GORE-TEX

( Handout / February 3, 2012 )

The thought of waterproof technology infused with fashionable shoes gave me pause. But I'm a believer. Gore-Tex, which is based in Elkton, Md., is used by a number of popular brands including Ecco, Clarks, Timberland and Stuart Weitzman. The end result is impressive. Former Wilhelmina model Toria Turner has been wearing a pair of Start Weitzman "Sprinkles" boots (pictured) for several weeks, and loves the way they feel. "They're so comfortable," she says of the sleek black boots. "And I love the way they look."

Find the Stuart Weitzman "Sprinkles" boots for $338 at Zappos.com.