Boots for Alaska

Footwear is particularly difficult to shop for online given the fit factor. Still, three -40° winter boot choices were identified – North Face, Columbia, and Sorel. Each cost well over $120 with some pretty hefty shipping charges and none were available in any local stores.

As averse to shopping as I am, I still need to minimize my spending. Being compelled to brave the mall, I learned that not many places in the world require such extreme temperature ratings in their boots, including Michigan. This news was a bit unsettling, how cold is Alaska anyhow? Among stopping at more than four other stores, I dropped into Kohl’s on the unlikely chance they’d have any winter boots let alone cold rated boots.

A glowing circle of light surrounded the men’s Kamik boots and I think I even heard angels singing. The $100 brand name boots were 60% off. I pulled them on at least up past my thighs, felt a little like a full body cast. Inside they were soft and cushy and my feet got hot after just a few rounds in the aisles. These beauties now rest on my shelf in wait for more snow in Michigan so I can break them in - which will be today.