SEASONAL TRANSITIONS

Last week the temperatures here in Minnesota changed drastically.  The wind picked up and we experienced several cold, blustery days, and with that the loss of the beautiful fall colors.  The lovely shades of red, yellow, and orange are now fast becoming memories as the leaves fell in the wind.  Indeed, our beautiful fall colors are definitely starting to fade as we are reminded that winter is just around the corner.

I mentioned last time how these changing temperatures always force me to retire my Topsiders for a few months, but all is not lost.  When the fall weather is in full force I have the perfect casual shoe to carry me through until spring – L.L. Bean’s Rubber Moc. 

Granted these shoes may not have the same look or image as my Topsiders, but they serve a very practical purpose, and are a wonderful addition to my daily wardrobe.  I work in a very casual dress environment so I am also able to wear them to work if I choose, which adds to their functionality.

As with my Topsiders, I first discovered the Rubber Moc while in college, and they have become a fall staple for me.  I love them because they are basically an all weather shoe.  In fall we can experience rain, cold, and even an early snow fall, but no matter what weather the day brings, these shoes will carry me through.

The Rubber Moc has its origins in the Maine Hunting Boot.  In 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean, an avid hunter and fisherman, after many frustrations with the boots that were currently available, developed a boot with a rubber bottom and leather upper.  This Boot was known as the Maine Hunting Boot.  There were flaws in the original boot causing many of them to be returned, and true to his word and policy, Bean gave those customers a full refund.  The flaws were fixed, and the rest is now history.

The boot comes in several heights, but my favorite is still the moccasin (I do have a pair of the boots too), and I love how versatile this shoe is.  I wear them rain or shine, and they are perfect for muddy fall and spring days.  I also wear them in the winter when the temperatures aren’t so bitter cold.  But unlike Topsiders, I always wear socks with these shoes - it just seems more appropriate for the time of year.

So when the cooler weather forces me to put away my Topsiders, my shoe of choice is the L.L. Bean Rubber Moc.  If you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend that you do.  You might just be as sold on them as I am.