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BearPaw-1

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BEARPAW- Knit Tall

 

Details
- 14" tall
- Three toggle details
- Knit upper, sheepskin foot-bed
- Can be worn tall or folded
- Four colors
- Available in full sizes 5 to 12
- Retail $69.99


Experience

A big part of the reason why I love winter so much is the delicious, cozy boots. I know that makes me sound like a typical girl, but it's the truth! The BEARPAW Knit Tall are so versatile, they really do shift seamlessly from style to style. I love that I can wear them tall with some skinny jeans, rock the slouchy look with a skirt or folded down when I want shorter boots. They really are like having three or four pair of boots in one.

 

The feel of the knit combined with the rubber wedge out-sole make them feel like I'm wearing slippers all day.  I normally wear size 9.5, but since BEARPAW boots only come in full sizes, I went with a size 9. Once the knit loosened up a bit, they became so comfortable, I really don't want to take them off when I get home. I've already started scoping out what color I'm going to buy next! They are a great companion to your winter sweaters, and with the soft sheepskin foot-bed, I have to convince myself to wear them with socks; so comfy!  These boots have become a necessary luxury for all my holiday parties.

 

 

BearPaw-2 BearPaw-3 BearPaw-4

BearPaw-Cimi-1

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BEARPAW- Kids Betsey

 

Details
- 6.5" tall
- Cow suede with foil floral print
- Sheepskin foot-bed
- Available in four colors, sizes 11 to 4
- Retail $59.99 on sale for $47.99

 

Experience

Why shouldn't little feet enjoy a little luxury? My twin daughters have fallen in love with these boots! They especially loved the unique, contrast foil floral print. The Betsey looks amazing with leggings, and I really liked how they add an eye-catching touch to any outfit. When asked how they liked the boots, my girls both responded that they were "super cozy, like slippers"  and, added "they look like princess boots!" How can any mother deny their sweet little girl something that makes them feel like a princess?

 

With the high quality materials and excellent construction, I can be sure that my money is going toward a good solid product that will keep my girls' feet warm through the winter. Since we've had them for six months, I've seen how well they stood up through my twins and onto their little sister as well. From stitching to sole construction, very part of the boot has held up nicely up and they still look amazing. Considering how rough children are on shoes, this is a really big deal to me. My girls have thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of wearing such comfy boots, and considering how well they're made, I'm looking forward to picking out another couple pair to replace the ones they've outgrown. Whether you're buying for a boy or girl, I highly recommend BEARPAW boots.

 

Bearpaw- betsey Bearpaw- betsey2 Bearpaw- betsey3

1-Keen

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Keen- Sunriver High Boot

 

Details
- Weight 19.30 oz
- Lace up
- Faux shearing, abrasion resistant textile
- Dual climate rubber sole
- Available in four colors, full and half sizes 5-11
- Retail $130.00

 

Experience
Oh Keen, how did you know my winter needed recess as well? Keen's new Sunriver High Boot combines fashion with function, to bring you a boot that can go from a Saturday snowshoe, to an afternoon lunch date. After wearing the boots for the first time, the biggest challenge I had was keeping my sister from borrowing them. We both loved the sweet grape color and faux fur trim!

 

As they're made for some snow and hiking fun, I took them snowshoeing and was pleasantly surprised by how they performed. The dual-climate rubber out-sole hardens in the cold to allow for better grip in snow and ice, and the stiffer sole was appreciated. I used them in pretty cold snowshoe temps. and they were just right, but I wouldn't recommend taking them on any arctic expeditions; they're really made for snow play. That being said, if you added a good pair of wool socks, they'll keep you toasty in some pretty frigid temps, for hours. They were much lighter compared to the boots I've been using for snowshoeing and I could really tell the difference after a few hours. They're a great active boot for this winter!

 

2-Keen 3-Keen 4-Keen

Darby

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Keen- Darby Boot

 

Details
- Moisture wicking textile
- Weight 22.43 oz
- Slip-on, side zipper
- Height 9"
- Leather and textile upper
- Non-marking sole
- Available in three colors, in toddler and youth sizing
- Retail $70.00

 

Experience
One of the big winter dilemmas is trying to find fashionable wear that will keep my wee ladies toasty and dry through snowy recess. The Darby Boot really stood up to some tough winter playground fun and the classic styling is perfect for matching all kind of outfits! The leather and textile upper has remained scratch free over the last few months, and believe me, my twins haven't exactly been gentle. Super comfy, my girls report that after building two snowmen and one snowball fight, their feet stayed dry and happy. I loved the look and the versatility of the boots and my girls loved how they "felt like running shoes on the bottom." The side zipper makes them easy to get in and out without help. Keen has left a little bit of extra room and an elastic in the calf area so you can easily pull them on over a pair of skinny jeans without pinching. Bring on the recess!

Darby1  Darby2  Darby3 
Published in Lifestyle
Monday, 02 April 2012 16:11

Gear Review: KEEN A86 TR

The Specs

Weight: 7.77 oz / 229.786 grams
- Synthetic lining
- Breathable textile mesh upper
- Non-marking rubber out-sole
- 3mm multi-directional lugs
- Removable high-rebound EVA foot-bed
- Protective toe-guard

 

The Experience

While I'm a big fan of the KEEN lifestyle and their shoes, I have to admit, I had some apprehension about putting them in the performance category. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. The A86 TR are comfortable right out of the box and even when worn barefoot (not necessarily recommended) I had no problems with chaffing or rubbing of any kind.


At first look, the asymmetrical lacing seemed more of a stylistic than useful feature, however, as I began running I found it to make for a softer feel on my foot than conventional lacing systems. Normally, I have to be careful with hot spots on the top of my foot if I get my laces even slightly too snug, but the A86 TR made this issue obsolete. The tongue on my right shoe did leave a slight gap once I had been running for a while, but nothing that effected my run; just left a thin strip of dirt on my sock.  I consulted other KEEN fans online and they have had no issues with the tongue. The lacing ends a bit low so I had some slight concerns that my heel would move around too much, but it wasn't an issue. The shoe is so flexible and laces up nice and snug it left a very secure fit without being binding.


Keen front Keen toe view Keen tread


The cushion on this shoe is effective but minimal, so unless you're a seasoned minimalist runner, I would be cautious when rapidly increasing mileage. (which you shouldn't be doing anyway) That said, I'm currently putting only about 15 miles a week on trails with the A86 TR and have had no issues with any kind of foot, knee or hip pain. Because my mileage is so low right now, I had another athlete, putting in a lot more mileage, test the shoes as well. Her reaction was about the same as mine, "No joking, these are the most comfortable trail shoes I've ever run in... they feel like a moccasin."


The three directional lugs are effective on dirt, rocks and mud but when it got really muddy I did have some slippage issues. I have my doubts any shoes would have kept me upright through ankle-deep mud. The shoes are incredibly flexible and light and though I could feel the rocks and terrain as I ran, my feet felt well protected.


The sizing was right on for me, but KEEN advises that the shoe runs a half size small. If they are available, I would recommend trying them on before you buy to make sure you get the right fit if you plan on purchasing online. As an added bonus, they come in eight colors!


Overall, I'd have to say, KEEN has produced a solid trail shoe with the A86 TR and it has enthusiastic fans to show for it.


Retail $90.00


For more information about KEEN products go to: www.keenfootwear.com

Published in Product Reviews
Thursday, 22 September 2011 21:34

KEEN Coronado- Recess is back!

Published in Lifestyle

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