Ipath Shearling

Board-sport folk looking for a warm winter boot that’s cozy and comfy often go straight to Ugg. But if you think those Australian boots are too ugly (check), too expensive (double check), and/or such a footwear abomination that your inner sneaker geek weeps at the very thought of ‘em. . . then you need to look at Ipath’s new Shearlings shoe.

Part boot, part sneaker, you can wear the Shearling like a high-top sneaker by keeping the upper section folded over for a hip hop/Timberland look. Or wear it up for more warmth, more protection and a look that’s part rasta, part combat boot.

And they’re really warm. I wore them to an outdoor film premier where the temps were in the single digits. Wearing only a thin cycling sock, my feet were toasty, and the shoes attracted a few compliments.

Super grippy, they are great for cold weather longboard skateboard rides as well. But, like all skate shoes, when the snow was sticky and wet, they were a little slick on the deck.

If you’re looking for non-Uggly kicks for the winter, the $84 Shearlings rock. www.ipath.com

—Stephen Krcmar lives in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.