructed from premium quality waterproof full-grain leather and naturally waterproof.  Inside, a natural felt lining and a suede collar at the ankle both make Helly’s Arctic Boot incredibly comfortable, while outside, a moc toe and Helly Wear Rubber outsole with welted construction ensure the Arctic Boot will withstand the harshest winter environments.  I’ve worn mine for a few weeks now, and they’re not only remarkably warm, they’re comfortable enough to wear day-in and day-out in virtually any environment.

For more info on the Helly Hansen Arctic Boot, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

Helly Hansen W Embla Wool Coat ($650)

For women, the current staff favorite when in comes to Helly’s winter gear is the Helly Hansen W Embla Wool Coat, available in either grey melange or off-white.  Featuring a gorgeous wool and polyester blend construction that feels great and is naturally water-resistant, the W Embla Wool Coat notes the same brilliant styling and innovation found in all of the W Embla line.  On top, the over-height collar boasts a detachable hood, while a mesh-lined ventilated wind screen provides protection for your lower face from the cold and winter elements.  Another welcome addition to the W Embla Wool Coat is the inclusion of hand warmer pockets that not only keep your hands warm, they zip closed when needed, keeping stored contents shielded from the cold air.  For your arms, articulated sleeves help avoid stiffness commonly associated with winter coats, eliminating bulkiness and increasing comfort, while zips in the lower sleeves allow them to expand, perfect when wearing larger mittens.  And as for style, the W Embla Wool Coat looks incredible, boasting a classical Scandinavian inspired design, including a two-layer yoke detail in the back and Embla detailing on both the hood and lower sleeves.  The W Embla Wool Coat not only looks great, it’s built to perform flawlessly in harsh winter environments – exactly what you want when picking the perfect winter coat.

For more info on the Helly Hansen W Embla Wool Coat, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

Helly Hansen W Stoneham Midlayer ($170)

Paired with the W Embla Wool Coat, the Helly Hansen W Stoneham Midlayer (available in red, black or white) makes a brilliant addition to your winter wardrobe.  Featuring a half zip construction with rib-knit mock-turtle collar and stunning contoured styling, the Stoneham Midlayer notes the look of a classic knit sweater, with the sportiness of Helly built in.  Thanks to its uniquely contoured fit, the Stoneham does an incredible job wicking away moisture while still keeping you warm in colder temps.  Rib-knit bands help define the hem and cuffs, and Helly’s trademark Lifa stripes highlight the sleeves.

For more info on the Helly Hansen W Stoneham Midlayer, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

If you live anywhere in the northern half of the country, I don’t need to tell you the necessity of owning a quality pair of boots to help get you through the winter.  This winter, in particular, has been particularly fun, as just a couple weeks ago we were blessed with some 18 inches over a 24-hour period.  When it comes to selecting a pair of boots, I’m a big fan of boots that are, first and foremost, functional, but I’m also a fan of boots that look good.  This winter, following the first of what would turn out to be many snowstorms, I decided to indulge in a new pair of boots for everyday use.  Eventually, I settled on the UGG Men’s Butte Boots, and it’s without question one of the best style decisions I made this winter.

In terms of my criteria when seeking out new boots, it came down to a few key elements.  I wanted a pair of boots that leaned towards the casual side – almost like a pair of work boots – but with a dash of elegance thrown in.  I also wanted boots that came up high enough to keep the snow out, boots that were warm, and most importantly, boots that were waterproof.  The Ugg Men’s Butte Boots hit each of the criteria head on, and after picking up a pair, they’ve since become a vital addition to my winter wardrobe.

Designed as the ultimate cold weather boot by UGG Australia, the men’s Butte is loaded with technology to keep you comfortable in even the coldest conditions.  Outside, a waterproof full grain leather upper is mated to an exclusive Vibram outsole designed specifically for UGG Australia.  The leather upper does a fantastic job at keeping the water out, whereas the Vibram outsole has the perfect level of flexibility at your foot’s natural flex points, eliminating the stiffness common in so many other boots.  Inside, the UGG Men’s Butte features a sheepskin sock liner along with a breathable waterproof eVent membrane.  The sheepskin liner is both removable and replaceable, and it does a fantastic job wicking away moisture and keeping your feet warm and dry.

Using the UGG Men’s Butte day-in and day-out in sub-zero temps and bunches of snow, they’ve lived up to their billing.  They’re incredibly warm and comfortable; they’re impervious to the elements; and they exemplify casual sophistication.  Throw them on with a pair of jeans and a wool jacket or down vest and you’re good to go.  You also have the option to wear the men’s Butte with the cuffs up or down, so when the snow get’s extra deep, you gain an even greater level of protection from snow infiltration.

With pricing set at $220, the UGG Men’s Butte are a fantastic buy for an all winter boot.  They come in three colors – black, club brown and worchester – and you can pick any of them up from UGG Australia.

With summer officially kicking off in less than a month, it’s time to think about refreshing your warm weather wardrobe (if you haven’t already).  To help usher in the balmy temps, we asked a couple of staffers what shoes they’re going to be wearing this summer, and their responses:  both are loving two new offerings from Keen.

On the men’s side, our pick is the Keen Glarus Hikining – a long-distance hiking boot geared directly at the adventurers among you and perfect for an all-day summer hike.  For the ladies, our pick is a pair of Keen Emerald City Sandals – sandals that look incredibly stylish, but most importantly, have the legendary Keen comfort to match.

Here’s a look at both.

Keen Glarus Hiking Boots ($160, men’s and women’s)

For us, summer is all about getting outside and being as active as possible, with hiking easily ranking as one of our favorite past times.  To make hiking even more enjoyable, the Keen Glarus ranks as one of our favorite trail boots, with a design specifically built for extended, all-day hikes.  Up top, a fantastically rugged waterproof full-grain leather upper paired with a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps moisture out, keeping your feet comfortable even in wet conditions.  Underneath, 4mm multi directional traction lugs provide ample grip, even in slippery conditions.  And making the Glarus boots some of the most comfortable we’ve tried, removable metatomical dual density EVA footbeds, torsion stability ESS shanks and external TPU heel stabilizers are just some of the tech Keen has packed into their newest hiking boot offering.

The full list of Keen Glarus features include

• 4mm multi directional traction lugs
• External TPU heel stabilizer
• KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane
• KEEN.Zorb Strobel
• Metal speed hook lacing system
• Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
• Torsion stability ESS shank
• Waterproof full grain leather upper
• Non-marking rubber outsole

You can learn more about the Keen Glarus Hiking Boots at the official Keen website.

Keen Emerald City Ankle Sandals ($85, women’s)

For a more laid back option in the Keen lineup, we love two of the offerings in the Emerald City lineup.  The first is the new Keen Emerald City Ankle sandal, a classically inspired sandal boasting a full grain leather upper and lining.  Not only does the emerald city look great with jeans, a skirt, a dress (or pretty much anything else), they’re also incredibly comfortable, thanks to a luxurious leather wrapped midsole.  Should things get a little more active, a non-marking natural rubber outsole provides ample grip when the need arises, allowing you to showcase your recently acquired four-minute Party Rock dance routine with the utmost precision.

More features of the Keen Emerald City Ankle Sandal include:

– Burnished leather footbed cover
– Full-grain leather upper
– Leather lining
– Leather wrapped midsole
– Non-marking natural rubber outsole

You can learn more about the Keen Emerald City Ankle Sandals at the official Keen website.

Keen Emerald City Three Point Sandals ($85, women’s)

If you love the idea of the Keen Emerald City Ankle sandal but want a slightly different style, the Emerald City Three Point sandal offers a more classically refined look with the same great comfort.  As with the ankle sandal, the three-point sandal boasts full grain leather straps, but in a slimmer design than found on the ankle sandal.  Whereas the ankle sandal is a touch more trendy, the three point sandal airs slightly more on the side of traditional.  Both look great with jeans, shorts, a dress, a skirt… pretty much anything you can think of.  Ensuring comfort during extended use, the three point sandal notes the same luxurious leather wrapped midsole as found on the on the ankle sandle, and a grippy non-marking natural rubber outsole again provides ample traction when you need it.

More features of the Keen Emerald City Three Point Sandals include:

– Burnished leather footbed cover
– Full-grain leather upper
– Leather lining
– Leather wrapped midsole
– Non-marking natural rubber outsole

You can learn more about the Keen Emerald City Three Point Sandals at the official Keen website.