FashBlog.com

When I was in high school, I harbored a healthy disdain for the winter months.  You see, high school kids are perhaps the most fashion-conscious consumer group out there, and it's very difficult to look "cool" while trying to protect yourself against the sub-zero temperatures, bitter wind, rain, snow, and sleet that are characteristic of a typical Chicago winter.  The cool kids didn't wear knit caps (beanies weren't popular back then), gloves, or scarves.  And there was also an unspoken rule against wearing snow boots.  Sure, it sounds silly now, and I see the obvious flaws in that line of thinking; but back then, I really bought into the whole thing.  So from November to March, the trek to and from school was sheer misery for me.  

Then something amazing happened.  Some of the popular kids started wearing Sporto boots when it was wet outside, and a whole new trend was born at my school.  Sporto has expanded its product line over the years, but back in the late '80s and early '90s, this company was famous for a particular style of boot known as "duck boots".  The boot came up a couple of inches above the ankles, and was essentially divided into two parts.  The bottom part, which was the height and shape of a regular shoe, was made of waterproof rubber.  The top portion was made of leather, and had laces to close and fasten the boot.  If I recall correctly, the only color combo available was a navy blue bottom with a light tan upper.  At least, that's the color that all the kids wore.

Since these Sporto waterproof boots retailed for about $40, most kids, including me, were able to afford them.  In fact, my mom was so happy to hear that I actually wanted a pair of boots that would protect my feet from the elements that she took me to the mall right away and let me choose whatever I wanted.  That had never happened before.

Of course, there was a "right" way to wear Sporto boots in order to look truly cool.  First of all, you couldn't lace them up.  Instead, you had to put a knot in each end of the laces so that they wouldn't come completely out of the eyelets, then you had to loosen them enough so that you could slip the boots on and off without too much effort.  Second, there was a leather tab at the back of the boots to help facilitate pulling them on.  You had to make sure that your pants cuffs rested on that tab so that your pants didn't fall all the way to the bottom of the boots.  It sounds a little strange now, but it made sense back then.  At any rate, I at least was able to wear some protective gear when it was pouring rain outside.

My Sporto boots worked great, and I ended up owning several pairs throughout my high school and college years.  I've been looking for them again recently, but haven't been able to find that very same duck-style boot.  Oh, well -- at least I still have fond memories of my old pairs!