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Give rainy days the boot

ALONG with the raindrops and chilly air that accompany fall is a chance to rock some of the best style trends of the year. But while piling on cosy layers is of the utmost importance, when it comes to footwear, sometimes it's nice to "keep it lite.

ALONG with the raindrops and chilly air that accompany fall is a chance to rock some of the best style trends of the year.

But while piling on cosy layers is of the utmost importance, when it comes to footwear, sometimes it's nice to "keep it lite." At least that's the philosophy behind Native Shoes, a Vancouverbased company that specializes in lightweight, comfortable footwear that's hip to boot.

And speaking of boots, Native's got two new additions this season: The Jimmy ($90), a classic duck boot and the Paddington ($80), a lace-up rain boot.

Both items are waterproof, washable, shock absorbent and odour resistant and the Jimmy also features micro-fleece for added warmth and comfort.

Still, the brand's most popular silhouette is the Jefferson ($45), a perforated, low-top sneaker - think Chuck Taylor meets Crocs.

All Native Shoes are available in a variety of playful colours including crayon yellow, torch red and jellybean purple as well as the standard blacks, browns and greys. But the real secret to their success is that they're made from EVA, (ethylene-vinyl acetate). "Think of EVA as the marshmallow that never melts; the spring in your step. The natural characteristics of the material make it great for footwear because it molds to your feet," explained company co-founder and West Vancouver resident Damian Van Zyll De Jong.

"Our shoes may have a familiar style, but they feel like nothing you've ever worn before - and that's a very good thing."

Natives have become wildly popular in the past few years, receiving props from Oprah and even collaborating with Marc Jacobs to release a limited edition Jimmy boot this season.

Other styles to watch out for are the Fitzsimmons hiking boots ($80), which are now available for kids, and a velvet collection in the three original slip-ons, the Jefferson, the Miller and the Corrado.

Shop the entire collection at www.nativeshoes.com.

mkrishnan@nsnews.com