Footwear

There are a few important features to consider when shopping for womens' winter boots or for mens' winter boots other than the style and the fashionista factor. Yes, the look of a winter boot will play a large roll in the decision-making process, but the technical features are equally as important. Where and when you plan to wear your winter boots will influence the variety of technical features that may or may not appeal to you. Wouldn't a winter boot guide be helpful? As we know, winter is generally colder than the rest of the seasons depending on the climate

On was born in the Swiss Alps. Although a run through Maisonneuve Parc in Montreal or through the trails at Canmore, Alberta might be less glamorous, it’s with runners in mind that innovators at On have done the unimaginable. Pushing the boundaries of science, On running shoes have made the impossible possible - by showing you what it’s like to run on clouds. More On Products Explaining the CloudTec Sole A cushioned sole is always good. But a shoe with a sole that’s cushioned when you need it is even better - this is the principle on which CloudTec is

I’d never heard of Aku, a reputable brand from the Northern part if Italy in Treviso so had no bias to their products. Eager to try the Utah Top GTX Hiking boots out straight away I had to refrain my self from any long periods of time spent in them in order me for to break them in without causing any blisters. Pros: Cons: Very supportive Warm Vibram sole grips on pretty much anything Comfortable to wear Take time to wear in Heavy  So the time had come for me to really put some mileage on the Utah boots and

No matter the length of the flight, comfortable plane attire is a must for travelling. From running to the gate to 9 hours layovers, wearing the right outfit can make all the difference. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, you shouldn't have to choose between comfort and style. Shop our brands below for tips on flying in comfort and style all summer long. Wear Comfortable Fabrics & Materials From an itchy collar to heavy fabric, the little details make all the difference. Several factors can contribute to your comfort when travelling by plane. One of the most important things

Searching for the best all-around outdoor sandals for summer in Canada? Chaco could be your brand. Known as "Chacos," the legendary footwear company has built a reputation thanks to its simple, durable, and adjustable sandals fitted with a single webbing strap. Below, we've curated the best Chacos for beaches, pools, hiking trails, and water sports. These provide you with the functional comfort and support you need for walking long-distances and many summers of strenuous wear.  They come in a range of styles for the whole family, and with both the normcore and fashion communities adopting their signature chunky midsoles -

We started ACC as a running club any level of runner could join while promoting good vibes and an inclusive community – a community that runs together every Wednesday at 6 PM. Even though ACC operates at a 'social pace,' we wanted a professional on board to teach proper techniques, give fitness advice, and help runners find shoes that work for their feet... Enter ACC Running Coach Aurélie Collette. With over a decade of experience as a marathoner and trainer of triathletes, Aurélie helps you improve your running stride. We sat down with her to learn more about her role

Competitive running was later used for entertainment as it became a part of religious festivals such as the Tailteann Games in Ireland and then the Olympic Games which date back to 776 BCE in Greece. Nowadays running is often used as stress relief, for exercise and for some, an enjoyable hobby.It’s no surprise that it is the ‘world’s most accessible sport’ for the fact that you can do it pretty much anywhere on land you please. Running is a sport practiced around the world by people of all ages. Shop Our Running Collection Common Questions When Buying Running ShoesWhat shoe

I awoke at the trailhead to the gentle sounds of raindrops tapping on my windshield. It’s spring in the east and it seems we haven’t seen more than a few hours of sunlight in the past few weeks. Snowmelt and steady rain make for muddy trails and swollen river crossings, the perfect setting to test out Keen’s new Venture Mid Waterproofs. With a quick breakfast in me, I laced up the boots and hit the trails. Shop Keen Venture Mid Our review of the Keen Venture Mid Waterproof Pros: Slim profile and comfortable soles Plenty of ankle support Sealing and

Backpacking, especially overnight backpacking, is a pretty amazing thing.  I try to get out as often as I can, even if it’s a place close to home.  Sometimes those are the best ones, when you don’t need to travel far and getting out the door is quick and can happen on a moment’s notice. Still, there are a few things that I always bring with me, no matter where or how far I am going. Some of these things are for safety, a few are for peace of mind, and a few are just things I like to have around

Cozy sheepskin lined footwear and women’s winter boots - that’s how UGG built its reputation in Canada, the United States, and beyond. When most of us think of the brand, we see people (mostly women) walking around campuses, offices, or cities in the ultra-warm suede boots during the colder months, not summer sandals. But sandals are what we’re talking about - more specifically the new UGG Braelynn and Jane Patent women’s styles.  This brings us to the company’s newest 2019 summer collection, which happens to offer sandals and slides perfect for summer in North of the Border. Get ready to

The right pair of shoes makes all the difference when getting outside and active. This is especially true of trail running, where you push your limits on demanding terrain and not always in the easiest weather conditions. The Ultra series by The North Face features their Fastpack models, designed for runners looking to devour the trails while bettering their performance. Shop the Collection Mix the protection of a hiking boot with the flexibility of a running shoe – this is the gambit The North Face took on when designing their Fastpack products. The secret to making it work is an

GORE-TEX® has made a name for itself within the outdoor industry and even in the fashion world too. It is not uncommon to see GORE-TEX® on the labels of high-end fashion coats, technical outerwear, fashion and outdoor footwear and even bags and backpacks. It’s everywhere! When you purchase a product made of GORE-TEX® you’re purchasing the Gore “GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY®” promise.What is GORE-TEX®?GORE-TEX® is a thin membrane which oozes with amazing characteristics. There are over 9 billion pores per square inch which are each home to all of the waterproof characteristics those who shop for GORE-TEX® are interested in. Each pore

Take your running routine to the next level rain or shine in one of our top Gore-Tex® running shoes. With the right apparel and footwear, you can say goodbye to boring indoor routines on the treadmill and tackle the wet weather with confidence. Shop Our Running Collection Arc'teryx Norvan LD GTX Trail Tackle slush, mud and rain in the Norvan LD GTX trail running shoes.  Designed with GORE-TEX® membrane, the Norvan LD fits like a glove and offers exceptional weather protection on your long distance adventures. A Vibram MegaGrip outsole paired with ergonomically-placed, square-shaped lugs ensures sure traction on a variety

Buying high-end footwear might seem like an extravagance, but never under-estimate a good pair of shoes or boots built to last. We love these five luxury footwear brands. They’re full of style, but more importantly they are built on comfort, quality and durability. Discover our urban footwear collection Grenson Grenson continues to offer elegant leather shoes and boots more than 150 years after their founding in Northamptonshire, England. Infusing a touch of their British heritage in each model, the brand has an array of styles from brogues to hybrid sneakers, each with signature oversize punch detailing. Whether you choose the

When something works you don’t mess with it. Update it, sure, but keep true to what makes it a success. Manitobah Mukluks figured out how to keep feet warm in snowy, cold weather by looking back at traditions and techniques from the First Nations peoples of Canada. The demand for this warm, innovative footwear, plus a forward-looking social ethos means a booming company that is a true Canadian success story. Sean McCormick, a Métis from northern Manitoba, launched a venture in 2007 replicating the mukluks he wore as a child. The concept behind Manitobah Mukluks was simple: leverage the sknow-how

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

Best Because of QualityHere at Altitude Sports, we’ve compiled a list of our most popular Dr. Martens boots and shoes. These best-selling Doc’s are made from the finest leather and vegan leather and have the premium fabrication that separates them in look and design. Below are the five women’s, men’s, and unisex models our customers – and the rest of the world – can’t get enough of. Shop Dr. Martens Women’s 1460 Smooth Leather Boots Good news, the classics are always in style. These counterculture icons have the original Dr. Martens 8-eye boot design but with a narrower women’s-specific fit.

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

Ready for your daily jogging routine? The beauty of running is that it is a particularly accessible sport. It can be practiced anywhere, anytime, and with minimal equipment. In fact, the only thing that is really important to consider is the pair of shoes that you will be wearing. Finding a good pair is essential, not only to improve your performance but also to avoid injury in the short or long term.With so many models to choose from, how do you choose just one?First and foremost, you should know what kind of running you will be using your shoes for road