Merrell Women's Tempest High Boot : Adorably Versatile

I already own two pairs of warm winter boots, a burly rubber-bottomed pair and a stylish knit-and-suede pair that I love but am afraid to get dirty. So I was surprised and delighted to discover that Merrell's Tempest High Boot quickly became the most irreplaceable pair in my three-boot quiver.

The Tempest High is the pretty tomboy of the winter boot world - low maintenance, tough, and fresh-faced. The nubuck upper repels precipitation with ease and is also breathable, and the sticky rubber outsole is impervious to water, mud, slush, and snow (all conditions that we've had this November in Bozeman, MT). The boots are filled with insulation and lined with a soft fleece fabric that keeps my feet warm without letting them get overheated. Merrell's Tempest High Boot s are super comfy for wearing all day, both indoors and out.

While wearing my new boots around town, the Tempest High Boot's Bohemian-chic design drew approving looks and unsolicited positive feedback from other gals. Nice. Three wooden buttons on the outside are offset by a cheerful thread color and complemented with a wool sweater trim at the top. The low-profile fit hugged my calves enough so that I could wear them with skinny jeans tucked in, under straight-leg pants, or under the elastic cuffs of my ski pants.

I recently went on a fall road trip to the desert just outside of Las Vegas for a week of camping, biking, and climbing. Usually I pack lots of shoes for all the different adventures, including multiple warm boots and booties for camp, as well as footwear for town so I don't look like a total dirt bag when we venture into civilization for dinner. This time, I brought only one pair of boots: my Merrell Tempest High Boots. They've been working like a charm. I've stayed warm and dry while tromping around in the rain, mud, and cold, and they've transitioned with ease between campsite and coffee shop.

The Merrell Tempest High Boot is available for women in Huckleberry, Black, Silver Birch, and Brindle, in sizes 5-11 (including half sizes). (Men - check out the Merrell Bergenz boots). Some styles on sale at Amazon.

I have them in the Brindle, a lovely light grayish tan. I found them to be regular in width and true to size. The footbeds that come with the boots are comfortable and supportive for light activity. They're also removable, so if you like a more custom fit you can slip your own insoles into the bottoms for extended strolling.

Bottom Line: I take a little bit of home with me whenever I step outside in my Merrell Tempest High Boots. A great all-around boot for nearly every type of outing, from building snowmen to après skiing. --L.B. (Nov '10)

BUY ONLINE: $139.95, click to shop. Some styles on sale at Amazon.

Manufacturer's Site: www.merrell.com

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