On my feet: shoes & boots I’m wearing this fall

by Mike Barish on

Fall is a sad time for feet. After months of fresh air, getting shown off in flip flops and enjoying their day(s) in the spotlight sun, it’s now time to cover them up for cold and inclement weather. Inspired by our very own Pam Mandel’s post on her favorite boots for the season, I thought I’d pass along some tips of my own by sharing with you what I’m wearing on my feet this fall. When it comes to footwear, style and fit are subjective, but I feel pretty comfortable recommending these shoes to you because they’ve kept me and my feet very happy.Teva Mush Frio Lace Canvas

I wore the Teva Mush Frio Lace Canvas shoes (pictured above) during my time in Quito this summer. While it was May, it always feels like autumn in Quito (it was in the 40s and 50s most days). The Frio is based on Teva’s popular Mush flip flop, which also happens to be my favorite sandal of all time. Like its sandal sibling, the Mush Frio is incredibly light and fantastically comfortable while remaining supportive. I’ve spent hours doing urban walking in the Mush Frio and experienced none of the back and foot pain that I typically feel after a day of sightseeing. They pack down easily and weigh next to nothing, making them perfect for travel, too. They’re not waterproof, which is a bummer, but they are quite possibly the most comfortable closed toe shoe I have ever worn.

The Teva Mush Frio Lace Canvas shoes are $50 and can be found on Teva’s website or at outdoor retailers.

Keen Targhee II Mid

When you think of Keen, you probably picture the classic Targhee in your head. It’s the look that Keen is known for, with the rubberized bumper toe that Pam mentioned in her post. She’s not a fan of that style, but on that we differ (sorry, Pam!). I opted for the Targhee Mid II because I wanted a proper boot rather than a low top shoe. It’s been great for fall hikes, as well as walks with my dogs and helping my grandmother with yard work. It’s a practical hiking boot that can double as a work boot. They’re waterproof, which is perfect for fall, though they are not lined, so they won’t suffice as winter boots. That said, the deep and aggressive tread make trudging through mud a breeze and they’ve been incredibly comfortable no matter how I’ve used them.

The Keen Targhee Mid II boots are $130 on Keen’s website and can also be found at most outdoor retailers.

Tretorn Stråla

For rainy days in Ney York City when I need boots that keep my feet dry but also look good dressed up a bit, I love my Tretorn Stråla ankle boots. I don’t enjoy rain boots that go up to my knees. That’s why I love the Stråla’s low profile and the fact that I can continuously aim for puddles while I walk (just as fun as when I was a kid) and keep my feet dry. They’re not lined, so they will be retiring to the closet once the temperatures dip closer to freezing, but for now, they’re perfect for nights out on the town when the weather is wet but the event is more formal.

The Tretorn Stråla ankle boots are available for $65 on Tretorn’s website, as well as department stores and sites such as Zappos (where you can often find them on sale for under $50).

Blundstone 261

Lastly, when I’m dressing up, I still like to wear shoes that are durable and, more importantly, comfortable. I’ve had Blundstone boots before (they’re the Australian boots that aren’t Uggs). They’ve finally started selling low top shoes, so I jumped into a pair of the 261 suede shoes the minute I saw them. They’re fashionable, sure, but because they’re made by Blundstone they’re also designed to be supportive and comfortable no matter how many hours you stay on your feet. Blundstone is known for the slip on boots and these shoes maintain the same design. A pull tab in the heel makes them easy to get on and the elastic sides allow them to stretch as you move your feet. This flexibility makes them infinitely more comfortable than most dress shoes and means that they’re perfect for wearing all day and into the evening.

The Blundstone 261 suede shoes are $120 at REI and other retailers.

If you’re going to put your feet away this fall, you might as still make them feel special.

SkyMall Monday: Top 5 products for hurricane season

by Mike Barish on

Here on the East Coast, Hurricane Irene made for quite the weekend. First, we braved the hordes of crazy people in the supermarket (no one needs that much peanut butter), then the torrential rains and, more than anything, the constant barrage of media hype. Thankfully, we’re all safe and accounted for here at SkyMall Monday headquarters. However, we’re now well aware that hurricane season is underway and still has weeks to go. That’s why it’s time to make sure that you’re prepared. By now, you should have flashlights and batteries (and to the people who needed to buy them this weekend, why didn’t you own them already?), but there are plenty of other items that you should own to ensure that you’re prepared for the next month or so of tropical weather. Here are the top five SkyMall products you need for hurricane season.5. Monet Rain Boots (pictured above)

When the weather is bad, it doesn’t matter how ugly you look so long as you stay dry. Since it doesn’t matter, you might as well be the ugliest.

4. Make Your Own Truffle Kit

There’s a good chance that your local chocolatier will be closed during storms so they can hoard their confections for their own family. Fear not, however, as you can easily whip up some emergency truffles. Disaster has never been so decadent.

3. The Spectator Umbrella

Let’s go right to the product description:

When not providing rain protection, it can be converted into a seat cane with a comfortable 13″ wide leather strap seat by simply spreading the handles.

You want to stay dry as you brave the storm, but you also want to relax once you get to the shelter and using the cots that they provide just sounds unsanitary.

2. Women’s Waterproof Rain Cape

Over the river (which is flooding over its banks) and through the woods (which is full of fallen trees), to grandmother’s house you go (because she’s outside of the evacuation zone and still has electricity). Ponchos are so last year and jackets are cliche. This hurricane season, it’s all about capes. Just look out for the big, bad wolf (or, you know, downed power lines).

1. Testosterole Sexual Enhancer

You’re going to be spending a lot of time inside the house with no TV, internet or electronic entertainment options. Eventually, you’ll want to have some fun with what’s underneath that cape. [Note: I would have posted the product description but it’s painfully long and includes the word “secretion,” which makes me very uncomfortable.]

Stay safe out there, kids.

Check out all of the previous SkyMall Monday posts HERE.