We were lucky enough to test a pair of Rockport x Barbour limited edition collaboration boots in the Break Trail Cap Toe design. The line will launch December 2011 as this is Rockport’s second collaboration with Barbour for footwear (they did their first collaboration last Fall 2010 season) and they expanded their collaboration to include three styles in multiple colorways.

- Break Trail Cap Toe in polar/sage colorway (Jake Gyllenhaal was recently pictured wearing the Rockport x Barbour Breaktrail Cap Toe)
- Day to Night Buckle Hi Boot in raize/sage and camel/muted tartan colorways

These are great gifts for the style conscious guy this holiday season as they can be worn to parties or outdoors. They are really that versatile! Along with the upscale design, Rockport added adiPRENE by adidas to create a stylish yet completely walkable boot. For this special collection, they also used suede leather from CF Stead which is one of the most respected tanners of suede leather in the world. Get them on your shopping list now as these Rockport x Barbour designs can be found at Bloomingdale’s, Paragon Sports (NY), The Tannery (Boston), Zappos.com and many other specialty retailers around the US.

With winter fast approaching, it’s about that time to get your gear ready for the freezing lements. One key component to not only staying warm in the colder months but also keeping a sense of style is having the right winter boots. Well, we have good news for all of our readers out there searching for warm and stylish boots as we just reviewed the new Lux Lodge boots from Rockport, and we were impressed. These great looking boots will be worn by the staff at the Aspen Snowmass ski resorts this winter season and Bullz-Eye.com can certainly understand this choice after testing the Lux Lodges. The Lux Lodge boots sport a padded collar and tongue to help prevent blisters and lace bruising; upper reflective details that promotes safety in the dark (ideal for nighttime walking); and waterproof full-grain leather that helps keep your feet dry and makes them easy to clean and extends product life.

These are also very comfortable boots, and part of the reason why is technonolgy including EVA with adidas adiPRENE, which is a highly shock-absorbent cushioning that protects the heel at impact, CMEVA which provides lightweight shock absorption for reducing foot and leg fatigue, and a rubber outsole that provides a durable grip on a variety of surfaces. Keeping your feet warm and dry is something Rockport invested in the new Lux Lodge’s with 3M Thinsulate lightweight insulation that helps keep feet warm in cold weather, and the impressive Hydro-Shield waterproofing substances that are tanned into the leather consisting of a special seam sealant which helps keep feet dry in wet weather.

Now, what was also impressive is the reaction from folks who commented on the sleek styling of the Lux Lodges, which is basically a huge bonus when you consider how effective they are in keeping your feet warm and dry and extremely comfortable while in the cold. Looking good is always important, and though staying warm is number one when you’re in freezing conditions, style was obviously still very high on the list at Rockport with the Lux Lodge. Go to www.rockport.com for more info on purchasing the Lux Lodge boots.