BOGS boots are best for blustery Vancouver
Grab an umbrella, slip on a pair of galoshes, and embrace your inner puddle jumper. Kitsilano’s Gumdrops outfits water enthusiasts both big and small—kids love the non-slip, paisley-printed BOGS (pictured, $80). Since 1935, Vancouverites have kept their heads dry with colourful bumbershoots and parasols from The Umbrella Shop. Style-savvy women visit Ingledew’s and Holt Renfrew for high-end, high-heeled waterproof boots.—Jennifer Patterson
Cute and comfy clogs by Okabashi
Whether you plan to stroll around Stanley Park or hit Robson Street for a day of shopping, don a pair of Okabashi clogs to ensure happy feet. These waterproof, anti-slip, antimicrobial, odour-resistant clogs have a massaging insole that prevents foot and back pain. And when they need cleaning, just toss them in the dishwasher. Available for men and women in red, yellow, olive, brown and black at Zellers ($19.99).—Sheri Radford
Stuart Weitzmas brings more fashionable footwear to Toronto
The Toronto Eaton Centre is a shoe-in destination for any gal looking for fab footwear. Here, famed American designer Stuart Weitzman takes another big step into the Canadian market with his first stand-alone shop in Ontario, and only his third in the country. The monochromatic decor scheme—a palette of white and barely-there grey dominates from floor to ceiling—is all the better to showcase more than 200 styles of fun and funky sandals, casual and evening-appropriate finery for the feet, plus a selection of coordinating handbags. Open daily. 220 Yonge St., 647-352-0550.
Vancouver's John Fluevog celebrates 40 years of hip and trendy Fluevog Shoes. Photo by Rebecca Blissett
Lordy lordy looks who’s 40: Vancouver’s own Fluevog Shoes marks the milestone with a bunch of birthday surprises, such as a collaboration with JJ Bean Coffee Roasters to produce both funky footwear (the Coffee Tanango Shoe) and cool coffee (the Special Reserve Fluevog Roast of Huehuetenango). Fox, Fluevog & Friends: The Story Behind the Shoes at the Museum of Vancouver keeps the party going until Sep. 26.—Sheri Radford
Keep cool with these lightweight kicks by Native Shoes
A new, innovative footwear line called Native Shoes was created by two dudes from Vancouver: Damian—the visionary—and Matthew—a former designer for Electronic Arts. Their modern twist on the classic sneaker comes in three styles, ranging in colour from bubble-gum pink to minty green, and is made from lightweight EVA plastic that forms to the foot. At El Kartel, Pacific Boarder and www.nativeshoes.com.—Jennifer Patterson
Spice up the season with these preppy and practical loafers from SWIMS ($175), available at Harry Rosen. Seafaring men and their land-locked brethren are sure to make a splash with this versatile summer classic from the Norwegian brand. These waterproof shoes are made with a natural rubber and feature a hand-sewn anti-bacterial mesh lining for proper ventilation; non-slip, non-marking soles mean they’re perfect for skipping a boat or toting about town. Bright accent colours and a streamlined silhouette make this a no-fuss choice for the season.
Golf cleats by Ecco
With Father’s Day (Jun. 20) just around the corner, here are some great gift ideas for Dad.
1 Support his golf obsession with a pair of turf-loving shoes from Ecco (pictured).
2 Iconic Canadian menswear shop Harry Rosen doesn’t just carry suits; find ties, socks, tees and more, straight from the pages of GQ.
3 Perfect for the outdoorsman: a fleece vest, pocketknife or much-needed compass from Mountain Equipment Co-op.—Jennifer Patterson
The well-heeled head to Ingledews for fashion-forward footwear
Local favourite Ingledew’s is having a birthday—a 95th birthday to be exact—so head on over and help them celebrate almost a century of stylish shoes.—Jennifer Patterson
Lacoste's trendy and sleek sneakers
Both on and off the tennis court, Lacoste has nailed the look of a sporty lifestyle. Take note, men’s bulky sneakers are a thing of the past. Au courant: sleek canvas shoes adorned with colourful details (think electric orange and blue soles) and everyone’s favourite green crocodile. Equally eye-catching sunburst-yellow sandals carry women through the summer months.—Jennifer Patterson
John Fluevog's stylish shoes always make a statement
Vancouver’s own Fluevog Shoes has been designing trendy footwear since the 1970s. Ranging from kitten heels to loafers, Fluevogs are renowned for their art deco-inspired designs and attention to detail. “Veggie Vogs” (non-leather styles) are also available for herbivores.—Susie Hill
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