Going out into the great outdoors to tackle a trail is one of the greatest ways to get active and challenge yourself. But if you don’t have the appropriate footwear, it can be a even more of a challenge than it has to be.
Finding a pair of boots that are both stylish, functional, and supportive is another problem all in its own. Hiking boots aren’t exactly known for being the most stylish. But fret not! If you’re currently on a hunt for a pair of boots that look good and keep your feet and ankles feeling good, look no further than this list.
Here are six stylish hiking boots to wear out on your next great adventure.
Merrell Ontario 85 Mid Waterproof — $190
When it comes to fashion, what goes around always comes back around, and these retro boots by Merrell are proof. Inspired by Merrell boots from 1985, the current iteration features a tear-resistant suede upper CORDURA fabric and sticky Vibram Megagrip. In addition, the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. Wherever you go on your next adventure, these boots will provide you with the reliability and comfort you need.
Shop it here: merrell.com
Merrell Ontario Mid
If Merrel’s 85 is a little too retro for you, allow us to introduce you to its more subtle (but still stylish) cousin. The Ontario Mid features the same nostalgic silhouette and outdoor-friendly features, as well as M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents to reduce that stinky shoe smell.
Shop it here: merrell.com
Hanwag Lhasa II Lady — $350
If you’re looking for something sleek to match each and every one of your hiking outfits, look no further than this Hanwag boot. As the sister company of Fjällräven, you can safely assume that Hanwag knows a thing or two about the great outdoors. The boots feature a padded soft leather cuff that won’t irritate your ankles, as well as vent holes for breathability. Rubber heel and toe caps offer added durability, and the boots have great sole flex that offer the support and versatility you need for any terrain.
Shop it here: Fjallraven Toronto Flagship, 356 Queen St. West, or online at hanwagboot.com
Danner Mountain Light — $502.15
While this boot shot into popularity after the Reese Witherspoon blockbuster Wild, the Danner Mountain Light have been a top choice for seasoned hikers long before then. The one-piece leather upper design stops debris from getting into your boot and the soles provide great traction for dry and wet surfaces. Not only are these great for long hikes, but they’re also stylish enough to wear day-to-day, too. Plus, they’ll last you a lifetime.
Shop it here: danner.com
Forsake Patch Boots — $179.95
Another pair of boots that you could take hiking in the desert or wear braving the rain and snow in the city are the Forsake Patch Boots. Available at a variety of different retailers, including MEC, these boots will leave you feeling extremely sure footed with peak-to-pavement soles and waterproof build.
Shop it here: mec.ca
The North Face Ultra Fastback III Mid GTX — $229.99
For when you need a lighter, faster boot, turn to the North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX. Made for the modern outdoor adventurer, these boots add a bit of a streetwear sneaker aesthetic to a high-tech boot. The performance-driven shoe provides abrasion-resistance in all the right places and features OrthoLite for comfort on long treks, while its Vibram Megagrip sole has you covered on uneven terrains.
Shop it here: thenorthface.com
Featured image: Forsake
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We don’t need to hammer it into your head — you already know that the shopping choices we make have a big impact on the earth.
But the great thing is, we get to choose where we shop and what brands we support. And more and more brands are making sustainable shopping easier for us consumers.
Ethical shopping doesn’t mean sacrificing style, it means having full transparency on how much workers are being paid, where the products are coming from, and how eco-friendly the materials are. And it doesn’t have to be hard to find, either.
Below you’ll find a list of our favourite eco-friendly fashion pieces for Earth Day and the brands that are trying to change the world, one item at a time.
Kånken Rainbow
Instagram/@szputnyikshop
If you love the environment and Fjällräven’s iconic Kånken backpack, then you’re going to love the initiative associated with this special edition bag. The Kånken Rainbow is one of three backpacks part of the Swedish brand’s Arctic Fox Initiative, which helps to fund environmental projects around the world. Each project chosen to be supported has the earth’s best interests at heart, and any non-profit working towards protecting the environment or inspiring people to spend more time in nature can apply to have their projects funded.
Shop now: Fjällräven Kånken Rainbow Backpack, $100. Find a store.
Esplar Logo Sneakers
If you haven’t heard of Veja, this is a sneaker brand that you want to get on your radar! Founded in 2004, the brand offers full transparency when it comes to the production of each pair — from where they’re made to how much labourers are paid and beyond. Each sneaker is made with fair trade and organic raw materials, and they feature a classic design that’ll work with your entire wardrobe!
Shop now: Veja Esplar Sneakers via Shopbop, $140
Molto Two-Piece
The sustainable brand that’s always on our mind is Reformation. Seen on celebrities like Meghan Markle, Emily Ratajkowski, Emma Watson, and more, Reformation’s roster of garments are all made from sustainable materials, deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. The brand’s entire collection is worth a peek, but right now, our fave is the Molto Two-Piece.
Shop now: Reformation Molto Two-Piece, $218 USD
Dresden Glasses
Instagram/@dresdenvisionca
The eyewear industry is an interesting one, but one eyewear brand is trying to disrupt it. Allow us to introduce you to the Australian brand Dresden. The sustainable and affordable eyewear brand offers stylish frames from recyclable nylon, plastics, and waste materials such as wood composite, recycled Australian money, and more. Shop the brand online or in Dresden’s two new Toronto stores: 733 Queen St. East and 599 College St.
Shop now: Dresden Glasses, starting at $49
Short Brocade Jacket
In recent years, H&M has been making an effort to combat the effects fast fashion has on the environment. The company has increased its use of recycled and sustainably sourced materials across its offerings. This season’s Conscious collection features some interesting fabrics — take for example, the H&M Short Brocade Jacket, which is made Piñatex®, an alternative to leather made from pineapple leaf fibres!
Shop now: H&M Short Brocade Jacket, $249
Sallie Vegan Leather Backpack
If leather’s a material you’re looking to eliminate from your wardrobe, there are plenty of other alternatives that offer the same look! This two-toned vegan leather backpack from the Canadian brand ESPE uses a faux leather material called polyurethane that’s more environmentally-friendly than PVC or vinyl, and PETA-approved.
Shop now: ESPE Sallie Vegan Leather Backpack via eBay, $86.90
Ulvö Hip Pack
As an outdoor company, Fjällräven knows that in order to enjoy nature, we’ve got to protect it. Sustainability in design, production, and materials is of the utmost importance — the company even creates its own materials to lessen its environmental footprint. Most recently, Fjällräven created Bergshell, a waterproof, ultra-durable material that is partially made from Global Recycled Standard recycled nylon and perfect for outdoor adventures. The Ulvö Hip Pack is just one of many offerings available in Bergshell and is the perfect size for short adventures or everyday wear.
Shop now: Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack, $60. Find a store.
TENCEL® Plaid Wrap Skort
Many don’t know, but Montreal-based Frank And Oak actually has its own line of sustainable items. One of our favourite pieces from the womenswear line is this Plaid Wrap Skort made from TENCEL® fibres that use wood from sustainable eucalyptus plantations.
Shop now: Frank And Oak TENCEL® Plaid Wrap Skort, $89.50
Wool Runners
Instagram/@venitaaspen
Dubbed the world’s most comfortable shoes, Allbirds is another footwear brand that’s all about the earth. The brand’s footwear features materials like recycled bottles and cardboard, caster bean oil, and sugarcane. But in addition to the materials it uses, Allbirds aims to reduce its footprint in other areas like shipping and packaging, too.
Shop now: Allbirds Wool Runners, $135
Hudson Shorts
Aside from being an athletic brand that all the cool girls are wearing, Outdoor Voices is great for Mother Earth, too. One particular fabric that’s earth-friendly is the recycled polyester which is crafted from recycled plastic bottles and is used for Outdoor Voices’ shorts like the pair above.
Shop now: Outdoor Voices Hudson Shorts, $55 USD
Featured image: Instagram/@allbirds
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Looking for the perfect gift can get tricky, but looking for an eco-friendly gift can be even more challenging. Luckily, there are so many ethical and sustainable brands that sell perfect gifts for the holidays, including fashion, beauty, decor, and more.
It has never been more important to do research on the company before, starting with the way their workers are treated to how they source their materials. Even factors like delivery, wrapping, and packaging come into play.
We’ve done the research for you and are here to let you know the best eco-friendly and sustainable brands and products to shop.
Buying an eco-friendly gift will make you feel better about spending your money. It will also help continue to spread the message about how important sustainability is and knowing where the origin your products come from.
Here are a bunch of incredible eco-friendly gifts that you won’t regret giving:
1. Unwrapped Life: Wildcrafted Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Image courtesy of Unwrapped Life
Unwrapped Life’s Wildcrafted collection is customized to suit the specific needs of all hair types: oily, combination, dry, and chemically-treated. They only use naturally-derived ingredients in each formulation to treat hair issues, as opposed to harsh chemicals and toxins. These powerhouse bars are scented using only 100% pure essential oils! Most importantly, these hair bars are colour safe, vegan, gluten, toxin, and cruelty-free. They’re small and compact, which makes them perfect as stocking stuffers.
Price: $35 (for duo), $17.50 for each bar
Where To Buy: Online at Unwrappedlife.com
2. Fruits & Passion Cucina Line: Sea Salt and Amalfi Lemon Candle
Image courtesy of Fruits & Passion
Whether you’re looking to spoil yourself, or are out searching for the perfect gift for secret Santa, these scented candles are always an affordable and much much-appreciated present. It comes in a selection of scents, like Sea Salt and Amalfi Lemon (see above), along with Corriander and Olive Tree. The cute glass vase matches any decor and is reusable and recyclable.
Price: $15.50
Where To Buy: In-stores or online at fruits-passion.com
3. Earth Luxe: Quiet Night-In Kit
Image courtesy of the Earth Luxe
This is a wonderful gift for pretty much anyone, but especially someone who is going through a stressful time. The kit includes a Himalayan salt lamp, an Island Breeze Soy Woodwick Candle, and a Beautiful Tussah Silk Fiber Handmade Soap. They can stream their favourite movie, listen to some calm music, or curl up with a good book and enjoy pure relaxation.
Price: $75
Where To Buy: Online at earth-luxe.ca
4. Ten Thousand Villages: Fossil Stone & Marble Cutting Board
Image courtesy of the Ten Thousand Villages
The fossil stone and genuine marble cutting board can be used as a cutting board or as a serving platter. Ten Thousand Villages, Canada’s fair trade retailer, is a perfect one-stop shop to conquer your list. They literally have everything you might need, from furniture and toys to jewelry and accessories. Each hand-crafted item carries a beautiful story about the culture, traditions, and skills of the artisan.
Price: $79
Where To Buy: Online or in-store
5. Artifact Skin Co: The Brazilian Supermask
Image courtesy of the Artifact Skin Co.
These masks are so popular, they’re selling out faster than tickets to a Drake concert. You can choose between four different types; The Brazilian Supermask, The Glacial Coast Detox Masque, The Bali Papaya Rice Masque, and The Tahitian Monoi Mud Masques. They’re a bit more on the costly side but if you’re doing a $50 gift limit, this basically hits the price point.
Price: $52 CAD
Where To Buy: Online
6. Woodlot: Rose & Palo Everyday Mist
Image courtesy of the Woodlot
Indulge your senses with this hydrating mist made from a blushing blend of calming lavender, refreshing bergamot, and zesty witch hazel. This multifunctional mist can be used as a room and pillow spray for an instant sense of calm. Who wouldn’t want this as a gift?
Price: $22
Where To Buy: Online at covetedmarket.com
7. Fjallraven: Special-Edition Kånken
Image courtesy of Fjallraven
The special-edition Kånken is made entirely from polyester recycled from plastic bottles. It has lots of room for you to store all of life’s essentials and has different pockets to hold smaller items. It also comes in eight beautiful colours.
Price: $109.99
Where To Buy: In Fjallraven stores or online at fjcanada.ca
8. Token: Refill Station
Image courtesy of the Token
This Queen Street East gift shop is known for less packaging, less plastic, and less future landfill than your typical store. Shoppers can bring in their own custom containers to make a really specialized gift, and refill it with the premium organic product. Token now carries shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer from favourite Vancouver brand Carina Organics, along with dish soap, hand soap, and all-purpose cleaner from Montreal’s The Unscented Company.
Price: Measured by the liquid mL.
Where To Buy: In-store
Featured Image: Instagram/@unwrappedlife
If you didn’t get your fill of Black Friday deals, don’t fret — Cyber Monday is in full effect.
On this list, you’ll find sales happening in-stores, as well as some sales that are happening online only. All of the retailers on this list are offering a cool 20-60% off merchandise. Most end on Monday, November 26, so act fast and grab those deals while you can.
It’s likely that we won’t see any better deals until after the holidays, and you don’t want to miss out!
Clothing
adidas
When: November 22-28
Where: All adidas outlet stores. Find a location.
What: Enjoy 50% off in-stores.
Aritzia
When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at aritzia.com.
What: Take up to 50% off almost everything.
Armed
When: November 26
Where: Online at upandarmed.com.
What: Take 25% off a selection items and free shipping with the code “CYBRMONDAY”.
Banana Republic
When: November 26
Where: Online at bananarepublic.ca.
What: Take 50% off everything online.
BOGS
When: November 23 -26
Where: Online at bogs.com.
What: Take 25% off site wide.
Call It Spring
When: November 26–27
Where: In-stores or online at callitspring.com
What: 30% off all regular priced items.
Club Monaco
When: November 26
Where: Online at clubmonaco.com.
What: Take an extra 40% off sale items, plus save 25-35% on regular price purchases.
Dynamite Clothing
When: November 26-27
Where: Online at dynamiteclothing.com.
What: Enjoy 50% off from 7am to 10am (November 26), 40% off from 10am to 9pm, and 30% off onwards.
Etsy
When: November 26
Where: Online at etsy.com.
What: Shop everything from personalized decor to one-of-a-kind presents at up to 60% off.
Fjallraven
When: November 26
Where: In Fjallraven stores across Canada.
What: Take 20% off everything (excluding Kanken backpacks)
Frank And Oak
When: November 26
Where: Online at frankandoak.com.
What: Shop up to 50% off best sellers and 30% off everything else with the code “CYBERMONDAY30”.
Freeman Tuxedo Warehouse Sale
When: Now – December 2
Where: 111 Bermondsey Road, North York, Ontario
What: All tuxedos are $99.
Gap
When: November 26
Where: Online at gapcanada.ca.
What: Take 50% off everything with the code “GAPCYBER”, plus an extra 10% off with the code “GAPYOURS” and free shipping.
Garage
When: November 26-27
Where: In-stores and online at garageclothing.com.
What: Enjoy 50% off from 7am to 11am (November 26), and 40% on everything onwards.
H&M
When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at hm.com.
What: Take 20% off everything, plus free shipping when you shop online.
Mejuri
When: November 26
Where: Online at mejuri.com.
What: Get 10% off one item, 15% off two items, and 20% off if you buy three or more items.
Michael Kors
When: November 26
Where: Online at michaelkors.ca.
What: Take up to 50% off select apparel, footwear, watches, bags, and more.
Nordstrom
When: November 26
Where: Online at nordstrom.com.
What: Take up to 60% off clothing, footwear, accessories, and more.
NRML
When: November 26
Where: Online at nrml.ca.
What: Take 40% off everything with the code “CYBERMONDAY”. Brands featured include Nike, adidas, Vans, and more.
Roots
When: November 26
Where: Online at roots.com.
What: Take 30% off site wide, plus shop the special deal of the day.
Sportchek
When: November 26
Where: Online at sportchek.ca.
What: Take 20% off site wide and save up to 60% on door crashers.
Steve Madden
When: November 26
Where: Online at stevemadden.ca.
What: Take 20% off everything and receive free shipping with the code “BLACK”.
The Outnet
When: November 26
Where: Online at theoutnet.com.
What: Grab an extra discount on all sale items with the code “LASTCHANCE”.
Tissot
When: November 26-27
Where: Online at tissotwatches.com.
What: Take 40-50% off select items.
Under Armour
When: November 26
Where: Online at underarmour.com
What: Save 40% on Cyber Weekend exclusives.
Zumiez
When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at zumiez.ca.
What: Shop BOGO 50% on clothing and accessories, and take an additional 50% off all clearance shoes.
Beauty
Annabelle
When: November 26
Where: Online at annabelle.com.
What: 40% off everything online. No code required.
Consonant Skincare
When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at consonantskincare.com.
What: Take 20% off everything.
CoverGirl Warehouse Sale
When: Now to December 24
Where: 6880 Columbus Rd., Mississauga, Ontario
What: Save big on CoverGirl everything at this warehouse sale. Use SD’s exclusive discount to get an extra 15% off.
CW Beggs
When: November 26
Where: Online at cwbeggs.com.
What: 30% off everything online + free shipping.
Fruits & Passion
When: November 26
Where: Online at fruits-passion.com.
What: Take 40% off individual products, BOGO free on holiday products, and free shipping.
Lisa’s Cosmetics Warehouse Sale
When: Now to December 9
Where: 135 Commerce Valley Dr. East, Markham, Ontario
What: Save up to 80% cosmetics and fragrances from brands like Elizabeth Arden, Stila, Revlon, and more.
Marcelle
When: November 26
Where: Online at marcelle.com.
What: BOGO on the entire website and free shipping with every order.
Home
Camila House LTD
When: Now to December 6
Where: 6819 Pacific Circle, Mississauga, Ontario
What: Up to 90% off retail prices on home furnishings
Hauser
When: November 26
Where: In-store at the Waterloo warehouse or online at hauserstores.com.
What: Save up to 40% on indoor and outdoor furniture.
Wildly Delicious Warehouse Sale
When: Now – December 21
Where: 114A Railside Rd., Toronto, Ontario or online at wildlydelicious.com.
What: Save up to 80% off kitchenware, dips, sauces, and more.
William Ashley Warehouse Sale
When: Now – December 2
Where: 111 Creditview Road, Vaughan, Ontario
What: Up to 90% off housewares, appliances, and more.
Travel
Busabout
When: November 26-30
Where: Online at busabout.com.
What: Save 20% off their Unlimited Passes to the USA and Europe Hop-on Hop-off travel network that will allow you the freedom and flexibility to create your perfect itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network. Use code “BlackFriday”.
Contiki
When: November 26-30
Where: Online at contiki.com
What: Save 20% off on twenty of their most popular adventures around the world (like New Zealand, Mykonos & Santorini, Bangkok to Singapore, Latin and South America Europe, and more).
G Adventures
When: November 26
Where: Online at gadventures.com.
What: Take up to 35% off over 500 tours and 10,000 departures.
Trafalgar
When: November 26
Where: online at trafalgar.com.
What: Savings of 15% off per person on fifteen of their trips to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
Featured Image: Instagram/@watchgallery_al
If you’re a fan of Nordic heritage brands you’ll be happy to hear that Swedish brand Fjällräven is opening its first brand centre in Toronto in the heart of Queen Street West. The location will serve as a hub for Fjällräven’s functional and sustainable outdoor equipment while showcasing the brand’s commitment to making the outdoors accessible to more people at all experience levels. This is the fourth Fjällräven store in Canada as the brand has already established itself with stores in Vancouver, Victoria and Montreal.
“We’re thrilled to expand our brand footprint in Canada with our first bricks and mortar store in a bustling retail district in Toronto,” says Nathan Dopp, President of North American, Fjällräven. “Our intent is for the Queen Street West location to serve as a hub for Torontonians who are outdoor enthusiasts while helping local customers find the perfect Fjällräven fit for their next adventure.”
If you’ve never heard of the brand, Fjällräven, which means arctic fox in Swedish, has crafted durable and timeless outdoor equipment for 60 years. The new store will feature an impressive selection of women’s and men’s apparel that cater to both fashion lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The store will also have a dedicated space to showcase its iconic Kånken backpack, which comes in a variety of colours and sizes. A waxing station will allow for shoppers to see the magic of the brand’s G1000 material firsthand and an in-store tailor will allow buyers to fine-tune the fit of their outerwear free of charge.
The 2,200 square foot store located at 356 Queen Street West will be Fjällräven’s 24th retail location in North America and the 5th freestanding store in Canada.
Fjällräven will celebrate the new store by hosting a Grand Opening event on Saturday, April 28, 2018, with doors opening at 10 AM.