Footwear

Shop Travel Tropical Vacation EssentialsFor the folks who cringe at temperatures dropping below zero in the forecast, you’re most likely looking for any opportunity to pack up your suitcase with your favourite swimsuit, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen and of course inflatable flamingo, all ready for you to head for tropical beaches and fruity drinks at the swim-up bar. Vitamin D and vitamin sea await those who dream of a tropical getaway.To help you out, here’s our list of top 10 tropical vacation essentials – plus a couple of helpful reminders. From swimsuits to sandals to sunglasses to hats, beach essentials and

Canadian winters have never been kind to my feet.  Managing snow, rain, ice and keeping warm is has been a continual struggle for me.  As a photographer in a small ski town, I find myself hiking through snowbanks to get the perfect shot, needing solid footing and grip to walk my puppy, and above all be a cozy retreat for my toes after long days skiing.  I promised myself I would never spend another winter switching from rubber boots, to mukluks, to riding boots and back again. When my new Bogs Snowday Tall Insulated Boots arrived, I knew I could

Since the arrival of my brand new set of Keen Pyrenees boots, I’ve been incredibly excited to put them to the test. This will be the second set of Keens I’ve owned (previous being winter hikers) and I am already familiar with the quality build and comfort of the brand. Buy These Boots Our review of this product The pros are: Comfortable Waterproof Ankle Support Durable The cons are: Heavy for some After wearing them inside for a day and a few evening strolls, I figured they’d be up to the task of their first 30km hike. Nestled in southern

Salomon is best known for their trail running shoes. Ever been to a trail race? Most athletes will be sporting Salomons. It’s not for nothing they’re a major player in that universe. Over the last couple of years, Salomon is being seen in a distinctly different environment: the city. From Montreal’s hip Mile End to the runways at Paris Fashion Week, you see them hitting the pavement everywhere. During our visit to Salomon HQ in Annecy, France, we had the pleasure to talk about this phenomenon with Jean-Philippe Lalonde, the Lifestyle Footwear Program Manager. Shop Salomon View this post on

Salomon is known for their trail running shoes. Go to any trail race, and it’ll likely be the brand most worn by athletes. They are the leading trail running brand after all. But in the past 2 years, Salomon shoes started to appear in a different environment: the city. You can spot them in the hip Mile-End neighborhood of Montreal, in the most trendy sneaker boutique or on Paris fashion runway. We travelled to Salomon HQ in Annecy to learn more about the phenomenon and meet the team behind their fashion footwear collection. And there couldn't have been a better

If you're a Salomon fanatic who loves adding new shoes to your technical shoe line-up, your footwear collection is about to get a little more black with Salomon's limited edition S/LAB Black Edition collection. New this season, Salomon's S/LAB collection is getting a subtle makeover. Replacing their eye-catching colours with shades of black, the S/LAB Black Edition collection blends the sleek designs you love with the sharp elegance of black. Shop Salomon Footwear Created in the Salomon design center in Annecy, the Salomon S/LAB Black Edition evolved from the idea of creating "a serious look, for serious progress." Available in three different models

If you’re like me the first thing people ask as they come through the front door is “ How many pairs of shoes could you possibly need? ” And it’s a fair question; a runner’s shoes often dominate the front closet. To a non-runner, all shoes might look the same. Faded colors, a coating of dried mud, half-worn rubber lugs. But to a dedicated runner, patterns emerge. There’s a couple pairs for the road. A couple pairs for distance. There’s a pair saved for racing. And then there are several pairs kept on a shelf of their own. The after

I assure you that you will come to love the Vibram FiveFingers Furoshiki shoe for more than their snazzy appearance once you let your feet slip inside. Shop Vibram® Furoshiki Shoes Our review of this productThe pros are:No movement restrictionCompact & lightweightEasy maintenanceThe cons are:Low breathabilityGradual transition from non-minimalist shoes a mustComing from the concept of the traditional Japanese packaging wrap, Furoshiki, the shoe ties itself around the top of your foot with little or no pressure at all. Wrap & go! They are very lightweight and can be rolled up into their little carrying case to be brought anywhere, on

My little darling and I were lucky enough to receive the same Kamik boots. I'm wearing the Eggplant Jessie model, which is identical to the kid's Riptide model. I must admit that having matching boots was quite cute. The perfect "mommy and me" duo. My daughter likes shoes and boots more neutral, without the usual childish flourishes that can usually be found on children's items. These Kamik boots have met this criterion of style, which I appreciate just as much. Shop Kamik Our review of this product The pros are: the comfort of the sole natural antimicrobial treatment the price

With the official first day of spring behind us, it's okay to want to break out your spring wardrobe as you patiently wait for those double-digit temperatures in the forecast. From lakeside retreats to late nights by the pool, sandals are a staple for the sunny months. Give your feet a break from socks and boots after a long and cold winter and embrace the warmth in one of our top men's sandals for this season. Shop Men's Sandals Best for Outdoor Adventures Lowa Urbano The Men’s Urbano sandal is the perfect outdoor sandal providing comfort and functionality. With an extensive background

If you're a runner, you know that comfort and performance are a must. Whether you're embarking on a quick lunch break run or you're spending Saturday afternoon racing atop mountain peaks, the length and enjoyability of your run will depend on your feet. There are a variety of trail running shoes on the market available in different styles, weights, and drops that cater to a broad market of runners. Arc'teryx wanted to create something a little different, so they tapped into a different niche by focusing on long distance running shoes, hence the LD acronym in the name. The Norvan LD design was

Do you enjoy long walks on the beach? How about lakeside afternoon strolls or weekend getaways to the woods? A pair of versatile footwear allows you to enjoy a variety of terrain, from your camp to the beach. This is where Keen sandals come in. The company's water sandals are perfect for an active summer with a design for endless adventures in warm weather. Since 2003, the American brand Keen has specialized in making ultra-versatile shoes for outdoor activities. Comfortable, functional, and ready to be worn for a variety of uses, the brands' sandals have quickly grown in popularity. They've

Lowa is the absolute heavyweight of hiking boots. The German company makes more hiking boots than any other company in the world. Their best selling model is the Lowa Renegade but today I’ll take a close look at a slightly more rugged model: the Lowa Vantage GTX Mid in navy red. The Vantage falls in the “trekking” category of Lowa while the Renegade is in their “all terrain” category. Trekking boots are stiffer, provide more ankle support and overall protection. The Lowa Vantage GTX Mid is available for both men and women. Shop Lowa Our review of this product The

I’m reviewing today the anthracite men’s AKU Alterra GTX hiking boots which sits in the middle of their lineup in the trekking category, below their mountaineering and backpacking offering but above their more casual “multi-terrain” category. Also, note that Aku makes an Alterra GTX model for women.The AKU Alterra is the same price as the Salomon Quest and a lower price point compared to our 3 other hiking boots in this comparison. Price: 0.00$ Shop Men Shop Women Pros Comfortable tongue & collar made with stretchy materialMade in EuropeGood value Cons Sizing can be tricky as this model is made quite large (try before buy)

The Arc’teryx Norvan LD is a stylish, hardworking trail shoe that is perfect for the runner who puts in long miles that involve technical terrain. It has a balanced combination of support and lightweight to allow for a comfortable run. Shop Norvan LD Trail Running Shoe Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Simple design Stable running shoe for long-distance running Durable, grippy sole of shoe to tackle technical terrain Lightweight considering stable design The cons are: The lighter colourway will get muddy quickly It doesn’t matter to me that my trail shoes will be covered

It will soon be time to say goodbye to the icy wind and the bitter cold of winter and prepare for the sun, the warmer weather ... and the many showers that inevitably occur during the change of the seasons. Do not panic, to take full advantage of all that spring has to offer, it's all about getting well equipped. Dressed in your best raincoat, a pair of gloves in your pocket, all you need to do is put on a pair of waterproof boots and you're ready for the spring showers. Check our guide to find out how to

Merrell's Overlook 6 Ice+ boots were incredibly comfortable from day one and didn’t need the ‘break-in’ time required by most other footwear. The first few days, I primarily wore them indoors at work in order to get used to the feel, yet found it took no more than the first few minutes of wear. As an added bonus, they ventilate well enough that I didn’t overheat even after a whole day working inside. Shop Merrell Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Warm Comfortable Durable Impressive Grip Waterproof The cons are: Could benefit from an extra

If you're a Montrealer or you come from any other city with extreme winters, you may be familiar with the penguin shuffle; an ingenious technique used by the penguins to travel along icy terrain with minimal, slippery disasters. This effective technique works well but may extend your commute time so unless you've got all the time in the world, it may not be all that practical. It's safe to say there are many who dread the slippery commute to class or work along the icy sidewalks. Some of us will dream of impeccable sole traction as we slide along trying

Here's to the adventurers that don't let cold weather and the change of the seasons keep them inside and away from exploring the great outdoors. Unless it is pouring down with rain like a monsoon or snowing sideways that they cannot even see their own hand right in front of their face, they're out there. Whether it be winter camping in -40°C, ice-climbing on a frozen waterfall or playing in rapids in a river kayak while the rain falls, these people are equipped and keen for adventures no matter what the weather is (to an extent obviously) and you can

Camping is a simple hobby loved by families, weekend-warriors, outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. I mean, who doesn't love sleeping out under the peaceful, starry, night sky staring at the star constellations? The possibilities are endless and you can camp nearly wherever and whenever you wish, even in the winter. That's right, camping isn't just for spring and summer outings folks! Whatever the reason for your winter camping adventure, we want to ensure that you are well-prepared and ready to make memories in the snow! Read on for some winter camping survival tips. Shop Our Winter Camping Collection Planning and

Trying new shoes and evaluating them? Yes, okay ... Salomons? You bet, obviously yes! I had the chance to get to test out the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX shoes during a trip to the Adirondacks and here's what I thought. Shop Salomon Footwear Our review of this product 8/ 10 The pros are: Very comfy Efficient lace system Excellent grip Do very well on soft park path Feel light Can be used for hiking too The cons are: Lack of colourfulness (I love colours) GTX a bit hot for summer Lacks of traction on rocky trails First Impressions Saturday

Fall is the best season for chic ensembles complimented by a stylish pair of leather boots. You can turn a regular outfit into something more sophisticated by pairing it with some tall boots and knee-high socks. If tall boots aren't your thing, you can always compliment your jeans or skirt with a lower cut boot, which you can dress up or down depending on your mood. Lucky for you, we've got a variety of leather boots styles from your favourite brands that are just waiting to spice up your fall wardrobe. Dr. Martens Women's 1460 8 Eye Smooth Leather Boots

Earlier this season, The North Face introduced their XtraFoam™ technology which was created to eliminate foot fatigue so that you can explore for longer. This technology is composed of four parts; an XtraFoam Core, Perimeter EVA Midsole, ESS Snake Plate™, and the Vibram® XS Trek Outsole. XtraFoam™ can now be found in a handful of The North Face boots and shoes, including the brand new Mountain Sneaker. Crafted to make your approach that much more comfortable, the Mountian Sneaker is a shoe designed for the trail. This sneaker is available for both men and women in a mid-rise as well as a regular model

Arc'teryx is no stranger to innovating perfection, and when they first decided to enter the footwear game, everyone was eagerly awaiting their entry. Sure enough, it doesn't disappoint; with an integrated tongue, cord-of-let lacing and a durable, robust outer that stills breaths, this is surely the one shoe to fit all of the Cinderella's at the ball. But can you handle the 80's bowling shoe style? Our review of this product 9.75 / 10 The pros are: love the style comfortable fit durable materials extremely waterproof The cons are: would have liked to see a quick lace system First Observations

Cross-country running can often be spent crossing streams or battling muddy sections (losing shoes in the mud is a specialty of mine) and a shoe that can thrive in these conditions can potentially get you on the podium. Hense, new to the line-up is the S-LAB XA Amphib shoe. Shop Salomon Our review of this product 8.9 / 10 The pros are: Evacuation of water Lightweight Grip in wet conditions The cons are: Tight getting on The XA Amphib is a 4mm drop light running shoe with its eyes set on wet conditions. First, the upper is made from a

It's that time of year where the kids run wild and free and spend their day's enjoying their summer activities. If you're one of the may parents who works a busy schedule throughout the year, a summer camp may be a great option for your little ones. They can learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy their summer vacation to it's fullest before heading back to school. There are multiple summer camps to choose from around the world and many offer different activities. Before you can send your little one off for a few weeks of fun in the sun,

Don’t be offended but the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG might not be your shoe. And the people at Salomon are probably fine with that. After all, they arguably hold the largest share in the ever-expanding trail running market. And they made the Speedcross, a shoe that every runner should own. But Salomon had a particular runner in mind when they designed the S-Lab Sense 6 SG. If you’re wearing a fitbit, this might not be your shoe. If you’re racing “just racing to finish”, this might not be your shoe. If you call this “jogging”, stop doing that immediately,

I am a trail runner and I felt it necessary to precede this post with those words. My beginnings as a runner was on road and after several years training and running marathons I transitioned to trail. While I am strictly a trail runner now, I do appreciate and have experience with the flow and convenience that road running allows. So in an effort to differentiate between the main differences and perhaps to help you decide which to try, I have come up with a list of the 5 main differences that I have found between running road vs.trail. Surfaces

For a lot of students, the middle to the end of April is the start of freedom known as summer holidays. Some will move back home to work and pay off student debts, many will book flights leaving the second they finish their last, torturous exam, and a few will pack their life in a backpack and head out into the bush to fight off starburst-sized, black flies and plant trees. Tree planting is a form of piecework employment and is a common summer job for students, artists and travelers as it is a chance to make as much money

Signing up for a marathon in Dubai in the middle of the winter may sound like a great idea... until you have to head out and train in the snow, ice and cold. As my girlfriend and I wanted to avoid the dreadful treadmill, we had to find a shoe that would be grippy, comfortable, waterproof and light enough to train 4-5 times a week. Our review of this product 9.0 / 10 The pros are: Light and Fast Great traction Multi functional The cons are: Not entirely waterproof Too stiff for very long runs After a little browsing, we