These are boots inspired by Native North American technology and are advertised as "The warmest boots in the world." Which I can totally attest to. Living in Fairbanks, AK for 6 years, I saw tempertures drop to -60 degrees, yes below Zero! Nothing would keep my feet warm besides my Steger Mukluks. They come in many variations of the same general style. I happen to have the moose hide and canvas ones, with the boiled wool liner. Their only draw back is that they are only meant for temperatures below freezing as they are not waterproof.
I have Raynaud's which is described well on www.nlm.nih.gov as "a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this happens, blood can't get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood flow returns, the skin turns red and throbs or tingles. Cold weather and stress can trigger attacks. Often the cause of Raynaud's is not known. People in colder climates are more likely to develop Raynaud's than people in warmer areas." While I love my SKHoop, this means keeping my hands and feet warm is most crucial to staying outside for extended lengths of time. Thus keeping my feet warm is essential to everyone in my family having fun outdoors.
*I forgot to add that Steger makes great kids mukluks too. They are a spendy $129, but if you plan on having more then one kid they will last many children and are well worth the piece of mind.
We are getting a pair of used kiddo mukluks in the mail soon and will let you know how they work on the Little Bear soon.
ReplyDeleteThose boots look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCame across your post while googling "living in Fairbanks with Raynaud's". I currently reside in central Arizona, which is probably the best place for someone with this disorder.
However, I visited Fairbanks in March 2011 and fell in love with the area. I am returning in 2012, this time in February, to see how I handle colder temps.
I have discussed this at length with my doctor and have had many acupuncture treatments, which did help. Also bought some lithium battery-operated gear from Gerbing.com (featured on the Raynaud's Association website), which helped tremendously and I did not have a full-blown episode the entire time.
But I realize living somewhere is not the same as visiting. The coldest I lived in was on a mountain in California (at 8400 ft) for nine months; did OK but it is a big decision to make, moving from a place where Raynaud's is hardly an issue to a place where it will be more of a consideration.
Figure if I can't ever live in Fairbanks, I can at least visit as often as possible, but I have not yet abandoned the idea of relocating. Something about the place--the frontier spirit, the northern lights--just drew me in and I am looking forward to returning soon.