Claire, ah I'm glad you caught this. Your minimalism posts were all a huge inspiration for this, believe it or not (you and Mo both). I had to chuckle at the rough-and-tumble, because yes the activities certainly can be but I don't feel like I am! I do my best to keep up with hubby, though I think I've always been one of the more dainty tomboys if you could even call me that. My mom tells me that when I was little I liked to play outside in my patent bow mary-janes with lacy white socks. What can I say ^^

Steph, I think in those hiking situations I'd feel better in proper hiking boots that I could then swap for something more streamlined once the hiking is over. This is what I do with my riding gear and it really works well for me. I definitely see your point of compensating the need for rugged footwear with added doses of pretty elsewhere, and I will certainly be working to determine how best to do that for myself. Trying to keep the feeling "exciting" over "vexing" as long as possible here