These boots are made for walkin' - valenki are back!
Published 13 January, 2008, 09:12
Edited 03 February, 2010, 12:19
Valenki are making a comeback. Made of sheep’s wool, these warm boots have been worn by generations of Russians. For centuries they shod the feet of peasants and tsars alike. In valenki, the Russian army stood its ground to victory over Hitler’s forces. Now this Russian classic is making a comeback in the world of fashion.
Fashion, they say, moves in cycles. But it's not often a 2,000-year-old design returns to the high street.
Valenki are warm and comfortable. At the same time they attract people’s attention. When you go somewhere in Valenki, you get noticed.
Valenki are finding their place in the high life. Even fashionista’s seem unwilling to give this woolen piece of history the boot.
From the Middle Ages to the present day, from the countryside to the city centres, Valenki are moving with the times.
They have remained a constant in Russia – an ancient legacy that continues to grow.
Manufacturing unchanged
The instruments Valenki makers use to make handmade boots haven't changed in 200 years.
The Valenki-maker puts a piece of combed wool on the table, and with additional strands on top he starts to create a template. He doesn’t cut it out, or use scissors, needles or thread, just strand over strand.
But it’s not the historical artifacts that are cutting the edges of the European fashion scene.
Valenki Designer Olga Chernikova says she believes tradition must be updated.
“We started to change the form of the Valenki so that it could be more modern, light, elegant, so that it could come closer to the modern time,” Chernikova said.
Healing Tsars
Valenki are said to have healing qualities, through their warmth and natural material.
The Russian Tsar Peter the Great wore them to get over hangovers and urged his subjects to do the same.
They are also the gift of choice this season. One Moscow boutique is gearing up for the New Year rush, selling Olga Chernikova originals.
Each one is handmade and unique. The cost between $US 100-150, but the price-tag hasn't reduced demand.
Valenki are 100% natural, and environmentally friendly, but a little difficult to walk in.
However, some fashion gurus and valenki fanatics can’t get enough of them.
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