Head to toe: Canadian skincare, and the shoe I finally bought — The Note
Today I'm taking you on my buying journey for a good walking shoe, and sharing a few interesting notes from friends.
Search For The Perfect Walking Shoe
I've been trying to find a good dog-walking shoe for a while. My requirements were specific: easy slip-on, strong foot support, won't become a swamp if it rains. My days of walking with Crocs are over, and I'm not quite ready to be wearing Sketchers. So here's what I considered.
I looked at the Vessi Tidal Slip-On seriously. $150, genuinely waterproof, Canadian brand. I'm not sure its going to provide the support, and my ankles need more structure.
I also discovered Hettas, a Canadian brand making running shoes with solid foot support. They have a focus on the needs for women runners which is fantastic. It didn't fit my need but if that's your market, they are definitely worth checking out.
The Norda 003 was on the list too. Montréal-made, bio-based materials, one of the better-looking trail shoes out there. Unfortunately more than I wanted to spend at $300 and no sale in sight. Will keep an eye out for deals in the future.
Ultimately I landed on the Arc'teryx Kragg:
Slip-on ✅ Supportive ✅ Weather resistant ✅ Canadian brand ✅
The Arc'teryx Outlet has the 2025 edition for $104.50 right now - that makes it 45% off, so it was an easy purchase for me.
Canadian skincare worth knowing
My friend April asked on Instagram this week: any Canadian skincare brands she should know about? Good question. Here's some that come highly recommended with some great deals available.
Three Ships has 20% off sitewide for four more days. Toronto-based, clean ingredients, accessible price points. The Dew Drops Serum is where most people start.
F. Miller — The Face Kit is $372 right now, down from $478. Cleansing oil, toning mist, support serum, face oil, eye oil, and lip balm in a washed canvas pouch. For people who care how things look on a shelf.
Skinfix — The clinical one. Barrier-repair, ceramide-heavy, developed with dermatologists. The Ultimate Hydration Jet Set is $51 (was $117) — three full-size products in a travel bag. 15% off your first order sitewide if you haven't bought from them before.
Province Apothecary — Toronto, clean formulations, very particular about ingredients. Their Reusable Sheet Mask is buy one get one free right now. Washable, works with any serum or balm you're already using.
Vivier — Pharmaceutical-grade, the kind of thing you'd find at a derm's office. Free shipping this weekend only, plus a free Intensive Hydrating Moisturizer mini on orders over $100. Ends Sunday.
A few more worth bookmarking:
Paume — hand care, minimal, very good — 15% off with code PAUME15.
Ruddi Skincare — 20% off your first order.
Sewa Skincare — 10% off first order, and they left a comment on April's post, which is how I found them.
Also worth a look
- Old Faithful Shop — My friend James sent me this sale and I was blown away by the quality of products available. It's a Vancouver design shop. Up to 50% off Alessi, Fellow, Bodha, Ferm Living.
- Monos — 20% off luggage, bags, and accessories. Code
THANK YOU. Ends March 15. - Sporting Life — End of season. Up to 50% off outerwear from Patagonia, North Face, Moose Knuckles, Parajumpers. Ends March 11.
- KITS — BOGO on all glasses and sunglasses. Code
BOGO. - Ren's Pets — BOGO cat food + 30% off all dog and cat toys. Ends March 11.
- Pet Valu — Buy one get one 50% off on Performatrin Ultra dog chews. Through March 31.
My recommendation for the weekend
On Wednesday I wrote about buying cultural memberships as gifts. Here's the follow-through: get out an enjoy your city's culture.
The weather is turning. Not warm, but warmer. This is the weekend to get out of the house and go somewhere with interesting things to look at. A gallery, a museum, a theatre — whatever your city has that you keep meaning to visit.
That's The Note. See you on Monday.
