NOMAD: Rain Boots Giveaway and Review~ 11/20

Momma Told Me: If you get your shoes wet, I'm not listening to the complaining!

It's no secret I was raised, and still live, in Southern California, where I'm not subjected to very much 'extreme' weather. In fact, we're more known for our violent and unsuspecting Earthquakes; not hurricanes and torrential downpours. But there's something few us us native (So.) Californians will admit, and that's to the stereotypical pandemonium that spreads when even a mist surfaces. As a child, Momma would not indulge me in such 'frivolous' clothing as rain boots and gear. Several of the children in my class would often come to school in adorable vibrant vinyl clothing when the forecast predicted any amount of cloud cover. I envied them, and their acute reverence for impending precipitation. Ironically enough, Momma refused to indulge me in my rain boot crusade, yet expected me to stay out of the moats and puddles. (Yes, moats; Southern California is also notorious for terrible street and architecture planning. We were frequently 'flooded' with even the slightest amount of rainfall).

Into adulthood I have long continued to hold my secret torch for rubber shoes, each Winter perusing various catalogs and department stores. Wearing the classic 'utilitarian' yellow rain boots has never seemed quite right past the age of 12. I suppose I'm not sunny enough to pull that particular youthful look off, given wardrobe circumstances would be in the case of light and random showers. Let's admit, wearing rain boots as an adult is hard to pull off, unless you live where weather is fierce and unrelenting. I needed a pair of rain boots that were as much a fashion statement as a functioning pair of protective shoes. You can imagine how my heart leapt when I discovered NOMAD, with rain boots in Woman's (up to 11) and children's fashions.

As the name pays tribute to, NOMAD was conceived by two traveling salesmen who envisioned a band geared towards free-spirited individuals. Their collection would appeal to fashion conscious, but equally independantly inspired women. This meant designs and prints that were expressive and uniquely bold, to demonstrate the nomadic attitude represented by individual ideals. Sounds pretty deep for a shoe company? After pioneering the renowned high EVA foam sandal, NOMAD journeyed away from juniors fashion towards a global shoe industry. While their current Women's lineup consists of Western Boots, Sandals, Flats, Heels and Wedges, for the purpose of this review I'd like to focus on the ever expanding selection of Rain Boots.

Their Puddles Collection of Women's Rain Boots spans a wide range of colors and prints, from the bold comic inspired Red Collage to the artsy Black Paisley. All NOMAD rain boots are water resistant (not intended to be water proof in extreme weather), meaning they are great for puddle splashing and navigating, but not utilitarian purposes. These fashion boots are quite functional, but lack the water proof sealing around the top. With a 1/2" heel, and durable sole, Puddles rain boots are made of rubber, with a soft inner lining and adjustable top strap. This rubber, buckle fasten, strap is intended to eliminate any gab between the boot and one's pants, for a water-resistant seal. Additionally, those who seek a warm, insulated fit may purchase additional Boot Warmers.

I had the chance to select a pair of Puddles NOMAD rain boots for review on Momma Told Me during Christmas Wishes and chose Black/Gold Fleur De Lis (now on sale for just $35!). They were one of the few in stock that went up to size 11, in women's. NOMAD advises that their rain boots run a size larger on average, though I urge shoppers to keep in mind any warmers or socks one may be wearing with this rain gear. Personally, I am a size 11/12 on average (leaning towards 12) and these 11s fit snug, but comfortable with a standard sneaker sock. There is wiggle room for my toes, but the width does get a little stiff. Additionally, I appreciate the calf adjusting buckle strap, which offers a little give in/out for a secure fit. My NOMAD rain boots arrived in a large black and red shoe box, suitable for storage and gifting.

I literally could not wait for rain once I opened the box and saw the beautiful, fashionable, rain boots inside! At the bottom of each boot was a removable insole (I ended up finding a bit bothersome in putting the shoes on/taking them off). The toe is slightly squared for extra wiggle room and comfort, and the soft inner lining is gentle on my skin. I love to wear these with my jeans rolled up, as they look quite trendy. Ironically, I waited near 3 weeks for a promising storm, only to have it roll in over night, and clear up as I was leaving the next day. The rain had come from the West (Pacific) shore, and moved inland to my home, so by the time I got out to the (bowling) alley that day the rain was long gone. I could have felt silly wearing rain boots with sunny skies, but instead, I received many compliments on my chic rain boots! NOMAD makes affordable, yet comfortably expressive rain boots for Winter (and Spring) wear- the perfect gift this holiday season!

What Daughter Says: Keep your toes warm, and dry, in style, with NOMAD rain boots!

One Momma Told Me follower will win their choice of NOMAD Rain Boots!