Traditionally, felt boots are considered one of the symbols of Russia. What is not surprising, because they entered into use in the 8th century. Initially, the boots had a seam, that is, the sole was sewn to a low bootleg. And only in XIIIV boots began to make seamless. The first masters of the boots were made by hand, their skills passed from generation to generation and were kept secret.
Benefits
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:
- One of the main reasons is environmental friendliness in the 21st century. Boots are made from 100% sheep wool, using soap, water, and the hands of Mstera. If the boots have the traditional gray color, then it is safe to say that even dye was not used in their manufacture.
- Felted wool shoes are very warm. Keeps feet warm in the most severe frosts. Boots - this is the only shoes in which you can not freeze, remaining 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 boots.
- Another feature of natural wool is that it is not hot. In Russia, felt boots were worn even in summer, and now this property of felt boots makes them excellent shoes for summer cottages or a country house during heating.
- The boots are very soft and comfortable, light, do not rub the feet. Wearing them is easy and pleasant.
Boots winter - this is original. And if they are designer and made by the hands of an experienced feltmaker, then you will not be left without attention.
Types and models
Valenoks are both female, male and children's. And if the classic model of felt boots does not have differences, then the works of modern masters are much more accurate in repeating the foot contour.
Valenki are not only shoes, but also a beautiful souvenir, key ring or a fridge magnet. Of course, such a thing has a very tiny size, but it is quite elegant and filled with the warmth of the master's hands.
According to the explanatory dictionary, absolutely all felt shoes are felt boots. To date, the range of handmade felted shoes is very wide. Let's try to understand this variety.
- One piece felt boots no soles are a classic model. They are still used as home slippers, and outside the city for walking on clean soft snow.
- Today in urban environments much more relevant. felted boots with a rubber sole without a heel. It allows felt boots to remain dry and clean longer. This type of sole is used for female, male and children's models.
- Among the design felt boots, you can select another type of sole - high heels or heels. These are graceful boots or half boots made of felt of unusual texture.
Valenki also differ in the height of the tops:
- The variant that came to us from Ancient Russia is high straight felt boots without buckles.
- Short felted half boots to mid-calf, very popular now among children and adults.
- Very short felted slippers, slightly covering the ankle.
Fasteners of the fastener type:
- Valenki without fastener with a wide shaft. They are most common among handmade felt shoes.
- Boots with zipper on the side.Often this is the way children's and women's models perform. This makes felt boots more tight and easier to don.
- Felted shoes lace-up with tongue. They are one of the creative finds of felting makers this season.
The decor of felt boots is also very rich and diverse. Under the name 'author's boots' you can find both fully handmade shoes and factory boots decorated by hand craftsmen.
Felt boots with pictures of wool look great. Cats and bullfinches are the most popular subjects for female models. But men's and children's valenki are decorated with heroes of popular cartoons.
Russian national ornaments based on Pavloposad shawls, Gzhel and Khokhloma painting are also relevant. Masters emphasize the folk style of felt boots with the help of drawings painted with paints on a felt basis.
Valenki with abstract plots, on the contrary, depart from the Russian folk style and are perfect for creating a boho-image. Designers show all their skills by creating unique felted canvases made of wool.
We can see the author's felt boots as a classic gray color from unpainted sheep wool, as well as white or black felt boots, which have long been used in everyday life. But modern technology does not stand still, and now designers give their woolen products any color. Stylish and modern look felt boots color complex deep colors.
Plain valenki in the style of casual decorate with buckles and straps of genuine leather. Such a laconic accent looks fashionable and fresh.
Valenoks decorate all sorts of applications of rhinestones, beads, pearls and lace. These models are popular with brides in winter.
Another element of the felt boots decoration is volumetric flowers, leaves and butterflies made of felted wool.
Perhaps the most extravagant decor of felt boots are ruffles, felt cuffs and uneven edges of shoes. Designers violate the usual form of the tops, which turn shoes into an art object for the most daring fashionistas.
What is the difference between self-made valenki and factory ones?
Samovka felt boots are made of long fiber wool, as a result of which they are much warmer and softer than the factory ones. Felt-master craftsmen take care of their customers and often additionally compact the bottom of the boots. And of course, handmade valenki are distinguished by a bright and creative design, besides, you yourself can take part in its development if you order valenki to a master individually.
Externally and by touch felt boots can also be distinguished from the factory ones. They are more shaggy and less smooth. They are distinguished by the presence of large villi in the texture of the felted fabric. 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.
How to choose? How to spread?
Boots during socks increase in width and decrease in length, so they recommend choosing felted shoes one size larger. When choosing felt boots for a child, the recommended stock will be 1-1.5 cm.
If you turned your attention to felt boots without a rubber sole, you may notice that both boots are on one leg. There is no mistake. After the very first wear, the boots will take the shape of your leg and become right and left, respectively.
How much are?
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 quite 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.
Beautiful images
Consider what images you can create with handmade felt boots, using both the most popular handmade patterns and designer felt boots of feltmaker Diana Nagornaya.
Restrained shortened boots will be appropriate in a country house. They will give the weekend a special comfort and warmth.This model will easily fit into casual style and will look great with soft pants and sweater related colors.
The image of the Russian beauty from an old fairy tale is now very popular at winter photo shoots. Boots perfectly complement it, emphasizing the folk village flavor. They are perfectly combined with a Pavloposad shawl and a short fur coat.
White felt boots with a snowflake ornament in combination with light-colored clothes and a fur hat create the tender image of the Snow Maiden.
Gray felted boots are perfectly combined with a short volumetric fur coat made of natural fur. Flirty black ribbons with bows complement the feminine look.
Saffron-colored boots with ultra fashionable ankle-lacing complement the felt jacket with a voluminous hood and gray casual trousers. This bright kit is perfect for city walks.
Designer boots made of felt with high heels are distinguished by an unusual texture and complex brown color. The toe of the shoe is covered with a tint leather insert. A short pleated skirt and a fitted felt vest of bright color, along with felt boots, create a playful and sexy bow.
