THE BAGGY, laddered, dropped-crutch bane of women's winterwear is more popular than ever. We visit New Zealand's last pantyhose maker to find out why.

This story is born of a miracle. A 50-denier, opaque black, velvet touch, size unspecified, honest-to-goodness miracle.

A few Friday nights ago, I went to a party. Waterproof mascara. Pantyhose. Inappropriately high heels. Hours passed. My feet hurt. Really, really hurt. On the lurch home, I wasn't so much dragging my heels as carrying them in my handbag. I trudged along the road in my stockinged feet. Asphalt, stone chips, the hardened edge of the sparkly city my pantyhose were impervious.

Two days later, I washed and dried my tights. I put them on again. And stuck my big toe right through the miracle.

"You ruined their structural integrity," observed a friend. "It's like an Arcoroc cup. Put it in the microwave often enough and it will explode."

Fair call. But it got me thinking. If we can split atoms, if we can fly to the moon, if we can buy sliced bread, then why can't we buy pantyhose that lasts longer than two kilometres?

via Sunday Star Times

Creek crossing at Russell Creek of th...

Creek crossing at Russell Creek of the Pacific Crest TrailThere was a log spanning it and using our hiking poles, we were able to inch across sideways and didn't even get our shoes wet. That added to my confidence

Walk a mile in her Holeys

Walking shoes for walking, special boots for hiking and our products for slipping on to go to the store on a wet day or working in the garden. and more »

Waterfalls call from western NC

Keep hiking past Rainbow to see Turtleback Falls a few minutes upstream. My most memorable visit to Rainbow occurred in January 1986.

Best outdoor running destinations in ...

Best outdoor running destinations in Metro DetroitThe term marsh signifies wetlands and unless sticky brown shoes are sought these paths should be left to hikers and cyclist. While on the Sterling-Marsh

Land Conservancy joins with galleries...

Land Conservancy joins with galleries for showVisitors are encouraged to bring hiking shoes and insect repellent. Refreshments will be available as will information about the Southwest Michigan Land

Hiking Shoes | Men's & Women's Hiking Shoes | Waterproof Hiking Shoes ...

The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR Women's Hiking Shoes - Beige / Auburn Brown Regular price: $104.99 Sale price: $94.95; The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR Women's Hiking Shoes - Blue / Grey

Hiking from Bootbay, Internet's Best Selection of Work, Outdoor ...

88176 Timberland Men's Route Racer Hiking Shoes - Dark Tan/Chili Red ... 19074585 Lowa Men's Renegade GTX LO Hiking Shoes - Sepia/Brown

Hiking Shoes Boots | Cheap Hiking Shoes | Cheap Hiking Boots

You can find different models of hiking shoes boots from our store. You can buy ... men insulated boots hiking tall Cabela's brown 10 D M

Men's Merona® Ruel Low Profile Hiking Shoes - Black/Brown : Target

Shop for Men's Merona Ruel Low Profile Hiking Shoes - Black/Brown at Target. Find Shoes such as Merona Men's Shoes, All Men's Boots, Casual Shoes, Hikers + Boots.

women Hiking from Bootbay, Internet's Best Selection of Work, Outdoor ...

87666 Merrell Women's Chameleon Arc Hiking Shoes - Brown ... 29354655 Lowa Women's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Sepia/Brown