You know who you are. You’re the one who puts on her patent-leather tall boots to trot to work in a snowstorm, or the guy who wears his dress shoes on ice. All that slipping and sliding is unnecessary. “There’s a difference between a winter boot and a snow boot,” says Desiree Stimpert, shoe guru for the Web reference guide about.com, “and if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside in cold, wet or icy conditions, you’ll definitely want the latter.” Here are a few to get you started.
FOR WOMEN
Pajar Tobogan features a patented insulating mid-sole (Iso-Lana) made up of small air bubbles between layers of aluminum, felt and wool; they’re rated to withstand temperatures up to 101 degrees below zero. All seams are tape-sealed, and the adhesive construction further ensures waterproofing. $180. Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-440-4460.
La Canadienne waterproof Alexa features shearling liner to toe and thermoplastic rubbersoles, which stay flexible in cold temperatures. $260. Hanig’s Footwear, 660 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5330.
Sorel Ahnah features waterproof leather, Thinsulate insulation and faux fur; this boot is rated to minus 25 degrees. $153.95. zappos.com.
FOR MEN
Kamik Patriot features seam-sealed waterproof leather uppers with Thinsulate insulation, moisture-wicking lining, antibacterial footbed and rubber outsoles; rated to minus 58 degrees. For retailers, see kamik.com.
NEOS Navigator Stabilicer overshoes are waterproof to 15 to 20 inches high; they also have 32 replaceable steel-hardened spikes and a foam-insulated body. $109.99 at campmor.com.
CHECK OUT
THIS WEEKEND’S BEST BARGAINS AND EVENTS
Language
1537 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.; 773-772-5744
The shop is liquidating its inventory, marking down items 40 percent to 85 percent through Jan. 30, before shifting to an online store at shoplanguage.com.
Indoor sidewalk sale
The stores along the 1900 block of North Damen Avenue host this sale through Sunday with 50 to 70 percent off and gift raffles at participating stores including: Crosell & Co. (773-252-9010), Grace (773-384-7223), Raizy (773-227-2221), Veruca Salt Fun (773-276-3888), Wow & Zen (773-269-2600), Paper and Print (773-384-1600) and Spa Forever (773-394-0000).
Caroline DeVillo Couture Bridal
1616 N. DAMEN AVE.; 773-342-0096
Brides, nab couture at a discount at this sample sale, where bridal gown samples are up to 70 percent off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Roslyn
2035 N. DAMEN AVE.; 773-489-1311
Everything is marked down from 30 to 60 percent, while supplies last.
Neiman Marcus
737 N. MICHIGAN AVE., 312-642-5900
The Last Call sale runs through Tuesday. Take 65 percent off original prices in apparel, shoes, handbags and gifts; and 35 to 65 percent off fur.
Macy’s
111 N. STATE ST.; 312-781-1000
The department store is concluding its flea market with a clearance event through Saturday. The merchandise includes vintage furniture, home decor, and jewelry, marked down 35 to 75 percent.
Art Effect
934 W. ARMITAGE AVE.; 773-929-3600
Take 50 to 70 percent off designer T-shirts, housewares and accessories at the indoor sidewalk sale.
Mark Shale
900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., 312-440-0720
Fall and winter merchandise are marked down by up to 60 percent.
[CHICAGO MAGAZINE]———-
* FOR MORE SALES, SEE CHICAGOMAG.COM
