How To Guide :: Choosing the Right Mukluks

I’ve got a thing of furry, comfy, beautiful boots. Manitobah Mukluks is one of my favourite brands to shop for warm boots. Admittedly, I’ve got a few pairs. Aboriginal-owned and proudly Canadian, Manitobah Mukluks‘ heritage story began thousands of years ago. In addition to its history, craftsmanship, and the quality of their boots, I’ve just simply fallen in love with the style and comfort of them.

I’ve been asked several times while sporting my Kanada Mukluks whether my feet get cold or wet in the snow. The truth is … it depends. If I make the mistake of wearing them in the wrong climate, yes, my feet do get wet.

That led me to investigate just how do you go about choosing the right Mukluk for the right climate?

In turns out, Waneek Horn-Miller, Dean of The Storyboot School, had a whole series of answers for me. For us Canadians out there, I’ve simply split this How To Guide into the different Provincial Regions to help you decide which Mukluk boot to purchase. However, the descriptions will definitely assist you in choosing the right boot regardless of which country you live in! Enjoy! 

Shown above from left to right: Harvester Suede Moccasin in Copper / Keewatin Mukluk in Charcoal / Kanada Mukluk in Black

Prairies: The Kanada Mukluks are from the Made In Canada collection and ideal for those living in the prairies. The Headquarters is based in Winnipeg, where our ancestors have been braving extremely cold, harsh winters for thousands of years. Along the way we’ve learned a few things about staying warm! The Vibram sole will provide all the durability you need for a modern urban landscape, and the cowhide suede, rabbit fur and sheepskin footbed (sourced as responsibly as bi-product of the meat industry) will keep your feet warm and toasty, even in -30C weather. The beadwork pattern was designed by Rosa Scribe who shares a $1 profit on every pair sold.

You Need: Kanada Mukluk

South East. Southern Ontario tends to oscillate between cold and warm slush, the Half Grain Mukluk is a fantastic option. Mukluks are not considered waterproof, but the grain leather is a less porous option than suede. Still not a rubber boot, but way warmer than any synthetic insulator. If the fur does get wet, recommendation is to dry them thoroughly and spot clean. The vibram sole is especially great for those who live in the city since they can withstand urban environments where salt and sleet are prominent. A pair of rubber boots are recommended for wetter days above -5C, but if you need warmth and extreme comfort below -5C, these mukluks are perfect.

You Need: Half Grain Mukluk

East Coast: Our friends to the east have short, fierce winters. With a good amount of snow and temperatures that reach down to -20, Snowy Owl Mukluk is recommended. These mukluks are also made of cowhide suede, meaning they are porous so your feet are able to breathe. If you’re an East Coaster who does a lot of walking, your foot won’t smell after wearing them for a long period amount of time and the sole is flexible, which promote proper foot movement and blood circulation to your toes.

You Need: Snowy Owl Mukluk

Northern Region: Let’s be serious, it’s dang cold up in the territories. You need a boot that will secure your feet down even with harsh winds and snow fall. That is no problem for the Tall Wrap Mukluk. The wrap style of mukluk has been passed down for generations and features rabbit fur wrapped around the leg. It is impossible for your snow to enter at the top, and will give you the support you need to endure even the coldest winter weather.

You Need: Tall Wrap Mukluk

West Coast: West coast winters are much milder and involve a lot of rain so the Gatherer Mukluk is recommended. They are a sleek, functional mukluk that has no frills like fur or pom poms. Still super warm and comfortable they are perfect apres ski boot for the coldest days the mountains can throw at you. They also feature the iconic Vibram sole, designed by Cree Artist Heather Steppler and (like all the mukluks) the sole designs have meaningful stories behind them.  It’s cool to know that every time you step into the snow, you leave traces of your unique footprint behind.

You Need: Mid Gatherer Mukluk

I hope you found this post useful! If you’re still debating about owning a pair of Mukluks… I honestly wouldn’t hesitate any longer!

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