While some people to the south may be gearing up for the coming spring, we of the north have a few more winter months to get through – what better way to enjoy the weather than with a new pair of boots? I had a very boot-full December, scoring a pair of tall Uggs for my birthmas, and then some saucy new Docs for Xmas. I am highly pleased with both, yet I continue to yearn for these super-cool boots from Reiker. I am unfamiliar with this brand on a personal level, but the reviews I saw tended to be strongly positive. Besides – just look at those red toed and heeled boots! Faux leather uppers give way to lamb’s wool lining, the toe boxes are said to be roomy, and these boots feature a zipper for ease. The available sizes are European women’s.

Acacia: red toed Reiker boots for women

Summer almost seems to be gone from the Pacific Northwest today, and it puts me in the mood for some new winter kicks. I love boots and wear them year round, but it’s now the actual season for new styles and flavors of tall, chunky footwear. Yay! Find listed below a few of my favorite pairs of boots for both men and women. I am loving new boot styles from Ariat and Born – my experiences with both manufacturers have been very positive. Comfortable, well constructed and long wearing, light-weight and super cute.

Price: $119.95
Zappos: Women’s Ariat Fatbaby Zip Boots (black deertain)

Price: $210.00
Zappos: Women’s Born Bitsy Boots (tan leather)

Price: $181.95
Zappos: Men’s Ariat Roughstock Boots (earth/cream)

Price: $175.96 (currently on sale)
Zappos: Men’s Ariat Whip Lash Boots (punchy black/black ruby)

Price: $200.00 (currently on sale)
Zappos: Men’s Ariat Galveston Boots (paris chocolate)

Deep in the heart of a summer in the woods, I think I have found my next pair of colorful tennis shoes. Check out the retro fun look of Born’s Kai sneaker for women! My favorite color is Everglade (shown below), but you can also choose from Fiery Red (more pinkish or salmon looking than red), Panna Cotta (some kinda snazzy golden metallic), or Sunshine Yellow. Constructed of sueded leather and featuring Opanka hand-sewn construction which provides flexibility and long-lasting wear, these lightweight sneakers are real eye catchers with their rich, saturated color. I have some other Born sneakers from years ago, and I loved them for how thin and comfortable they were – easy like slipping on socks, but with traction and foot protection. My guess is the Kai shoes will be similar, so probably very little arch support and maybe better for a day on foot versus any heavy running or sports activities where you might be expecting more support from your shoes. They’ll be perfect for your next play date!

Price: $66.50 (currently on sale)
Zappos: Women’s Born Kai Sneakers

Ready to add a little animal magnetism to your spring footwear collection? Simple shoes do it again with a charming organic cotton, lace-up sneaker dappled with giraffe spots. Yeah, for animal prints made for adults! These eco-conscious shoes are vegan friendly, utilize certified organic cotton in the uppers and lining, recycled rubber in the footbed, and recycled car tires for the outsole. Your environmental footprint will be light in these beige, black giraffe-spotted tennies with pink trim. In staying true to the goal of sustainability, Simple also uses foot form inserts (for shipping) that are made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Looking for something a little more classic and less spotted? Simple offers a large array of hemp based shoes, too! Plus organic cotton velvet sneakers in jewel tones.

Price: $54.95
Zappos: Women’s Simple Satire Organic Cotton Giraffe Print Sneaker

I am a year-round boot wearer, and I am always on the look out for my next great pair of boots – these Born Audie’s are currently on the top of my hit list. Some sort of attractive crossing between a pull-on engineer boot and something more equestrian in nature, the Audie slip on boot delivers on style, comfort and even color. I am smitten with the blue Kite Board Suede (pictured below), but you can also select from Green Tea Suede, Stollen Suede, Caramel Latte Suede, or black depending on your color preferences. Constructed of velvety suede with over-stitching, the cap toe the chunky 1″ heel add a bit of menace, while the pull tab allows for easy insertion of your foot. These sporty boots feature hand-sewn construction as well as the DRYZ moisture-managing footbed which helps insure a dry inner environment. My experience with the comfort and longevity of Born shoes and boots means these beautiful blue suede boots are worth the cost.

Price: $180.00
Zappos: Born Women’s Audie Engineer Boot

I have long been a fan of Keen sandals and I am smitten with these colorful summer tennis style shoes. I like the splash of color, combined with the white overstitching, white side-walls and laces and the slightly oversized bumper toe. Available in brindle, off white, bossa nova (pictured below), or peacoat. I am torn between the red and blue – it’s so hard to tell which color combo will most match up with the season. Constructed of a natural canvas upper and utilizing recycled aluminum eyelets, the out-sole is natural rubber and is non-marking. Customer reviews suggest these tennies will fit both wide and narrow footed persons with comfort. Like the style but more interested in a sandal? Keen has you covered – Coronado sandal.

Price: $64.00
Zappos: Women’s Keen Coronado Shoes

Combining the aesthetic appeal of the gladiator style sandal with earth friendly materials and construction, Simple does it again with their Women’s Teetoe shoe. Constructed of a certified organic cotton eyelet upper and buckle closure, the comfortable topsole is made of cork and natural latex, while the outsole is constructed of recycled car tires. You could be treading on the remains of a tire you once drove on, although I suppose that is statistically improbable, but a lovely idea just the same. Simple keeps the eco-friendly going by using water based cements to bring all the pieces together into the final product – an ankle high gladiator style sandal perfect for the coming summer months. Available in basic black (pictured below) or brown multi in women’s sizes 5 through 10, no half sizes.

Price: $64.95
Zappos: Simple Teetoe Women’s Gladiator Sandal

Just in time for the long wet spring of the northwest I found these bitchin’ tall boots from Keen. I’ve always liked Keen’s signature clown-toe look, and the style translates well to these colorful cold weather boots. The Winthrop is available in cordovan (pictured below), black or bison in women’s sizes 5 through 11 in both whole and half sizes. Only the reddish one’s are on sale, and their rich deep color brings to mind the shade of Doc Marten ox bloods. The upper is constructed of leather and boiled wool, with a side zipper for ease of wearing. Insulated with boiled wool, Keen promises your feet will stay both dry and toasty regardless of inclement weather. The EVA footbed features arch support and cushioning, and the boot has an 11″ shaft and 1 1/2 inch heel. Look stylish and cute while staying dry in the coming season of mud.

Price: $107.95 (on sale at Zappos)
Zappos: Women’s Keen Winthrop Boot

Here is a fun new wave boot from Dr. Martens. It takes their classic styled lace up design and makes it red all over, from the laces down to the cushy air sole. So if you are feeling a bit bland and tired of all that shoegazer rock perhaps this boot will help you spice things up a bit.

$110
Dr. Martens- primary color boots

These short engineer boots from the legendary Frye company are both cute and really tough. They will go great with a pair of jeans or a short skirt for a more sexy look that will also let everyone know you mean business. We’ve found Frye boots generally run a bit narrow, but once broken in will last long, and be an irreplaceable part of your footwear collection. They are made in the USA and feature a super tough Neoprene oil resistant sole.

$188
Frye Engineer 8R