Valenki boots – your feet have never 'felt' better
Published 05 January, 2008, 10:00
Traditional Russian felt boots or ‘valenki’ have proved their durability and reliability across the centuries. They are warm, comfortable and sturdy, and they're believed to have a healing affect too. Fashion lovers can also have them designed to their taste.
Former firefighter, Valery Sokolov has mastered felt-boot making to perfection. He says his collection contains footwear for everyone.
“At my age it is hard to believe in miracles, but anything can happen in this life. If there is a dwarf or a troll we can put some boots on them too,” he says.
The process of making valenki involves several stages. First, Valery's wife Irina prepares various wool pieces. Next comes the toughest part of the job as Valery rumples and presses pieces of wool in steam. After the wool is rolled into felt, he shapes it into a firm sock. Matting and pressing make valenki freestanding and rigid.
Their lightness and warmth make them the footwear of choice for many people in the countryside.
In addition, valenki have an important healing effect.
“The sheep wool from which valenki are made is very useful to fight some diseases. For example, arthritis and back pains,” Valery says.
These many benefits of valenki have made the Sokolov family dream of opening their own separate museum in the town.
If the dream comes true, the exhibits will include one unique item – the smallest felt boot in Russia.
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