One of the things I love about writing for snowgrrl.com is the opportunity to learn about different manufacturers and retailers of outdoorsy apparel, shoes and accessories.  I get super excited when I learn of new Colorado-based companies, woman-owned companies, or those that use best practices to minimize damage to the environment.  Recently, I learned the back story behind Naot Footwear.  Now, I can add to my list of favorites:  a company whose manufacturing process promotes peace in the Middle East!

Mainstream media focuses too much on conflict in the middle east, in this snowgrrl’s humble opinion.  Rarely do we see articles about the cutting-edge technologies that originate from Israel, innovative water conservation techniques, or efforts by private and public entities striving for understanding and cooperation between Palestinians and Jews.

NAOT provides a shining example of a private company working towards Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.  NAOT, perhaps best known for comfortable sandals, has been around for decades.  They currently make hundreds of styles of shoes, ranging from sandals to walking shoes and boots that are comfortable, durable and stylish.  While I have not yet had the opportunity to try out the Konini booties that were sent for review, I know that I’ll feel good wearing them knowing that they were made in a peaceful environment.  According to the U.S. distributor Yaleet Inc., “every NAOT sandal is handmade in Northern Israel by the joint effort of Israelis and Palestinians.”  You can see these folks working together in the factory in a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAxJE_jg6n0&feature=youtu.be.

 

Not only does the work environment sound groundbreaking, NAOT’s shoes themselves are stylish and well-made.  The NAOT Konini is an ankle boot with double gore on the siding, so it should be useful to slip into apres-ski. The shoe also features a super comfy anatomic cork & latex footbed wrapped in suede that will molds to the shape of the foot with wear.  These shoes are very lightweight, using a 1″ polyurethane sole which is reportedly  durable and slip resistant.  The NAOT shoes weigh just a fraction of my Salomon booties, so if they are truly slip-resistant, I can see wearing these frequently this winter!

In compliance with FTC Endorsement Guidelines 16 C.F.R. Part 255, we make this disclosure of material connection: Snowgrrl.com received Konini boots at no charge from Yaleet in consideration for review publication.