Up until now, when cold, brisk winter weather set in and ladies needed to venture outdoors they’ve had one of two options:1. Throw on footwear that protects against the toughest elements but leaves you looking ready for an expedition up Everest. 2. Look fantastic and fashionable but prepare to freeze. This past fall, Hi-Tec launched a line of ladies insulated boots, which fuses the latest technological innovations with classic styling with their new ion-mask technology. Ion-Mask Technology was originally developed for military clothing designed to repel chemicals, while allowing these individuals to remain warm and dry while in combat. Ion-Mask has some really great qualities – 1) Stay Clean, which allows footwear to stay cleaner longer 2) It’s Waterproof 3) Hydrophobic, meaning it is quick drying 4) Lightweight and 5) Environmentally Friendly, as only tiny quantities of chemicals used with minimal waste. I love that the technology developed for members of the military has crossed over into every day footwear for civilians. There are several Hi-Tec Ion-Mask products to choose from this Winter:• V-lite Hatha Quick-Zip 200iClassic styling married with ion-maskTM waterproofing and stay-cleantechnology creates the perfect winter weather union for your adventurouslifestyle. Features a medial quick-zip design for easy on and off and the neweco-cork footbed for a naturally anti-microbial boot. COLORS: White/Dolly Pink, Dark Chocolate/Sable, Black/Dark Grey,Honey/Golden Haze. MSRP: $105. • St. Moritz Luxe 200i Aspires to be the cutest, insulated boots for even the most challenging ofterrain this winter. Stay clean, dry and warm with ion-maskTM, Thermo-Dri®,and 200 grams ThinsulateTM technologies. COLORS: Brown/Taupe/Dark Chocolate, Honey/Sable/TaupeMSRP: $115. • V-Lite Snowflake Pull-on 200i The Snowflake Pull-on gives you the same waterproof, breathable, insulatedcomfort in an easy to wear 6″ pull-on style. COLORS: Honey/Sable/Taupe, Brown/Taupe/Chocolate. MSRP: $70Hi-Tec provided me with a pair of St. Moritz Luxe Boots (pictured below) to try out, and after trying these, I don’t think I’ll ever buy discount store boots again. As some of you know, here in Pennsylvania, we got 2 blizzards back to back within a matter of days, which dumped around 5 feet of snow on us. We were definitely not prepared for that much snow, but thankfully I did have my St. Moritz Luxe boots to make the snow removal process a bit more tolerable and even enjoyable. Instead of having wet, freezing-cold feet they were warm and absolutely dry. They have a string around the top perimeter of the boot which you can tighten to prevent snow from getting inside the boot, along with a fur lining to add to the warmth and comfort of the boots. On top of that, as the Ion-Mask technology stated, they are dirt repellant…. and that they were. I was out in the muddy snow shoveling, and they still look close to brand new! I have been impressed with the products from Hi-Tec that I have tried thus far, and now you have a chance to try these boots (or equivalent product) yourself!
It is no surprise that boys like boots. Boys boots are traditionally known for their ruggedness and durability, which is why so many parents and guardians like them. A pair of quality boys boots will last for many years, despite the torture that they endure. Yet the approach to offering boys boots as a fashion choice is a relatively new idea, although a boot on a boy is a fashion statement in anyone’s book. The advent of the hiking boot, or walking shoe as it is sometimes called, began to make a serious dent in the sneaker industry several years ago. The durability of this style of boys boots was often the deciding factor in their purchase, and the unique look of leather uppers and hard rubber soles was soon copied by makers of athletic shoes who attempted to wrest back some of the consumer market in boys boots. Today, the variety of boys boots reflects this confirmation of the viability of boots as both a sensible choice for durable footwear and a stylish way to enhance a boy’s look. Makers of kids shoes such as Timberland and Hi-Tec, both known for their quality designs in boots, have made new concessions to the fashion side of boys boots. The traditional offerings from Timberland, such as their Premium Oxford waterproof shoes and ankle-high boots, have been complemented with their new offerings in boys boots, such as the Foothills and Sapling lines that feature soft tan leather shades with new sole designs that equally address durability and style