What the F*ck is in the water in Oslo.

That right there, is the Norwegian Men’s Curling team.  They won the gold in 2002, and they’re focused on recapturing that glory 8 years later.  As long as they don’t cause play to be suspended indefinitely by giving their opponents seizures.

Looking like they’ve been made out of a chessboard from the island of misfit toys, the Norwegians started sporting those pants in training.  The fans loved the pants, and they look like they’re staying on for competition.

What makes this even better, is that these guys are sort of bending the rules by wearing them:

“The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) mandates the wearing of black pants at all Canadian events, but according to Warren Hansen, CCA Director of Event Operations and Media, the World Curling Federation (WCF) might overlook the rule.”

Now, I feel confident that this term has never been used before, but it’s eloquently appropriate now:  These guys are curling badasses.  They’re going for the gold in a nation that DEMANDS black pants, and they wear the antithesis of conformity!  And whom did they draw for their opening round match?  The Black Pants wearing Canadians.

Sadly, they lost a “7-6 extra-end decision to Canada” (I don’t know what that means)  But these guys are still in it.  I think…  I don’t know how Curling works.

The pants are made by a US company (figures) and we won’t post the link.  Instead, why don’t you consider buying a nice pair of flat front straight leg chinos from The Gap.  They lightest color is on sale for $15.00, will be perfect for summer time, and it won’t look like you puked Fruity Pebbles all over them.

Thanks to Dappered Contributor Ben Madeska for the tip.

An Esquire Alternative

What.  The.  Hell.

Brooks Brothers is known for their classic, sharply tailored suits.  These are the guys that outfitted the Kennedys when they were still in the thick of the Camelot Days.

And now they want to sell you a pair of $158.00 Moon Boots.

You’re not in the second grade, nor are you on the moon.  These look like the male version of those fur lined uggs with the fuzzy dangly lace balls trophy wives wear in Park City or Aspen.

If you need a pair of winter boots, here’s six suggestions from Esquire for a multitude of

Our Favorite, the Matterhorn.

Winter Weather Conditions.

Or you could go with our favorite.  The U.S. Army approved Matterhorn GoreTex and Thinsulate lined 10″ boot.  They are literally combat boots.  Surprisingly warm and comfortable, and if they’re good enough for the Military they’ll be more than good enough for us civilians.

Before you buy the Matterhorn’s new, take a look around craigslist.  There are usually tons of guys who are out of the military looking to offload a pair or two of their old boots.