Handmade felt boots

Traditionally, felt boots are considered one of the symbols of Russia. Which is not surprising, because they came into use in the 8th century. Initially, felt boots had a seam, that is, the sole was sewn to a low bootleg. And only in the XIIIV, felt boots began to be made seamless. The first felt boots were made by hand, their skills passed from generation to generation and were kept secret.

In Russia, felt boots were considered a luxury item and were expensive.

Consider why felted shoes have been popular for several hundred years and are back in fashion now:

1. One of the main reasons is environmental friendliness that is relevant in the 21st century. Boots are made from 100% sheep wool, using soap, water and Mstera's hands. If felt boots have a traditional gray color, then we can say with confidence that even dye was not used in their manufacture.
2. Felted wool shoes are very warm. Keeps feet warm in the most severe frosts. Valenki are the only footwear in which you can stay warm, staying in one place without moving. This feature is well known to mothers of babies and more and more often they prefer not boots made of membrane materials, but time-tested felt boots.
3. Another feature of natural wool is that it is not hot in it. In Russia, felt boots were worn even in summer, and now this property of felt boots makes them excellent footwear for a summer residence or a country house during heating.
4. Boots are very soft and comfortable, lightweight, do not chafe feet. Wearing them is simple and pleasant.

Valenki are both for women, for men and for children. And if the classic model of felt boots has no differences, then the works of modern craftsmen repeat the contour of the leg much more accurately.

Valenki are not only shoes, but also a beautiful souvenir, key ring or fridge magnet. Of course, such a thing has a very tiny size, but it is quite graceful and filled with the warmth of the master's hands.

According to the explanatory dictionary, absolutely all felt shoes are felt boots. At the moment, the range of handmade felted footwear is very wide. Let's try to understand this variety.

- Whole-rolled felt boots without a sole are a classic model. They are still used as home slippers, and outside the city for walks in the clean soft snow.

- Today in urban conditions it is much more relevant felted boots with a rubber sole without a heel. It allows felt boots to stay dry and clean longer. This type of sole is used for women's, men's and children's models.

- Among the designer felt boots, one more type of sole can be distinguished - high heels or stiletto heels... These are graceful boots or ankle boots made of felt of an unusual texture.

- The option that came to us from Ancient Russia is high straight felt boots without fasteners.

- Cropped mid-calf felted ankle boots, which are very popular now among children and adults.

- Very short felted slippers, slightly covering the ankle.

- Boots without fastening with a wide bootleg. They are most common among handmade felt shoes.

- Boots with side zipper. Often, children's and female models are performed in this way. This makes felt boots more snug and easier to put on.

- Felted lace-up boots with a tongue. They are one of the creative finds of the felt-maker designers this season.

The decor of felt boots is also very rich and varied. Under the name 'designer felt boots' you can find both completely handmade shoes and factory-made felt boots decorated by hand by craftsmen.

Felt boots with pictures of wool look advantageous. Cats and bullfinches are the most popular subjects for female models. But men's and children's boots are decorated with heroes of popular cartoons.

Russian national ornaments based on Pavloposad shawls, Gzhel and Khokhloma painting are also relevant. Craftsmen emphasize the folk style of felt boots with the help of drawings applied with paints on a felt base.

Valenki with abstract subjects, on the contrary, deviate from the Russian folk style and are perfect for creating a boho image. Designers show all their skill, creating unique felted wool canvases.

We can see designer felt boots both in classic gray colors from undyed sheep wool, as well as white or black felt boots, which have long come into use. But modern technologies do not stand still, and now designers give their woolen products any color. Felt boots of complex deep colors look stylish and modern.

Solid, casual boots are decorated with genuine leather buckles and straps. Such a laconic accent looks fashionable and fresh.

Valenki are decorated with all kinds of applications made of rhinestones, beads, pearls and lace. These models are popular with brides in winter.

Another element of the felt boots decor are voluminous flowers, leaves and butterflies made of felted wool.

Perhaps the most extravagant decor of felt boots are ruffles, felt cuffs and uneven edges of the shoes. Designers break the usual shape of the bootleg, thus turning shoes into an art object for the most daring fashionistas.

Self-made felt boots are made of long-staple wool, as a result of which they are much warmer and softer than factory boots. Faltmaker craftsmen take care of their customers and often additionally seal the lower part of the felt boot. And of course, handmade felt boots are distinguished by a bright and creative design, moreover, you yourself can take part in its development if you order boots from the master individually.

Outwardly and to the touch, self-made felt boots can also be distinguished from factory boots. They are fuzzier and less smooth. They are distinguished by the presence of large villi in the texture of the felted cloth. Also handmade felt boots are very soft and much less elastic: if you roll up the boot of such a felt boot, it will not take on its original shape.

Felt boots increase in width and decrease in length during wear, so it is recommended to choose felted shoes one size larger. When choosing felt boots for a child, the recommended stock is 1-1.5 cm.

If you turned your attention to boots without a rubber sole, you may notice that both boots are on one leg. There is no mistake here. After the first toe, the boots will take the shape of your leg and become right and left, respectively.

The cost of handmade felt boots is quite high. This is due, firstly, to the high cost of wool and the fact that a couple of boots require a lot of raw materials. And secondly, with great labor costs of the master. The price range is very wide. The final price depends on the size of the boots, on the experience and skill of the designer.

Let's consider what images can be created with handmade felt boots using both the most popular handmade models and designer felt boots by Diana Nagornaya.

Discreet cropped boots will be appropriate in a country house. They will give your weekend a special comfort and warmth. Such a model will easily fit into the casual style and will look great with soft trousers and a sweater of related tones.

The image of a Russian beauty from an old fairy tale is now very popular at winter photo shoots. Valenki perfectly complement it, emphasizing the folk village flavor. They are perfectly combined with the Pavloposad shawl and sheepskin coat.

White felt boots with an ornament of snowflakes in combination with light-colored clothing and a fur hat create a delicate image of the Snow Maiden.

Felted gray boots are perfectly combined with a short voluminous sheepskin coat made of natural fur. Flirty black ribbons with bows complete the feminine look.

Saffron boots with ultra-fashionable ankle laces complement the oversized felt jacket and gray casual trousers. This bright kit is perfect for city walks.

Designer felt boots with high heels are distinguished by an unusual texture and complex brown color. The toe of the shoe is covered with a matching leather insert. A short pleated skirt and a fitted felt waistcoat in a bold color are paired with felt boots for a playful and sexy look.