01.05.2009
The Style section usually gives us hives—why aren’t we more successful! attractive! rich! etc.!—but we loved this article on valenki boots, of which we were completely ignorant until approximately 18 hours ago. (They are, apparently, "traditional winter boots made of felt [and] represent one of the key symbols of Russia and its cultural heritage.) As we are not on our way to Moscow, we will consider the online version: "Flower bed" valenki felt boots, $65.95
oh how funny…i literally just discovered these a few weeks ago too. aren’t they the coolest? i do sort of wish they had a sole of some kind, but still vastly prefer them to the-gigantic-sheepskin-boots-i-will-not-name.
now that they’ve made the NYT and bunnyshop, they’re definitely headed for “it” status
Caveat, I am anything but cool but these boots are perfect. I’m a seven year fan. I refer to them as my winter flip flops. Come down in the morning and slip my bare feet into the warm wool. Better than coffee. I wear them without socks outdoors. My feet are warm and dry even in tundra conditions.
People always ask about my boots. My husband rolls his eyes because he thinks they are butt ugly. He wouldn’t admit to it but he likes something a tad more slutty. But lately, he’s come around as men ask him to ask me where I bought my footware.
Valenki are designed to be worn with a galosh, a rubber shoe which slips over the wool felt liner. Unadorned liner and galosh shouldn’t set you back more than seventy bucks and amortized over seven years, that’s a steal.
Be aware that there is absolutely no arch support which means long hauls are not ideal. Otherwise, best investment I’ve ever made.
Oh. Oh. I love these.
To those complaining about the lack of soles, the site you linked to sells little galoshes for $13 that fit over the boots.
I hate being all trendwhorey, but these are just too cute.
I went through a phase of liking them but after a few years, I’m pretty sure I just loved the name and the idea. In truth, I think they are one of those functional but unflattering shoes. I’ve seen plain valenkis and decorated ones but it really is like putting lipstick on a pig.
I have spent a lot of time in Russia. You see these boots pretty often, especially in the winter time in villages. And you are supposed to wear them with the overboot, which is more of a sole than a shoe.