The Bi-Mart Boot: An Oregon Must Have!
The Bi-Mart boot, perfect for après ski.
Dotted throughout the coastlines, valleys, and mountains of the Pacific Northwest is a store that locals hold near and dear to their hearts. Part grocery store, part Wal-Mart electronics section, part munitions provider, this one stop shop is, in my opinion, one of the best things about living in the Pacific Northwest. If you haven’t guessed by now (or if you don’t live in the Northwest), I’m talking about Bi-Mart. This regional gem is members-only, but never fear; you can join our ranks for the low price of just five dollars. You heard that right, a five dollar membership to become part of one of the greatest examples of Pacific Northwest culture that money can buy. There are many things that make Bi-Mart an amazing store. There are weekly giveaways, it’s employee owned, and you can leave the store with a shotgun, a toaster, and a crab trap all in your cart if you so desire. But today, I’m going to talk to you about what made me a customer at this hallowed store for life; the Bi-Mart boot.
I should go ahead and tell you (and probably legally I have to) that it’s not actually a Bi-Mart branded boot. Its real name is the Dunlop Chesapeake 16” Heavy Duty Boot, but I didn’t know that when I arrived at my first Bi-Mart while looking for clamming supplies. A pair of Salomon trail shoes were my only outdoor shoes at the time and I had a hunch they weren’t going to cut it for this particular activity. They weren’t even waterproof. The high-topped boots grabbed my attention as I searched for supplies and I threw a pair into my cart, a decision that still ranks high on the best choices I’ve made to aid in my outdoor enjoyment. Let’s talk about why.
These boots will, without a doubt, take you where you need to go. I can only assume they’re a staple product in the home of every Oregonian; and if they aren’t, they should be. They’re light and durable, and are perfect for stomping around in the woods, wetland, or beach, so long as you don’t plan on taking them on any strenuous hikes. For all I know, you could throw in a footbed and be good to go for longer hikes. I’ve yet to try it, but after the punishment I’ve given the one and only pair I’ve had to buy, I’d imagine they’d hold up if you tried a longer excursion.
The Bi-Mart Boot in action.
For only eighteen dollars, you too can tuck your pants into the 16” high boots and feel the childlike passion of doing just about anything you want. Just don’t do anything illegal. But if you do, never fear, the lugs on these boots will help you climb the slickest of hills as you make your escape. I’ve forded rivers in these boots, tromped through snowfields, and faced high tide in them on some very precarious rock faces. No matter the environment, they do not disappoint. You’ll stay dry, get a spring in your step, and go places you didn’t think were possible. Did I mention they were only eighteen dollars?
In a way, these boots are the perfect representation of Oregonians. Tough, resilient, and adaptable no matter the circumstance. Also, a little rough around the edges (one of my favorite traits of the people I’ve met here). I truly believe my life would be worse off without them. Don’t believe me? Skip the $20 brunch you were planning on having today and buy a pair for yourself. I can guarantee you’ll be thanking me later. Probably.