Great Gifts for an Active Mom

This time of year, I’m always seeing lists about the best gifts for mom. See, I’m even making one. But the truth is, not all moms are alike, and you know best your mom’s personality. A “makeup and jewelry” kind of mom? Flowers, chocolate? Maybe she wants to sleep in and get a massage. (Hint, that’s pretty much everyone, all the time.) Some of that stuff can be sort of a “cop-out”, just going through the motions. Your mom did (and likely still does) a lot for you- make her feel special on days meant to celebrate her. (Dads, if you have very young kids, you are in charge here. Do something besides that macaroni necklace they made in school, yeah?)

As an active mom myself, and one that wears pretty much zero makeup or fussy things like that, I wouldn’t personally love a bottle of perfume or nail polish. I also try to be as eco-friendly as possible, and my family knows that’s important to me. I’m guessing to a lot of other moms out there as well.

Since many “idea” lists focus on candy and makeup, we here at Parents@Play thought there should be one with other options out there. This list is for the active mom, eco friendly mom, who is a little less traditional, but pretty cool in her own rights.

Sand Cloud, an environmentally aware company that donates %10 of it’s profits to #SaveTheFishes (help protect and preserve marine life) offers a wide array of items that are sustainable, adorable, and environmentally friendly. From super useful items mom will love like reusable glass bottles with beautiful and fun designs on them to metal straws that you can take anywhere (avoid those unnecessary plastic ones that end up in the nostrils of poor sea turtles and washed up on beaches), soft towels with lovely artwork, or organic tees and tanks, there is something your earth conscious mom will love.  These items are not only beautiful, but useful. In addition, a percentage from each purchase is given to a charity- I can’t think of a mother that wouldn’t be pleased that Mother Earth is also gifted on this special day.  Visit https://www.sandcloud.com to see their collections, and pick out a perfect gift for the moms in your life.

reusable bottle

Yoga lover? Me too, we hit the mat almost daily, it is one of the best ways to center yourself and have a few minutes of peace. It’s fantastic for both mind and body, and if you haven’t yet tried it out, there’s always today. The hype is there for a reason. It’s good stuff. Slightly Buddha is a yoga company for yoga lovers, by yoga lovers. The items on the site are simple, pretty, and express the ideas of living a zen lifestyle. They make, as they describe them, “well made, cute clothes” that offer value to the customer. As the owner describes the collection, “Slightly Buddha is a manifestation of my love for yoga, art and clothes.”  The clothing is soft and comfortable. Pay attention to sizing, as I find that they don’t run typically. Some say that they run large, so you will get the “heads up”, so to speak. Others don’t mention, but you can tell that they run slim. Joggers, for example, are less loose then any others I’ve had, and fit more like leggings, which you can see in the photos. They are perfect for a yoga class, however, so that may be why the design is different. The tanks are also a slim fit, but are a nice feel. Pay attention to the photos and the reviews, they are honest and helpful.  Visit https://www.slightlybuddha.com to see what strikes you- your mom will love the graceful designs that are easy to mix and match, and go from the studio to the couch to errand running and beyond.

yoga gear

Title Nine has everything the active woman needs, from running gear to swimwear to undergarments and more. Dresses that move with you, skirts that shake the rain off, leggings that actually stay in place. I can’t say enough good things about the company, which is run by amazing women for women, so they know what women want and need. It may be unseemly to talk about getting mom a bra for Mother’s Day, so maybe choose an awesome dress or sweater, and give her a gift card so she can choose her own, because these will be the only ones she will want from then on. I recently tried out the Roadster Convertible Underwire Bra and the Cuz She Say’s So Underwire Bra and I have to say, I’m in love. The :Roadster” in particular has become my “go to”- if it’s clean, I’m wearing it. Comfortable and keeping everything where it needs to be, even during vigorous workouts, this is the one to beat in my opinion. The “Cuz She Said So” was also comfortable and preformed well, but it was hard to compare to the “Roadster”.  The company is so passionate about their bras, they even have a program to help get them to girls in underprivileged communities. They know it’s hard to preform your best when you are being hindered- and that’s pretty cool. They do a lot of good work in the community. They even use “real life” models, who have regular jobs and live “regular” lives, no retouching the already impossible to achieve looks of supermodels here, and I love that. This company is all about celebrating women, and any mom would love that. Visit https://www.titlenine.com and see what mom would appreciate.

skorts

Looking for something pretty? Mountain Khakis puts a modern spin on classics, and the clothing is built to last. This company builds tough clothing that’s still pretty and soft to wear. You can find classic styles mom loves, which are durable and have the highest quality craftsmanship. A brand you can rely on not to fall apart on you. Not only that, but they are a company that cares, being Fair Trade Certified, members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and are organic and biodegradable, using only products and production methods that are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. You can be tough and rugged and still look beautiful at the same time- all this while being environmentally responsible. Great gift options, take a look at https://www.mountainkhakis.com to see what strikes your fancy.

Spring Fashion for a Cause #Education #InvestInGirls

Spring is in the air and Easter is around the corner, Olivela not only offers great spring fashion finds,  but a significant portion of every purchase goes to help educate girls worldwide (cause partners include Malala Fund, Too Young To Wed and CARE for Syrian refugees).

Olivela started when Founder and CEO Stacey Boyd joined Malala Yousafzai on a visit to refugee camps in Kenya and Rwanda. There she met amazing girls with extraordinary stories of overcoming poverty and war and escaping forced marriage to pursue their educations. She realized that the opportunities she and her two daughters are lucky enough to have—access to education and the ability to live life on their own terms—these girls literally had to risk their lives for. In that moment, it became crystal clear that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. It was from that realization that a new kind of retailer was born, one with giving back built into every, single transaction.

Olivela is a luxury fashion and beauty platform that offers unique styles from the world’s best designers with 20% of each sale directly benefiting the education of girls worldwide through best-in-class partners CARE, Malala Fund, and Too Young To Wed.

How Olivela Works

  • Consumers: shop their favorite designer fashion and beauty brands.
  • Olivela: Gives 20% of the proceeds of anything purchased directly to one of their partner children’s charities.
  • And at absolutely no additional cost to the shopper.

Impact:

Since launching, Olivela has provided over 41,000 days of school to at-risk girls through Malala Fund, CARE and Too Young To Wed.

Boutiques:

The online platform opened their first physical boutique in Nantucket this summer, the first of 15 boutiques to open across the country through 2019. The next will be opening in Aspen in December.

ActiveWear for being Outdoors/Winter Elements #ActiveWear #GetActive

If you are an active family who likes to get outdoors no matter what the weather, we have some great options for you to check out this season.

Brooks Running, a favorite of ours, has recently put out the “Dash Hoodie”, which I am completely in love with. It has become a go to for me, one of those tops you reach for every time it is out of the washing machine. So soft (much softer then I’m used to in running gear and feather light) it is also warm and wicks moisture quickly. The material is breathable, and machine washable and dryer safe. It has a loose but flattering fit. I personally prefer to hand it to dry, I think it will last longer that way, but personal preference. It has thumb holes on the cuffs, and there is a storage pocket over the left hand that can hold your key, cash, or whatever your prefer. The hood is perfect for cooler weather, so you can use it until you get too warm on your run, then toss it off. Prices vary depending on what color you order (some of them are on sale), get yours at https://www.brooksrunning.com

running gear

Trek specializes in biking, bikes, and bike gear, and also has apparel for all sorts of active lifestyles. I’m currently loving the “Bontrager Vella Women’s Long Sleeve Thermal Cycling Jersey”, which is quite a mouthful. It’s a half zip, long sleeve collared top that is soft, lightweight, (are you seeing a theme here? Yes, really love soft workout gear) wicking, ventilated and offers the warmth you need with the comfort you want. It is very form fitting, really hugging your body. If you like streamlined gear, this is the top you will wear again and again. It also has reflective elements so that you can wear it day or night with added safety. Washing machine safe, and again, I’d hang to dry, but it dries very quickly.  $89.99

active wear

Keep the hair out of your face and your ears warm with the “Bontrager Vella Women’s Thermal Headband”, which you can get to match your jersey in color if you’d like. It’s warm (but not suffocating) and stays put when you head out.  It’s thin, so it can be worn under your helmet comfortably on a ride. Wash and wear. (I hang to dry.) $16.99

Get the gear at https://www.trekbikes.com

active wear

SAS shoes (this stands for San Antonio Shoemakers) looks to bridge the gap between comfort and style. These are orthopedic shoes, but not the ones that you are thinking of. When I think orthopedic shoes, I admit I think of those giant, black, clunky and awful things your grandparents would wear. SAS make shoes that are comfortable to wear, that offer support, but that are fun and funky as well. They make shoes for both men and women, from everyday sneakers to sandals and shoes for elegant occasions. Options are not few in number, and there is every color of the rainbow to choose from.  We took these out to two 5K’s, as well as regular, random everyday use (like hanging a swing, messing around with the kids, etc) and can tell you honestly that they hold up extremely well, and do offer fantastic support and comfort.

orthopedic shoes

Most of these shoes come with patented” SAS Comfort Outsole™, SteadyTrac Midsole, and Arcfit™ heel stabilizer work together to provide you maximum firm but gentle support (as well as the)  Tripad® comfort system (which) adds additional support to the three main pressure points of the foot, while SAS CoolSTEP™ foot bed and a leather and mesh upper make for a light design with no heat build up underfoot”. (*As per the company)

Head to https://www.sasshoes.com to choose the shoes that speak to you.

comfortable sneakers

 

 

Sudara Clothing – ethically made and helps women #GiftGuide

If you are anything like me, you like to shop as ethically as possible. Most companies and stores don’t give a fig about you, me, the environment, or anything other then profit. So, when you know brands that give a darn, they are ones you tend to do your shopping with.

give back

I’ve recently discovered Sudara. This brand came about because of a desire to help women escape sex trafficking in India.  12 years ago, Sudara partnered with a sewing center in India and taught six women how to sew a pattern for pants. The previous year,  founder, Shannon Keith, had returned from a trip to India and heard story after story of women who were sold into sex slavery. She also heard stories of women who were at a high risk of being forced into the sex trade by their families or picked up off the streets by local pimps. The reasons they were at a high risk? Because they lacked an education or the resources or the skills to, truly, have a choice.

She returned home from that trip and formed a small team of family and friends. They have since made 10 sewing centers and hundreds of women have found both freedom and living wage employment.

The pants are awesome. Comfortable, easy to wash and wear, pretty, and unique. The are no sacrifice to wear, and it’s great knowing that my purchase is helping other women and supporting a company that does good in the world.

They also are ethically and sustainability made for the good of the environment as well. They are a Certified B Corps, which means they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems. So- you know. A good company to buy from. The good guys.

ethically made clothing

Sudara Brand Description:

  • Sudara is a lifestyle brand that creates jobs for women in India who are at the highest risk or survivors of human trafficking. They pay living wages and provide access to counseling, medical care and resources that empower women to create their own self-sustaining future.

  • Every pair of these Sudara Punjammies are made through living-wage employment by women in India who are at the highest risk or survivors of sex trafficking. Every purchase is an investment in Sudara’s freedom-filled work and empowers women who are working to forge a new life for themselves and their children.

  • Sudara offers beautiful and comfortable clothing with a freedom-filled purpose. Their women’s pajama pants, loungewear and robes are ethically-made in India through living-wage employment programs. Every purchase is helping empower women in India with the resources and skills they need to create a better life for themselves and their family.

Keep up with Sudara on social media as well- sudara.org  facebook  twitter  instagram

Gifts for the Active Men in Your Life #GiftGuide

If you are anything like us, you want to be active and outside as much as possible. Colder weather complicates things, but not to worry. You can get outdoors and enjoy your vitamin D year round, just bundle up a bit. Check out these functional and eco friendly cool-weather options we are loving right now- they would be perfect for the active men in your life this holiday season.

eco friendly clothing

Stopping off at Trader Joe’s on the way home- active wear that is great as any wear

The perfect slip on shoe for indoors or out, the Original Stegmann is not only comfortable, but also functional. They are great for camping, running errands, and everything in between. They have fantastic arch and toe support, so if you have aching feet, issues like Plantar Fasciitis, or a bad back, these might be worth considering. They have free shipping and exchanges, so nothing to lose. Made with a Tyrolian & Merino wool blend into a single piece, it is then paired with an anatomically contoured cork sole that is balanced for both arch and metatarsal support. These shoes have a gentle slope which helps reduce ankle and back pain as well. These shoes as a whole are designed for comfort, so if that’s your thing- and honestly, whose isn’t- check them out at https://www.stegmannusa.com . Prices vary.

A brand we have really fallen in love with over here is Mountain Khakis. Not only are the products soft and durable, but the environmentally friendly fabrics and practices have completely won us over.  Take for example the Rainmaker Jacket. It’s all sorts of wet-proof (rain, snow, mud, etc), and it’s strechy as well. It’s also warmer then some raincoats, without being swelteringly-sticky-hot like so many can be. A nice medium-to lightweight, and easily layered. It has a removable hood, with welded seams and snap-closed patch pockets.  It has a relaxed fit and hits about the hip area. Best part? The eco-friendliness of this jacket. Polyurethane is a greener alternative to the traditional raincoat’s vinyl. It’s also more durable and is better for the environment in long term care and use. Polyurethane does not require the chemicals used to soften vinyl in the manufacturing process, and is eventually biodegradable, where as PVC (vinyl) never breaks down, and is usually incinerated.  This leaches toxins into landfills and emits carcinogenic dioxin into the air. Any reason to choose PVC over PU? Not in my book. Check out https://www.mountainkhakis.com for your jacket, available in several colors, for $139.

Your new go-to sweatshirt will be the Poker Flats Pullover, which is soft and cuddly, perfect for chilly nights.  Named for the inspiring Teton National Park, this namesake sweatshirt is also inspiring. With it’s certified recycled fleece (which is made using sustainable REPREVE® technology) fabric, each garment reuses about 25 plastic bottles in it’s creation. Half zip, relaxed fit  with a high collar that can be folded down, it also has a snap chest pocket and thumb thumb loops. It comes in two shades- one is several shades of blues and greens, the other is a deep red with shades of grey. Get yours at https://www.mountainkhakis.com for $85

The Old Faithful Pants are just that. The most comfortable winter all-around pants we’ve found in ages, we find ourselves living in these. As in, I’ve had to peel them off my partner to wash them, he doesn’t want to part with them that long (like when you have to wrestle that dress or much loved t-shirt off your toddler, and you need to promise to put it right into the wash, they can have it right back- promise!) I jest, but not much. Known also as the “campfire pant”, these  pants are made with recycled sweaters. They are both sweatpants and pants, with a drawstring waistband as well as a zippered fly. Yes, multiple pockets. The ribbed waistband and cuffs at the ankles keep the pants where you want them, and comfortably so. (Are you seeing that the themes here are comfort and function? Because seriously so.) Thicker then most sweatpants, but not sweaty-thick- just warm. The legs are slim fit, which surprised and weirded us out for a hot second, but only about one. Got used to them in no time, and they have become, as mentioned, our very favorites. These come in “oatmeal and black”, but seem really more like light grey and dark grey to the novice eye. $90 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

5 Stylish Outfits for a Night out in a New Town

When you plan for a vacation or a city break in a new town, all travel specialists tell you to travel light and pack comfortable clothes, as you will have plenty of sightseeing and walking to do. However, visiting a new town also means checking out the nightlife scene. Whether you want to go out to dinner in an interesting restaurant, attend a show, have some drinks in a funky place with your friends, or go to a high-class event, you should be prepared. Put your sneakers and comfortable T-shirt aside tonight, as we will offer you five stylish outfit ideas you can try for a splendid night out in a new town!

Beautiful fashionable woman standing on the city street. Sepia.

1. The Timeless Black Dress with a Twist

The little black dress goes everywhere and matches any occasion you can think of. You can style it down for a night of bar hopping with friends by wearing a simple denim jacket and some boots. On the contrary, if you want to style it up and give it a fancy, glamorous flair, pair it with a fancy jacket or scarf, a statement pendant necklace and some stylish sunglasses.

For a city-break-style boho, laidback look, throw a wavy soft poncho over it. For a more composed, demure, and killer look, get yourself a fitted jacket in a contrasting color and do not forget your heels or platforms. Some cities are a mix of classic and new, old grace and modern vibrations (like Florence, Budapest or London). For such cities, the little black dress with twists and touch-ups is the perfect outfit that mixes style with comfort.

A black dress in a medium length is your perfect travel companion whether you want to go to a show or spend your evening at an art gallery opening. Keep in mind that accessories are your best allies.

2. The Cute Retro Look with Pearls

Some cities and some occasions almost beg you to go for a retro-chic look with a glamorous flair and funky side to it. We are thinking about Paris, Rome, or Madrid even. You will not look out of place sporting the timeless polka dot dress in a vibrant color combination (red and white, yellow and black, blue and black, and so on). Retro fashion is trendier than ever these days so you can ride that wave by mixing some classics.

When it comes to stylish retro, you can go only one way: the path of pearls. Pearls received a fresh take and some interesting tunings as of late, becoming the go-to gems for all women with a deep sense of style.

You might feel reluctant in taking your precious pearl jewelry on a trip, but keep this in mind: the ideal pearl earrings are button earrings or drop earrings. In other words, they are small, discrete, and glamorous. You can carry them safely with you and wear them with your retro outfit at any party or event.

If you want to sport a full retro attire, you should also bring along your pearl necklace, your tiny fancy gloves, and a hairpin to style up your retro updo.

fashion studio photo of gorgeous young woman with blond curly hair wears elegant blouse and jeans,holding a big bag in hands

3. The Almighty Denim Jeans with Statement Pieces

If you are the practical type of girl who does not want to stuff her luggage with half her wardrobe just in case she needs something interesting to wear, you can always count on your jeans. Bring along your favorite dark blue pair, as they will get you out of any “what to wear” dilemma. You can keep jeans fancy yet casual by pairing them with a monochrome tank top (white works quite well), a pair of fancy oxfords, an oversized tote bag and a statement necklace.

When you wear jeans and statement jewelry, make sure you manage to balance the colors and the proportions. For a casual night out (for cinema, drinks, street food tasting, clubs, and parties), you can rely on your outfit to be comfortable, cute, and glamorous within some limits.

Some occasions, however, require a bit of styling up. You can wear your jeans with heels and look effortlessly stunning. Make sure you pump up the “volume” by adding some stacked bracelets to balance the statement necklace you already packed.

4. The Red-Based Outfit with Summer Written all Over it

Some urban environments have a style and a flair of their own. Summer resorts and beach cities all share a laidback attitude. Nothing speaks about the coolest summer vacation or city break of your life than some red clothes. A red slouchy silky top can take you to a fancy restaurant just as it can take you to a beach party. Your look will depend on what you pair with red.

For a casual look, pick a pair of short jeans, flat sandals, and colored accessories. For a more stylish look, you can go for a pair of white trousers, platform sandals, and an oversized pair of sunglasses, a hat, and stacked bracelets.

Nothing says summer fun better than red clothes and you should bring along some red tops or even a dress in your luggage.

5. The Classic Summer Dress with Denim

No matter where you go on vacation this year, a flowery summer dress is a must-have. You can pick a romantic long, slouchy summer dress for beach resorts or a mini flowery dress for urban environments. What you need to bring along is your denim jacket or vest. The flower-denim combination is a casual one, but it works with all possible occasions.

For a laidback night out, pick up your flowery dress, denim vest, and sneakers and go have fun in the city. If you want to party in a club or attend a show, make sure you have a pair of nude high heels or platforms, a dress, a fitted denim jacket, and some cool bracelets to go.

What are your favorite vacation/city-break outfits when you want to spend a cool night out in a different city? Do you have other suggestions for us?

5 Types of Wrinkle Free Fabrics

Fabrics that do not need ironing can be a lifesaver for anyone. Whether you are a mom who wants to skip the ironing or a savvy traveler who wants unwrinkled clothes wherever you go, wrinkle free fabric will be an essential thing for you.

Wrinkle free fabrics are those that remain smooth even after washing and drying. These fabrics can withstand any rigorous round in your washing machine and still come out looking smooth after drying. Keep yourself knowledgeable when it comes to these types of fabrics, so you know what to look for. Here are some of them:

  • Nylon. This fabric type is known for its smoothness and high strength while being lightweight. Nylon is often used for ropes, parachutes, fishing nets, and paracords – a testament to its strength and durability. It is also used as material for hosiery, swimwear, activewear, rainwear, and lingerie. It is highly durable, stretchable, and holds their shape/tensile strength well even with age.
  • Polyester. A very popular type of fabric, polyester is extremely strong and very durable. It can resistant to stretching, shrinking, abrasion, mildew, wrinkles, and most chemicals. Polyester fibers and fabrics have a wide range of uses such as in car tire reinforcements, conveyor belts, seat belts, upholstery padding, pillows, and comforters. It is also used for clothing, usually for activewear and performance-wear. It is also used as faux leather and imitation silk. It is a synthetic material and some people avoid wearing polyester because some of its components are said to may cause cancer.
  • Lycra. Another synthetic fiber, Lycra is very light, exceptionally elastic, and sheer, making it a great for clothing such as costume wear, dancewear, activewear, and swimwear. It is also the material used for dance belts, orthopaedic braces, socks, tights, wetsuits, triathlon suits, compression garments, bras, surgical hose, and microbead pillows.
  • Cotton. This is the most popular type of fabric used for clothing and although it is not exactly known for being wrinkle free, there are two ways to make cotton fabric that is wrinkle free. The first one is by treating the cotton with substances or chemicals that lock the bonds in the cotton material in place. However, this process makes the fabric brittle. Aside from this, the substance used produces amounts of formaldehyde, making it a not so health-friendly option. The other way of making wrinkle free cotton fabrics is to blend cotton with another material. The usual cotton blends used for this poly-cotton blends and nylon-cotton blends. Some of the best wrinkle free sheets are made of cotton blended with either polyester or sometimes, Lycra.
  • Microfiber. This synthetic fiber contains a blend of different materials which includes polyester. In fact, some would say that microfiber IS polyester, but when it comes to fabric, they have a big difference. Microfiber, as the name suggests, have fibers that are much, much smaller than that of polyester. This helps it become soft, tough, and good at absorbing. Some uses of microfiber are for clothing such as athletic wear, undergarments, skirts, jackets, and swimwear. It is also used for bathrobes, towels, wallets, coin purses, bags, and shoes. They are also used for bedsheets, tablecloths, and other household textile.

Dressing For Fall Travel

No matter where your travels take you this season, we have some great options to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Now that it’s Autumn (and it’s finally cooled off), you want to make sure you have some layers available. One of my current go-to’s has been Dare 2b‘s Women’s Loveline II Core Stretch, a pull over the head, half zip sweatshirt. It’s not your mom’s sweatshirt, however- soft, warm, lined inside with a quick drying/water repelling outside, it’s pretty tough as well as functional. It comes in several color options, and is easy to care for as well. The price is right at $22, and it’s easy to pair with your running gear or toss on with jeans etc. The more options, the better, and it’s just the right weight for the fall season or to layer under your clothing as it gets colder.

Craghoppers has comfortable clothing for the entire family that protects against UV rays, insect bites, and even digital theft. No matter if you are out in the woods, in a national park, or on the city streets, these clothes are easy to wear, match, and keep you protected on all sorts of levels.  The Nosilife Pro Trousers for women havd a slim fit, but not too slim, with several pockets that zip closed to keep your valuables safe. The fabric is soft and quick drying, so quick showers or muddy patches won’t be an issue. They are also generously cut around the ankle for boots should you want to wear them.  The long sleeve NosliLife Erin Long Sleeve Shirt is breathable and quick drying as well, and the entire NosiLife collection is also insect bite repellent. Who needs all the bites that so often accompany time in the great outdoors? Not you, that’s for sure. Prices vary, visit https://www.craghoppers.com/us/

Another option to layer while keeping warm and cuddly would be the Hazelton Half Zip. So soft, and available in three very pretty colors, it’s both lightweight and durable, so it’s great by itself or as a top or middle layer. It’s a great jogger, but I can see using it underneath a ski parka when it’s time to hit the slopes- I’m really loving the feel of this one. It’s easy to wash and wear, though I personally prefer to hang it to dry so it stays extra fluffy as long as possible.  Pick yours up at https://www.craghoppers.com/us/hazelton-half-zip-bluebell/

As for fall footwear, I’m loving the Icebug Metro BUGrip for hiking. They are very comfortable, and fantastic for all kinds of weather. They have amazing soles- they grip is fantastic, and will help keep you on whatever trail you find yourself on. The Icebugs are great for keeping your feet warm and dry as well- which is always a good thing, but especially now with the weather cooling down. Nothing like cold, wet feet to ruin a hike.  Easy pull on and off, comfortable and tough with studded running shoe soles, these boots have it all. I really enjoy them, and think you will as well. $189 and worth every cent.