I Spy ... Practical Fashion?

I have long held a special place in my heart for the wellington. It started with two beautiful pairs, one red and one blue. I can’t remember which were mine, as being the younger sibling I no doubt was lucky enough to wear my sister's as well. Those boots were amazing. The highlight of course was the smiley face on the bottom. That, and the fact that a could stomp that smiley face into any and all puddles within a 5 foot radius of the path I was walking and still keep my socks dry.

Less fondly remembered, Sorel winter boots still have a place in my heart. I remember “snow days” off from school and watching my dad step in to what wear impossibly large boots (I know because I had a thing for putting on other people’s shoes, what kid doesn’t?). Anyways, seeing those boots go on meant there was enough snow to require shovelling which would inevitably lead to an afternoon of building snowmen, snow-forts and my personal favourite ... the snowhorse.

Regardless of childhood memories, both these styles of footwear have made a cross-over from practical necessity, to trendy fashion. Of course this means having the correct brand (Hunter Wellies, and the original Sorel winter boot) and styles have been modified offering a wide range of colours, laces, no laces, patterns (whoop whoop plaid!) and of course the thick wool or fleece socks to line the suckers.

So here’s where I start to wonder. Have we finally grown up? Are we responsible, adult Canadians that realize that the climate within which we live dictates a practical take on footwear? Winter is cold, rain and snow, wet. I don’t care what the footwear looks like as long as I’m warm and dry. My optimism bubble tells me yes! This is the new wave of fashion! Practical geek chic! Whoo hoo!

Logic and past precedent burst that optimism bubble. I’m betting it’s a fad and come spring, impossibly high suede (obviously not waterproof) stilettos will be tip-toeing around the puddles I am happily jumping into.

Sigh.