Styling winter feet used to be easy. If you asked any real skier (not bunnies who sit at the Montage sipping hot toddies) what they wore for kicks they’d answer ski boots and Sorels. Ah, the good old days. Now there are so many cute, cool choices you might wind up with the winter version of Imelda Marco’s shoe closet.

Those who live in resorts like Park City know what I’m talking about. It’s cold, icy and snowy a solid six months out of the year; and it’s boring looking down at the same winter feet every day (and night). If you even thought about getting fancy for dinner or Sundance good luck not slipping on your a** in front of international paparazzi- or at least your friend’s Snapchat. So you need a fancy winter shoe? There are such things, you know.

Athleisure fans rejoice! You now have some of the most fun and functional silhouettes for winter feet since the Ugg rage thankfully waned. Flirty, fleece-rimmed ankle boots pair with your favorite skinny jeans, calf-high zips compliment your new sweater dress or pencil skirt and, well, those Tecnica Moon Boots go with nothing and therefore go with everything.

If you are in need of inspiration check out these great fashion finds for winter feet:

The Oboz Madison Insulated Boots are everything you could want for winter. Rugged outsoles for traction and friction, a nubuck leather upper for shedding snow and rain, 200g of Thinsulate for winter warmth, a pile cuff for comfort, hidden side zipper for easy entry, an insulated footbed for extra warm feet and they are adorable. $165.

Tecnica MoonBoot W.E. Monaco Lows give you the style of those oh-so popular slipons but with the traction and dryness you need for navigating snow and slush. They may look bulky but they’re lightweight, flexible and uber warm. Plus, the Lunar faux fur has waterproofing to keep it from looking like you have a wet rat around your calf half-way through the season. $160.

Wolverine Sirrus Zip Oxford. This hard-to-find shoe is a must for any local. It’s the winter equivalent to wearing flipflops all summer. Suede leather waterproof upper, warm, fuzzy, faux-fur lining, removable full-cushion footbed, arch support and deep, deep lug soles. $89.

You see these Ahnu Sugarpines and instantly have to have them. Not only does it come in fun, unique colors you won’t find in any other mid-hiker, but they are super warm and waterproof. The Sugarpines have Ahnu’s neutral foot position for better balance and stride, a double-reinforced toe to keep out water and cold, and a padded tongue for extra cush. This may not be your snowshoe-shoe but it’ll be your fave go-to for casual winter dinners and dog-walks. $89

When you are into winter trail running, there’s the Altra Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec Neoshell. Zero drop, waterproof and roomy. The neoshell upper provides a weather-resistant barrier while the sandwiched StoneGuard midsole gives flexible protection as you traipse over rocks and ice chunks. The design is made to feel like an extension of your foot rather than you trying to make your foot fit the shoe. If you have a wide foot and struggle with a comfortable trail shoe you need to explore this brand. $65.

Timberland Authentic Winter Fold Downs. In case you haven’t kept up on the trends, fold downs are all the rage. Not only do you get a cute fuzzy shoe but a chukka too. The durable uppers are made with full-grain, waterproof leather and suede, and, unlike other winter fashion boots, these folddowns have a waterproof membrane and teddy fleece lining for extra oomph. EVA midsole and aggressive lugs provide all-day comfort even when the streets get slick. $98

Every outdoorswoman needs the Lowa Sparrow WS Climbing Shoe on hand. When you can’t ski for whatever reason the most fun “adventure” workout you can have is in the climbing gym. These beauties offer all-day comfort which is key if you’ve been in ski boots for five days straight. The women’s last keeps your heel in place but gives extra wiggle room in the toe box. It’s really more about having a shoe that doesn’t make you scream in pain without sacrificing performance; especially in the winter. BTW, these do awesomely on those intermediate (and beginner) sport routes. $140.

It’s a good thing I live in the mountains. Fashion stunts me. The whole what to wear, how to accessorize, do these shoes match sort of thing can be overwhelming. I blame private school uniforms throughout my formative years for my lack of style. It wasn’t until moving to the Rocky Mountains that I found my comfort zone. Things like heels and cleavage just aren’t practical when you’re hiking and rock climbing. Dressing for the outdoors is function over form but that never meant we girls should look like dumpy men in baggy Carharts and pilled fleece. I played in the land of athleisure before it became an Urban Dictionary term; and I was wearing PrAna Activewear before most wore leggings on date night.

Why PrAna Clothing

The word PrAna comes from the Sanskirt word for energy or life force that surrounds us (think the Force in Star Wars). PrAna Activewear has that earthy feel you would imagine might be related to this principle. It is the ultimate sport to street wear. You throw on a light top like the organic cotton Stacia Sweater over your morning workout clothes and you’re good for coffee with friends or a day running errands.

I’ll admit that unless you work at Backcountry or other similarly chill environment you won’t be heading off to work without a change but a soft flowy dress like the Mariette should get you a couple of drinks at the No Name Saloon.

If you haven’t heard of this boutique brand out of southern California it’s probably because you don’t climb or bend (as in Yoga). Their styles were born of the notion that clothes that hug should be durable, comfortable and uplifting- in body and spirit. Eventually, they branched into lifestyle pieces but everything they make can be played in. The Kara Jean for example has just the right amount of stretch to feel like leggings rather than jeans. The stretch denim is so soft you could sleep in them but so sexy you’ll dance in them instead. Believe it or not, these are my go-to fall climbing pants.

It’s all done with a mindful nod

PrAna’s manufacturing supports fair trade and sustainable practices as they strive to give back more than they take from the world. You can feel great about the things you wear and the gifts you give. Not only that, but prAna prioritizes giving back to communities all over the world by partnering with charities throughout the year and donating during the holidays to Outdoor Outreach– a non-profit that connects underserved youth with the outdoors.

Get A Deal On PrAna Activewear

Try PrAna on; find the perfect fit and see for yourself how these clothes don’t just reflect a lifestyle but a way of life. Many of their fall styles are on sale right now for 30% off and you can use promo code BLOGF16JLAD for 15% off anything else to help you transition into the land of athleisure or find the perfect Xmas gift. The code is good till December 19, 2016.

FYI- The sizing can be a bit off so if you are ordering online make sure you read through all of the comments in the reviews to get an idea of fit. I’m 5’6″, 115 and normally wear a medium top and small dresses but took a Stacia in Small and the Mariette in XS. My Kara’s are a 2 and fit like a glove.

Disclaimer: PrAna sent me clothes in exchange for this review but I’ve been a HUGE fan of the brand long before this post. The words and opinion are expressly my own and will always be!

 

I knew a man who slipped shoveling his driveway and died. It really sucked. Just walking on a sidewalk he’s walked for decades. We never think a slip and fall is going to lead to anything more than a bruised ego. But it can. Winter traction matters.

Vibram’s Partner in Winter Traction

Outdoor out sole manufacturer Vibram has partnered exclusively with Wolverine Worldwide to ensure winter traction in their footwear brands this season kick butt on ice so it doesn’t kick yours. Their Arctic Grip product is taking the winter ice to task.

 

If you don’t want to slip in the winter you put chains on your tires and serious lugs on your feet. But up until this season those “lugs” still needed added protection for even everyday walking. Kahtoola Microspikes, Stabilcers, Icebugs, YakTrax. There are all sorts of over-sole devices on the market for winter traction. Vibram’s Arctic Grip technology, however, stands alone.

Several styles from Merrell, Sperry, Saucony, Hush Puppies, CAT, and Wolverine feature this advanced cold-weather gripping system. Vibram has been working on the technology for more than two years and was quite hush about its properties at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show this year. All they would hint at was that it was a rubber compound with an advanced filler system. Vibram claims they have up to “three times better” winter traction than any other Vibram sole for over 200 miles of use. Your shoes will even warn you if the roads are slick that day because the thermochromatic lugs change color when temps dips below 32 degrees.

Naming The Models For Winter Traction

The shoes from Wolverine Worldwide sporting the new outsole for winter traction include – Merrell Moab FST, Capra Collection and the Aurora 6  CAT Footwear Stiction HI WP Ice+,  Hush Puppies Parkview Ice+, Sperry Cold Bay Ice+, Saucony Razor Ice+, Wolverine Crossbuck FX Ice+.