Fashionable and Functional Winter Boots

12.23.09

Every year, its the same dilemma. What do I wear on my feet when winter is at its worst? It
seems like there would be a simple answer to this question, but when you are trying to be
fashionable as well as functional, it is often hard to find an solution.

No matter how popular Uggs are, the simple fact remains that they are not waterproof. They
are extremely functional during those bitter cold - albeit dry - days, but only a fool would
wear them sloshing through the slush and snow. (Sadly, there are many a fool out there...but
I digress. That is another blog topic for another time).

I bought a pair of platform wedge, down Moncler boots this season. (Thank you, Second Time
Around!) But, while not the suede sponges that Uggs are because they are waterproof, I don't
want to be trudging through snow, ice and rough terrain in platforms. That is an invitation
to be fashion road-kill.

Hunters do their best to answer this age-old question, but I think they fall just short.
Certainly they are waterproof and they do offer a kind of old New England charm to any winter
ensemble, but even with those cozy fleece liners, they can't quite keep out the cold on those
bitter days of winter. The rubber is no match for a coating of icy flakes or sticky slush and
soon your toes feel like they could be snapped off one-by-one.

Well, despite all of my failed attempts to find fashionable and functional winter boots, I kept
my chin up and continued the search. And finally, I think that I have found them.

Sorel has released a winter boot called the "Joan of Arctic" for the 2009 Fall/Winter season.
They are inspired by their Caribou boot, a timeless winter boot silhouette, but they are
updated for the fashionistas of today. They boast a waterproof vulcanized rubber shell,
full-grain leather and suede upper, lace-up closure and removable felt "innerboot" just like the
Caribou, but they rise higher on the leg - covering the majority of the lower leg - and boast
a high-fashion faux fur trim at the top of the boot.

The "Joan of Artic" comes in three colors: black, Sierra Tan or Hawk (a dark chocolate). They
retail for $130 and can be found at Nordstrom, The Tannery and all over the web.

I will definitely be purchasing a pair before the winter winds whip up and the snow clouds
roll in!

                                                                                                   --Marisa