Reviews by User: ZadZack (6)

I got my first pair of Danskos (oiled Professionals) back in 1997 and I've been addicted ever since. Each pair lasts me 2 years, minimum -- and I had at least one pair of Monika sandals that lasted for 8 years -- after extensive use at home, at work and various travels near and far (cobbled streets of Italy, deserts in Arizona, city streets of London). Not only are Danskos comfortable, but they are durable. MATERIALS: Contrary to the review submitted by "maren," I prefer the Cabrio Professionals because they are more rigid. The oiled leather I wear out too soon (it may just be the way I walk, because I tend to wear out the upper area over my big toe!). While the Cabrios are more rigid, this does not mean that they lack the ability to stretch. I compared my new Danskos to my current Danskos (haven't worn a hole in them... yet) and I can see where my current Danskos have stretched to fit my foot. However, if you are concerned about mantaining a shiny appearance, they will eventually show some scuff marks -- not as bad or noticeable as a patent leather, but it won't blend as it would with an oiled leather. I don't know if the scuffs can be removed; I haven't tried to remove them as I don't think they're all that noticeable. SIZING: Over the past several years, I noticed that the sizing has gotten smaller. I'm typically a size 7 to 7.5 and used to be able to get size 37 Danskos; I now have to size up to a 38 for optimum comfort. If they feel a bit too narrow, it's possible that it may take a some time for them to stretch. As I mentioned above, they WILL stretch to form to your foot within reason. COLORS: You can't go wrong with the staple colors. I live in black Danskos, but have a couple other sandal varieties in other shades of brown. I can wear them with jeans, shorts or even with most of my (office) work clothes. Danskos are popular with nurses -- another testament to their comfort -- so they are available in other places in other colors (such as white). ORDERING FROM BACKCOUNTRY: Fast shipping, questions can be answered via chat session, good return policy should you need to use it. Haven't had a bad experience yet. I'm always wary of sizing issues, particularly with shoes, but since I am confident of my Dansko sizing, ordering shoes online was a no-brainer -- what with the free shipping, tax-free shopping, and discount coupon (if available).

Got a great deal on a jewel blue Wavy on Backcountry.com! I had been searching for a stylish, lightish-weight jacket that was waterproof, windproof, and would keep me warm -- whether I chose to layer or not. Read other reviews (on this site and others) and will agree that the sizing runs small - but that's something that can be determined by careful review of the SIZING CHART (a "must do" if ordering anything online). While I typically am a size small, the sizing chart had me choosing between a small or a medium - I chose the medium and I chose well. It fits just as I would want. The inner jacket/liner is more form-fitting than the shell, but works great at keeping you toasty. Other people have complained about the inner jacket/liner being of a snap-in variety, rather than zip-in. I read one review where the person complained about the inner jacket/liner "constantly falling out" of the shell. I can't even fathom how that would happen as the snaps and loops seem pretty secure. I've even flopped it around and the liner stayed in place. Additionally, I actually prefer the snap-in as it allows for a bit more flexibility in wearing the tri-climate. Had it been a zip-in liner, then I wouldn't be able to wear the inner jacket/liner fully zipped, but still have the shell open or half-zipped. The hood is detachable (zip and clip) and while there is no pouch by the hood in which to tuck it into, there are plenty of pockets to stash it. The jacket even comes with a lift clip, goggle wipe (clipped), and a portable electronics (aka iPod) pocket. I think this is the perfect solution for our Pacific Northwest fall/winter/spring, and I will happily tote it with me to Germany and Austria this December. The tri-climate should be an efficient way for me to stay warm and eliminate extra packing for layering to stay warm; a good pair of pants, a t-shirt and the triclimate should be all I'll need to stay warm!

Nice fit, lower on the waist than others - which is a plus for me since I'm on the petite side. I would agree with "ceo195..." in that they sit about an inch below the navel. I ordered up a size from what I might usually, following one of the other reviewer's suggestions. Thus, they do not fit like a pair of pantyhose (thank goodness!), but rather comfy enough to sleep in. Nice light warmth without the bulk. My only complaint so far is the length - they are long - but since the fit is so nice, they easily roll back without being too bulky around the ankles.

Bought this shirt for my guy who is a Carhartt fanatic. He loves their pocket t-shirts for their comfort and durability (they're a thicker cotton). He wears them just about everywhere -- in the summer alone or in the winter as a layer. Like others have noted, the sizing runs on the large size which, I think, is standard for Carhartt (cut and fit for the workin' man!). My guy usually wears a large in just about everything -- except Carhartt when a medium provides a better fit, with still plenty of room for comfort.

I have a difficult time finding hats I like - either they're too big, too small, too itchy, too bulky or too ugly. However, the Glacier beanie seems to fit the bill! I can cram it into a pocket when I don't need it. I can wear it higher on my head, or low to cover my ears. It delivers nice warmth for being so lightweight - thanks to the WindStopper technology. For sheer comfort in dealing with my long hair, I bought a size up (I should be a medium, but purchased a large) - and it appears to be a wise move as it's allowing me more flexibility. (Plus, I hate hats that feel like they're squeezing my noggin after a while!) My only very minor complaint would be the little flower - the colors are girlie enough without adding the extra embellishment. Like I said, it's a minor complaint and shouldn't discourage anyone from purchasing it as the benefits far outweigh the little flower. :-)

Got a great deal on a jewel blue Wavy on Backcountry.com! I had been searching for a stylish, lightish-weight jacket that was waterproof, windproof, and would keep me warm -- whether I chose to layer or not. Read other reviews (on this site and others) and will agree that the sizing runs small - but that's something that can be determined by careful review of the SIZING CHART (a "must do" if ordering anything online). While I typically am a size small, the sizing chart had me choosing between a small or a medium - I chose the medium and I chose well. It fits just as I would want. The inner jacket/liner is more form-fitting than the shell, but works great at keeping you toasty. Other people have complained about the inner jacket/liner being of a snap-in variety, rather than zip-in. I read one review where the person complained about the inner jacket/liner "constantly falling out" of the shell. I can't even fathom how that would happen as the snaps and loops seem pretty secure. I've even flopped it around and the liner stayed in place. Additionally, I actually prefer the snap-in as it allows for a bit more flexibility in wearing the tri-climate. Had it been a zip-in liner, then I wouldn't be able to wear the inner jacket/liner fully zipped, but still have the shell open or half-zipped. The hood is detachable (zip and clip) and while there is no pouch by the hood in which to tuck it into, there are plenty of pockets to stash it. The jacket even comes with a lift clip, goggle wipe (clipped), and a portable electronics (aka iPod) pocket. I think this is the perfect solution for our Pacific Northwest fall/winter/spring, and I will happily tote it with me to Germany and Austria this December. The tri-climate should be an efficient way for me to stay warm and eliminate extra packing for layering to stay warm; a good pair of pants, a t-shirt and the triclimate should be all I'll need to stay warm!