It was a dry day in Holland, so I directly tried out the Motion Shoes. They are comfortable light shoes, which fit very well. The shoes remind me a bit of my Spider XT shoes from Vegetarian Shoes. The Spider XT is a great shoe but the rubber of the sole is quiet soft and wears off quickly (as happening with most of my Vegetarian Shoes). I am curios how long the sole of the Motion Shoes will last. These shoes are made in Italy, so they are sweat shop free and haven’t been shipped across the globe.

The Chukka Boots, which are made in the UK, were a bit more ‘booty’ than I expected. Compared to my 11 months old Ranger Walking Boots they even look more massive. I commute to work with public transport and still have to walk quiet a bit. Typical office shoes are too uncomfortable, so I will stick to these boots.

For many years I have been buying shoes from Vegetarian Shoes but now felt like a change and I liked the walking boots from Ethical Wares better. The Spider XT shoes from Vegetarian Shoes which I bought earlier this year have been great, but unfortunately they are not water proof. As you probably know, we live in the Netherlands, a country with cold and wet seasons, so I needed something which will keep me dry and warm. Originally I had ordered the Weald 2 Walking Boots but they were out of stock, so I upgraded to the Ranger Walking Boots.

This vegan walking boot has a one-piece upper, sewn-in bellows tongue, Hydro-tex water-resistant lining, nylon mid-sole, dual density Vibram sole.

My first impression is very good. The manufacturing quality is excellent, they feel very comfortable and are not too heavy. They are a bit pricy, but I think you get quality in return and I expect these shoes to carry me around for quiet a while.

BTW, if you are still looking for some great vegan Christmas presents, check out the Ethical Wares Christmas Shop.

Here are some suggestions:

• Herbivore clothing
  Herbivore is a little company based in Portland, Oregon with a range of great looking clothing for vegans and a magazine with a focus on the art, music, humour, fashion, politics, activism and personalities coming out of the loose community of people who choose not to eat animals. The ‘Cow Hugger’ shirt by artist Jen Corace is our favourite.
  
• Veggie Trekker MK4
  The Veggie Trekker is one of the new models of Vegetarian Shoes. Beautifully handmade in Italy, this water-proof and breathable shoe will be perfect for the nature loving vegan.
  
• Vegan Lunch Box
  A new book by Jennifer McCann, a stay-at-home mom who lives, cooks, and eats in eastern Washington state. If you think vegan lunchtime means peanut butter and jelly day after day, think again! From the simple to the sublime, Vegan Lunch Box brings you an amazing array of entirely meat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free lunches.
  
• Vegan & organic cosmetics from Lavera
  Lavera offers a broad range of cruelty free cosmetics. Click on the Vegan Logo on their site to get the complete list of products, which have been registered at the English Vegan Society and bear the vegan logo. Lavera USA currently offers a special discount for early holiday shoppers! Avoid the rush and place your order between November 15th and December 6th to receive 10% off orders of $150 or more, including free shipping.
  
• Vegan Italiano
  The new book by Donna Klein, author of The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen, one of our most favourite vegan cooking books. This cookbook features classic Italian, Vegan-Style. In the sumptuous style of classic Italian cuisine, this collection of delectably authentic recipes reinvents vegan. Mouth-watering dishes burst with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil-all within an animal-free diet, ideal for lactose-intolerant eaters and vegetarians, too.