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.

Style is obviously a topic that’s become synonymous with Mercedes-Benz – there’s the company’s various sponsored Fashion Weeks, the wide variety of celebrity endorsements, and so on.  But the truth is, as great as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is, the majority of style on display is relatively unwearable, which to us, isn’t really indicative of the brand.  It would be like buying a new Mercedes model based solely on its looks, knowing that it drove terribly and would cause you nothing but pain and heartache when you actually drove it – it wouldn’t make sense.  So we decided to take a different approach with our Lifestyle Style Section.  We’re going to bring you gorgeous, sometimes beautiful, sometimes handsome style that you’re going to love, but we’re going to bring you style that’s matched with wearability (yes, that’s actually a word).  That’s not to say we’ll never bring you style that’s a little unpractical, but the general rule will be that form is matched by function.

Enter our first Lifestyle Style feature.  As you know, today kicked off the Mercedes-Benz USA sponsored AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup, so, in the spirit of polo, we decided to opt for a product to match – the gorgeous Dubarry Galway Boot.  But before I tell you about the actual Galway Boot, a bit of background information.  Dubarry of Ireland is a company that’s been around since the 1930’s.  They began as a specialist hand stitched moccasin manufacturer in County Galway on the west coast or Ireland, and over the years, they’ve expanded to offer a variety of footwear products including boots and shoes for a variety of country/lifestyle and marine uses.  But what makes Dubarry products so unique is that while they maintain a notedly classic design, they offer the latest in modern footwear technology, making them as functional as they are good-looking.

Which brings us back to the Dubarry Galway Boots.  The Galway is Dubarry’s original, signature boot, constructed from a combination of smooth and crushed Dry-Fast-Dry-Soft™ leather.  Trademarked marketing terms aside, this is the company’s proprietary leather that’s had water-proofing tanned into it (as opposed to surface water-proofing), which, in the real world, keeps your feet drier, improves breathability, and keeping the boots lighter in wet conditions (they dry 70 percent faster than other leather).  Inside, the Dubarry Galway Boot is fully lined with GORE-TEX, offering a secondary layer of waterproofing and insulation without sacrificing the Galway’s breathability, while a composite PU/rubber sole is injection molded to the upper, ensuring a proper seal and no leaks.  The end result is a boot that is gorgeous, but just as importantly, it provides an exemplary level of protection in rain, snow, mud, and any other conditions you can throw at it.

Speaking from personal experience, my wife and I both own a pair, and I have to tell you, they easily rank among my favorite pairs of shoes.  I wear them when we go hiking, I wear them when I go clay shooting, and I wear them pretty much all winter.  What’s so great about the Dubarry Galway Boot is that the more you wear them, the better they get.  They get more comfortable, and from a style standpoint, they get better looking the more worn they become.  To take care of them, all you need is a hose to spray off the mud (assuming you take them in the mud, as I do), and occasionally, I’ll throw some leather cream on the lower, smooth portion of the boot.  Other than that, the Galways are simple to maintain – they’re tough, handsome, and full of character, which I love.

If you want to see more of the Dubarry Galway Boot, I’ve included a gallery below showing the Dubarry Galway in two of its color combinations:  walnut, brown/mahogany (there’s also a black/mahogany option).  Pricing is $439 for any of the colors, while sizing is listed as UK sizing, so be sure to check the Dubarry sizing conversion chart before making your selection (for U.S. sizing, men go down half a size, women go down 2.5 sizes).  To learn more about the Dubarry Galway Boot or to get your own pair, you can do so at the official Dubarry U.S. website.

Like it or not winter’s in full force here in the States, with snow and low temps blanketing much of the U.S.  And I don’t know about you, but every year when the snow hits, I’m reinvigorated to find new ways of staying warm and comfy all season long.

One of my greatest finds this year has been Mahabis, a brand based out of London that’s reinvented the slipper. Like your favorite slippers of old, they’re warm, comfortable and functional. But as slipper conneiseurs know, the biggest problem with any slipper is that you have to take them off when you leave the house, switching from the warm and toasty comfort of slippers to cold and uncomfortable outdoor footwear.  And that’s where Mahabis are different.  Unlike other slippers that require a footwear change when going outside, Mahabis don’t.  Instead, you simply slip on Mahabi’s detachable soles – soles that allow you to wear the same slippers inside and out without bringing the dirt in.  Even better is the fact that Mahabis look as good as they feel, with a variety of stylish color combinations to match any taste.

After wearing my Mahabis Classic for a month, there are a few things which stood out to me, starting with their construction.   Made from soft sheep’s wool, Mahabi’s are warm, soft and super comfortable, yet breathable enough that you won’t suffer from sweaty foot syndrome found in some other slippers.  They also have cushioned insoles, another way Mahabis upped the comfort level.  As for the soles, they come in a multitude of colors (perfect for both men and women),  and they’re easy to slip on and attach with only one hand, without the need to take the slippers off.  And did I mention they look great?  Mahabis are simple, handsome, and the perfect companion to any casual winter wardrobe.

If you’re looking for some warm and comfy winter footwear, I can’t recommend Mahabis highly enough – I’m completely hooked.  To snag a pair (or two) for yourself, head over to the Mahabi’s online store, pick your favorite colors, and give your feet the slippers they deserve.

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.

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.

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 spring in full force and summer knocking on our doors, it’s time to get outside and take in all the glory Mother Nature has to offer.  One of the easiest ways to take advantage of the gorgeous weather is running, and one of the ways I love putting in miles is getting off the road and onto the trails.

Unlike traditional running, where surfaces are smooth and flat, trail running is an entirely different animal, with rocky, uneven surfaces the norm; water and mud an everyday occurrence; and the chance of injury that much greater than running on the road.  When I first tried trail running, my attempt was in normal running shoes, and I quickly discovered a pair of dedicated trail shoes were a must.  Unfortunately, finding trails shoes for running can be a difficult task, as many are too heavy and awkward for longer runs.

This spring, in seeking out a new pair of trail shoes, I picked up a pair of Keen Tryon WP, and after breaking them in for the last month, I can tell you they’re a fantastic option for anyone looking to run on rugged terrain.  For starters, they’re super comfortable.  The Keen Tryon WP provides great arch support; they’re light enough to not hold you back; and the soles are rugged enough (thanks to the KEEN.Zorb system) to dampen the blows from jagged rocks, ruts, and any other obstacles you may encounter.  Compared to other trail shoes I’ve used, there’s also a fantastic level of heel protection – more so than other trail shoes I’ve tried – and they’re just tall enough to add additional ankle support in comparison to normal running shoes.  Another great feature:  a removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed is not only provides support for your foot’s contours, it also makes cleaning the Tryon WP’s a breeze.

From a ruggedness standpoint, the Keen Tryon WP has a variety of technological designed to keep your feet protected.  There’s the KEEN.DRY membrane construction, which is a material that’s both waterproof but breathable enough to keep your feet cool.  Up front, the toe box features added protection, shielding your feet from the common trail occurrence of toe stubs.  And the entire shoe is constructed with minimal seams, making the likelihood of water penetration even less and lessening the number of weak points on the shoe.  After putting in a couple hundred miles in them , I can tell you the Keen Tryon WP have held up beautifully.

With a street price of $120, you can’t go wrong with the Keen Tryon WP’s if you’re looking for a superbly comfortable, rugged shoe for trail running.  They’re available in multiple color combos and in both men’s and women’s varieties, so you’re sure to find a Keen Tryon WP that fits you’re unique style.  To order the Keen Tryon WP, you can pick both the men’s Keen Tryon WP and women’s Keen Tryon WP from Amazon.com.

As an avid runner, I’m always looking for new ways to improve my time spent outdoors, especially in terms of maximizing my fitness level.  I’m running to get in shape, so my goal is to find the best way to get the most out of each stride I take.  How exactly to do that is a question that will likely be asked from now until eternity, but one of the latest evolutions in the world of running is the concept of minimalism, with the fundamental question being how to best connect to the surface you’re running on.

It’s an idea that stems from analyzing the foot itself.  The foot is an incredibly complex creature, comprised of 52 bones, 66 joints, 40 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons, and ligaments.  Walk barefoot, and it’s immediately evident how complex the foot is, as your foot continuously sends signals to your brain informing it of slight variations in the terrain while simultaneously making micro adjustments to maximize your balance.  The problem is, running shoes ignore this complexity, hiding the ability of your foot to feel the surface it’s on.  Your balance is lessened, muscles that ordinarily would be working aren’t, and your foot strength doesn’t reach its full potential.

While you could run barefoot, making the transition after a life of wearing shoes would be a difficult one, to say the least.  That’s where Vibram FiveFingers come into play.  In 2006, Vibram came up with the idea of creating a shoe that brings you as close to possible as running barefoot, allowing the complexity of the foot to be utilized, but still offering protection from elements that otherwise could lead to injury.  It’s an idea that’s been met with tremendous success, and after numerous evolutions in the Vibram FiveFingers lineup, I finally took the plunge, purchasing a pair of Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS shoes for myself.  And while they do take some time getting used to, I have to say, I’m officially a convert of the minimal style of running.

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS Overview

In looking at the Vibram FiveFingers Lineup, the Komodosport LS is the Vibram’s newest addition to the fitness line.  They feature a stitch-free, seamless 2mm footbed designed to reduce friction while running, while the bottom is made up of the Vibram TC1 performance rubber outsole to provide both grip and foot protection.  Comparing the traditional Komodosport to the Komodosport LS, the strongest selling point of the Komodosport LS is the addition of Vibram’s speed lacing system – a system that helps accommodate wider feet and higher insteps – as opposed to the original Komodosport’s velcro strap.

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS Fit

Describing the fit of the Komodosport LS is comparable to the fit of a thin glove on your hand.  The fit itself is exceptionally tailored, while the most notable attribute of Vibram FiveFingers are that they have individual toe pockets for each of your toes.  Why does it matter?  Just as gloves with individual finger pockets allow full function of your hands (as opposed to mittens that keep all your four fingers in a single area), Vibram FiveFingers allow full function of your feet, letting your toes move independently over terrain just as they would if you were barefoot.  Coming from traditional running shoes, it’s a tight fit at first, but give them a little time, and they quite literally become an extension of your foot.  Out of the box, they’re the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn.

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS Performance

As with any product, you never know if a company’s marketing pitch is going to deliver or if it’s just going to be hype, and Vibram’s pitch to give up traditional running shoes is a bold one.  But I have to say, having used the Komodosport LS for the past couple months, Vibram’s pitch lives up to the hype.  It’s a drastically different way to run, but it’s an awesome one.

Comfort wise, the Komodosport LS are incredibly comfortable, straight out of the box.  From day one, I’ve had no blister issues, and no issues of any kind, for that matter.  The inside is soft, and the shoes as a whole do a great job with moisture control.  From a flexibility standpoint, the Komodosport LS are incredibly unrestrictive, allowing your foot to flex and move better than any shoes I’ve ever worn.  And in terms of surface feel, the Vibram TC1 outsoles do a great providing traction and protection while still transmitting exceptionally well whatever it is you’re running on.  In doing so, your foot can make the micro corrections it needs to maximize your balance, but your foot is still being protected the entire time.  It’s really the perfect medium between running barefoot and running with shoes.

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS Conclusion

Ultimately, despite the existence of almost too many different running shoes to count, I’m a believer that less is more.  Vibram FiveFingers take the idea that the incredible complexity already present in your foot should be highlighted, not hidden, and they’ve created a way to bring the remarkable functionality of your foot into the running process.  And it works.  Running is not only more comfortable, you feel better while doing it.  You have better balance, you feel more connected to the road, and I’ve found that even my running form has improved.  Try them, and you’ll never look back.

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS are available in both men’s and women’s varieties in a total of six colors (three men’s and three women’s), with an MSRP of $110.  To learn more about the Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS or to order a pair, head over to the official Vibram FiveFingers website.

With the Mercedes-Benz Sailing Cup having just wrapped up, we thought we’d turn our attention momentarily to the world of sailing and some of the style that goes along with it.  Whether you’re the captain of a new 43 foot Beneteau or just want to look like you are, summer’s the perfect time to add a dash of sailing into your everyday life.  And one of the most used and easiest elements to add into your sailing style is your footwear.  Boat shoes look great with almost anything; they’re exceptionally comfortable; and if you have a boat, they’re extremely functional, as they drastically increase your traction on what can be very slippery surfaces.  In the world of boating shoes, it goes without saying that we need to feature Sperry Top-Sider – I mean, they practically invented boat shoes.  I take that back – they did invent boat shoes.

In the 1930’s, amidst a cold Connecticut winter, a Captain by the name of Paul Sperry noticed that his dog Prince was able to maintain a surprising level of grip when running on icy conditions.  Observing the cocker spaniel’s paws, Sperry discovered it was the hundreds of tiny cracks and cuts going in various directions that allowed him to maintain this grip.  Applying his newfound discovery to his own footwear, Sperry used a pen knife to cut siping into the outsole of a rubber sneaker, and the world’s first boat shoe was born.  It’s this design of wave-like grooves that were instrumental in the success of the Authentic Original Sperry Top-Sider introduced back in 1935, and it’s also the inspiration for Sperry’s latest patent, called Razor-Siping, that’s being utilized today.

In selecting which Sperry Top-Siders to feature, truth be told, we really could have picked any.  They all look fantastic, and the Sperry Authentic Originals are one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable shoes in the world (of all the shoes I own, they’re easily one of my favorites).  But rather than opting for the more conventional Classic Boat Shoes that you’re already familiar with, we instead wanted to draw attention feature a pair of Sperry Top-Siders from their Performance line.  What is the Sperry Performance Line you ask?  Simply put, it’s a range of boat shoes that blends classic Sperry style with industry leading comfort and traction.

It’s an offense we’re all guilty of it – we’ve worn athletic shoes on a boat for their vibration dampening abilities, but in doing so, we’ve given up traction.  And that’s the compromise Sperry Performance boat shoes address.  While they offer superb levels of vibration damping technology, the Performance line maintains the patented siping that’s made Sperry famous.  Traction remains excellent; comfort remains better than that of your favorite athletic shoes; and they look great.  Of course, you don’t need to be on a boat to enjoy the Sperry Performance shoes – they’re equally as comfortable on land.  Wherever you’re using them, here’s a pair of our favorites from the Sperry Performance line that you’re going to love.

Men’s ASV Classic Boat Shoe ($140)

For the gentlemen, the must-have shoes in the Sperry Performance line are the Men’s ASV Classic boat shoes.  The classic styling looks great anywhere, and functionally, they may very well be the best boat shoes money can buy.  They’re exceptionally comfortable when spending a day at sea; they’re supremely easy to clean; and they’re engineered extremely well.  To be honest, after owning a pair, there’s nothing I can find fault with.  Some of the technologies that make the Sperry Men’s ASV Classic boat shoes so great include:

• Proprietary ASV Technology with Ant-Shock and Vibration Properties (helps reduce shock forces up to 40%)
• Superior Traction through Hydro-Grip™ Rubber for Better Footing
• Enhanced Agility with Unique Upper Designed for Improved Flexibility
• Quick Drying Materials for Low Water Absorption
• Internal Drainage to Remove Water from Around the Foot for Better Comfort
• Anti-Microbial Linings Protect Against Bacteria that Cause Odor
• Non-Marking, Rubber Outsole with Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction

Women’s ASV Athletic Boat Shoe ($130)

From a technical standpoint, the Sperry Women’s ASV Classic boat shoe is virtually identical to the Men’s ASV Classic boat shoe.  Both feature Sperry’s ASV anti-shock and anti-vibration technology, both feature Hydro-Grip rubber footing, and both feature a non-marking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping.  Where the two differ is styling.  While the Men’s ASV Classic features the more classic Sperry look, the Women’s ASV notes a more modern, sporty look.  They look great on a boat, but honestly, my wife (who loves athletic footwear) wears them everywhere, as they’ve become one of favorite pairs of shoes.  As with the Sperry Men’s ASV Classic boat shoes, technologies on the Sperry Women’s ASV Athletic boat shoes include:

• Proprietary ASV Technology with Anti-Shock and Vibration Properties (helps reduce shock forces up to 40%)
• Superior Traction through Hydro-Grip™ Rubber for Better Footing
• Enhanced Agility with Unique Upper Designed for Improved Flexibility
• Quick Drying Materials for Low Water Absorption
• Internal Drainage to Remove Water from Around the Foot for Better Comfort
• Anti-Microbial Linings Protect Against Bacteria that Cause Odor
• Non-Marking, Rubber Outsole with Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction

If you’d like to learn more about Sperry Top-Sider, you can find their full range of range of boat shoes at the official Sperry website.  I love my Sperry Authentic Originals and my ASV Classics, and as I said earlier, you really can’t go wrong with any Sperrys.  They invented the boat shoe, and 75 years later, they’re still the best.