As we mentioned in our retro trend post from Outdoor Retailer, Cushe Footwear has taken some style cues from the 70s for their recent line of winter boots. Part of the current Women's Universal Traveller Series, the Mork and Mindy boots are a modern, fashionable take on the space boots we wore as kids (yes I am that old). Cushe sent me a pair of Mindy Boots to test out this winter while tramping around the snow up in Tahoe.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Cushe (pronounced "Cushy"), they are a UK company that started in 2004. The brand was conceived by Martin Dean and a group of designers who wanted to create unique and exciting footwear choices for a younger, dynamic, inspired and confident generation. Wolverine acquired Cushe in January 2009, shortly before they acquired Chaco a couple of weeks later.
Mork and Mindy lived in Boulder, CO so it is quite fitting to name a pair of stylish winter boots after them. The Mindy Boots are made of water resistant leather and pig suede with a nylon shaft. A knitted wool top cuff will keep the snow out of your boots and the full length side zip makes for easy on and off. A fleece lining ensures the boots keep your feet warm, even when it's quite cold outside.
Cushe designs their footwear using a natural last, meaning the boots conform to your natural foot shape, giving you better comfort and stability. The soles are made of lightweight Phylon EVA with a protective rubber toe cap in case you kick some ice chunks.
I love the "Euro" feel of Cushe footwear and the retro 70s look is very stylish. Overall I find the Mindy winter boots very warm and comfortable and of course I look great wearing them around town! I found the soles of the shoes became slippery though in really slick conditions, as the tread grooves are not very deep. So these winter boots are probably more for walking to the pub apres ski than for heading out on some backcountry adventure.
I was sent an extra pair of women's size 9 Mindy Boots so leave a comment with your favorite 70s TV show for a chance to win a pair.