For the Love of LL Bean
I have owned a crappy pair of knock-off duck boots for about, let’s say five years. They were the boots I put on when I shoveled. They’re not really meant for walking because I can’t bend or flex in them – like a foot, a knee, an ankle. It doesn’t work.

When we got a little over two feet of snow, followed quickly by another six inches I did what any person would do – I pulled out the shoveling boots. I walked to the bus stop in them, I wore them on the train, and I hiked around in them at the office.

By the time I’d get home, my little feet were screaming in agony. They’re just not comfortable.

I realized I’d have to buy a proper pair of snow boots – not fashion boots with a three inch kicky heel. I’ve got those and they are useless in any kind of snow. But I can run in them, so there’s something if I’m ever up for the role of some kind of action star. Plus, the salt destroys the buttery leather.

I have been eyeballing the feet of my fellow New Englanders for a while now. First, I’m short so it is easier for me to look down than up when I get squished into a corner train car. Plus, I figured I’d take a cue from them – I mean, they live here.

I suspected that if there was ever a legitimate opportunity for the wearing of UGG boots, it would be during massive snowfalls in New England. They’d be practical, mobile and keep your feet warm. I think I only spotted a couple of pair – apparently no one wants dirty suede.

What I did see by the hundreds – literally – were all shape and manner of LL Bean boots. I hopped onto their site and poked around, after a few minutes I found just the thing – the Storm Chaser. It is made like an athletic shoe but protects like a boot – water proof and warm to like -10 F.

They had me at hello.

I ordered them and they arrived on Friday. I was pretty leery of breaking in new boots on my walk home, but my dogs were aching, so I took a chance. I wore them home with no complaints. On Saturday I wore them around on our day of errands. On Sunday I trudged about five miles (or so) around Cambridge in them. These boots are made for walking.

I guess the moral of this story is that even though it seems lame or bougie or whatever, sometimes embracing the New England footwear lifestyle is okay. So I’ll proudly wear those big clunkers around for the rest of the winter.

But I’m not going to get one of those heinous Vera Bradley bags. And god help me if I ever wear a dickie.