BEARPAW: Bison Boots Review and Giveaway~ 12/8

Momma Told Me: Don't let your shoes stop you.

As a woman with a quarter of a century behind her, I have had the privilege of sharing many life experiences and creating countless memories. From graduations and road trips to weddings and impromptu adventures. Just as important as the clothes on your back are the shoes which fit the soles of your feet. For me, I have always desired footwear which universally translates from elegant and fashionable everyday to the unpredictability of my free spirit. Let's just say, if I see something breathtaking, I'm pulling over and photographing it. If I hear something enchanting, I'm following the sound like children to the pied piper; and if I want to walk right to the very edge of the sand, and squeal like a little girl as the tide rushes in behind me, feet are going to get wet. I'll admit, this usually boils down to me winding up barefoot. I tend to gravitate towards easy on/off shoes that offer general comfort but can allow me the freedom of experiencing life through my own soles in an instant.

I may be conditioned by my awkward size 11/12 feet, or the fact my best friend growing up was the boy next door, but I'm the sort of girl who could live in her old faded Vans until holes wear them into flip flops. Comfort and convenience come first, consideration for style, second. In my world, it's a tall order to ask for a footwear line that is as easy to wear is it is to pair with my wardrobe. Some weeks I may leave the house only when necessary, and others I may not open my front door to do more than collapse, exhausted, onto my bed. For this reason, every year around September I start to longingly flip through Winter catalogs with trendy and pricey boots. The infamous 'Uggs' trend was never quite my cup of tea. How could someone justify so much money for such a standard fashion with minimal movement in wear? It certainly was never in budget of rationality and value.

So when I discovered BEARPAW, who's mission was to create footwear that molded to it's wearer's life and personality (rather than the other way around), I was instantly intrigued. Here was a company that had began with a simple innovation of sheepskin insulation, that had grown into a way of life for millions worldwide. Pioneered by Tom Romeo in 2001, BEARPAW highlighted the concept of sheepskin as nature's natural insulation, with the comfort properties of high end luxury lining, and the ability to translate body heat into warmth, without overheating in warmer temperatures. In Southern California this is essential. Half the time I leave my home it is 20+ degrees warmer than where I will be heading (towards the beach). Not only does a quality sheepskin lining keep my feet warm in the most bitter cold snaps, but the breathable build prevents moisture build up, keeping my feet cool and dry in the heat.

BEARPAW is much more than a Winter boots, or slipper company. Their line of growing footwear collections spans the laid back and comfortable Classic Collection to the ski lodge inspired Tahoe Collection of soft knits and lazy pull-ons. Their philanthropic efforts only serve to magnify the dramatic impact of this brand, with a constant fixation on charity through support of KIDS (Kids in Distressed Situations) and Soles4Souls contributions. The company gives back through the donation of product, time, and support, as well as with the spreading of each organization's personal message. In addition, BEARPAW monitors it's global footprint through the education of employees and consumers on sustainable practices. Their plants and processing centers operate on low energy systems, and with highly defined recycling systems that cut waste dramatically.

Just in time for Fall 2011, BEARPAW rolled out a comprehensive line of looks for Men, and male would love to unwrap this December. Their rugged, yet luxurious men's footwear styles, are enough to please the pickiest partner, while withstanding the daily grind of exploration and life. When browsing the latest styles for women there were several which popped for me, ranging from laid back knits and faux fur pom poms, to the gently rugged Bison boots that ultimately found their way to my doorstep for review. Weighing in with an asking price of $220 (retail), these BEARPAW shoes are much more than a fashion statement, ans priced within the medium of comparable styles this season. Perhaps most important to me is that BEARPAW carries women's sizes up to 12, though the Bison capped off at 11. I was assured that the fashions tend to wear a size bigger, and I should be generally pleased with the accommodating fit.

When my new beauties arrived they were nestled in a lovely box among tissue paper, with the dramatic impact of some of my finest footwear. Not only did these look stunning out of the box, but I simply couldn't wait to slip them on, with their inviting sheepskin lining. My fingers melted into the plush and warm inner, while the soft treated full grain leather exterior gave no hint of the comfort within. Available in Black and Iron (a camel color), mine reminded me of a more natural boot (Iron), though the color name confused me a little. The bottom soles are made from durable, yet movement friendly rubber and offer a light tread that seems to grab well o natural surfaces (gravel, rocks, sand) more so than man made ones. On the back of the reinforced heels is a stylish metal plate that identifies the brand and adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

Most noticeable about my Bison BEARPAWs is the wrap around triple buckle fasten system that aids in the secure or freeform fitting to many shapes. For me, with the buckles tightened accordingly I can manage to avoid seams or gaps, though my built calves often lead to a relaxing or bunching effect. It's hard for me to say if this would be avoided with a larger size though, as my foot fits comfortable in the bottom of the boot. In any case, this doesn't bother me, and adds to the rugged styling and adventurous mood my Bison's incite. In all the 16" upper is very insulative, and impressively comfortable to wear. If I could get away with wearing this with my jeans, I'd likely not take them off all Winter! I get plenty of comments on them out and about, and have found their are impressively versatile, even withstanding the tough traction shores of our local beaches. These are easily my new favorite shoes to 'live' in.

What Daughter Says: Lead your shoes through life, not the other way around; with lifestyle shoes from BEARPAW!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a pear of BEARPAW shoes of choice!