The end of winter and the beginning of wet spring!Why wet? Because the snow melts or it rains, puddles and mud appear everywhere. And autumn often “pleases” us with rain and slush. How to get out of this situation dry and not catch a cold, getting your feet wet? Put on fashionable rubber boots and boldly walk through the puddles in the right direction! At least, this is what not only progressive Muscovites do today. Very young fashionistas, and ladies in their prime, and older women who value convenience and comfort flaunt in rubber boots. And what is interesting is that beautiful rubber boots no longer awaken dormant complexes in us - we do not risk becoming like collective farm women bullied by life. Having appreciated the convenience of this footwear, we ourselves made it fashionable. And designers and manufacturers, to please us, the fastidious ones, produce beautiful rubber boots for every taste. It is actually convenient and in many ways profitable. Here are just five pros in favor of rubber boots:
- There is no need to replace the nets.
- Puddles are knee-deep!
- Easy to clean - easy to clean.
- You can walk in them wherever you like.
- Comfortable and durable.
So, what are fashionable rubber boots - women'sFads or trends? Most likely, the latter. After all, it's not only what's beautiful that becomes fashionable, but also what's comfortable. And if it is a trend, then let's find out more about it.
From the history of rubber shoes
Everything new is a well-forgotten old.This is a truism, which is reminded us by the return of fashion for rubber boots. It has already happened. Fashion is dictated by reality. And the first models of rubber footwear, invented specifically to protect feet from dampness and dirt, were at first neither very beautiful nor very comfortable. However, such footwear was in demand, and demand, as we know, creates supply. That's where it all began. From unpresentable and rough footwear, galoshes (and it was they who became the "ancestors" of rubber boots) suddenly began to miraculously turn into a fashionable and even elegant wardrobe item. Initially, they were put on directly over "civilian" shoes to protect them from dirt and water. And the first batch of elegant and stylish galoshes appeared in Russia a century and a half ago. These were galoshes of American manufacture, supplied by the German businessman Ferdinand Krauzkopf. Having assessed the demand for these shoes, Krauzkopf quickly set up his own production and within three years was producing up to twenty million pairs of rubber shoes a year! Before the Great Patriotic War in the USSR, rubber boots and galoshes were also very popular and fashionable. For women, galoshes with a hollow heel were even produced so that they could be put on over shoes. After the war, rubber boots and galoshes turned into utilitarian footwear and were worn exclusively for work in production or agriculture. Only children's boots continued to remain bright and beautiful. Although at the end of the last century there were attempts to revive interest in rubber shoes and make them fashionable and stylish, they were unsuccessful. Looking to the West and striving to "match foreign countries", our compatriots categorically refused to accept rubber boots as an integral part of a fashionable wardrobe. But apparently the time has come, and rubber boots have strengthened their position.
Rubber boots today
What are modern rubber boots?These are shoes made of synthetic rubber, which are made on a knitted or insulated base and are distinguished by high quality. And the varieties of models find their fans among women of different ages and different incomes. What you can't see on cute women's legs! And brutal "moon boots" on a thick sole, and playful imitations of sneakers with high lacing, and stylization of embossed leather, and stylish model boots with heels and a zipper, and "fakes" of children's shoes. Designers and fashion designers try to "match" the mood. And for several years now they have been offering us stylish, beautiful and fashionable rubber boots, which have become the "highlight" of shoe collections and an indispensable part of a fashionable wardrobe. And, in addition, these shoes are also durable and almost universal. And, by the way, going back to the old days, fashion designers offer not only boots that are worn barefoot, but also those that can be worn over dress shoes. Modern rubber boots are not at all like their predecessors, although even today many ladies are horrified by the very phrase "rubber boots". They immediately imagine the clumsy and unsightly wet shoes that our great-grandmothers wore. But apparently these ladies simply did not see how beautiful rubber boots can be. Previously, rubber boots were usually black or, at best, some dark colors. And the models themselves were not distinguished by elegance and lightness. But time passed, and women's rubber footwear was magically transformed. Fashion researchers believe that the impetus for the rubber boot boom was the moment of Kate Moss's appearance at the Glastonbury music festival in black Hunter rubber boots. The press focused on this fact and replicated the touchingly aggressive image of a lady in "hunters". Famous designer brands (Prada, Burberry, Ed Hardy, Juicy Couture, Emilio Pucci) continued to popularize rubber footwear when models in rubber boots and thigh-high boots appeared on the poods. And quite recently, Malaysian designer Jimmy Choo came up with a model of boots (Hunter) in crocodile skin. This designer series of shoes quickly found its customers.
Brands and trends
Hunter remains the leading one to this daya manufacturer of fashionable rubber footwear for women, which is not surprising: these shoes were worn by English hunters and lovers of country recreation in the century before last. By the way, the appearance of rubber footwear of this brand has changed little since then and differs only in new materials and colors. If Europe is famous for "Hunter" rubber footwear, then among American manufacturers of rubber boots, the palm of primacy is firmly held by the company Aigle, which specializes in the production of clothing and footwear for outdoor activities. The first product of this company was rough rubber boots for French farmers. Famous brands of rubber footwear are not only Hunter and Aigle. Here is a list of the most famous and most eminent brands in the world of footwear (including rubber):
Rubber boots of domestic production
Unlike global brands that value theirshoes are too high (for our income and wallets), Russian shoe factories offer no less interesting models. And in fairness it should be noted that the quality of such shoes is not much different from branded boots. Domestic manufacturers have learned to work with polyvinyl chloride, from which they make good waterproof boots. Such "conditionally rubber" boots are equipped with warm insoles and linings, and winter models are also trimmed with fur cuffs. Their colors are also not inferior to foreign analogues. The only disadvantage of polymer shoes is their short life compared to rubber boots and half boots. The most legendary domestic brands, such as "Red Triangle", have become a thing of the past. Modern large shoe manufacturers in Russia can be counted on the fingers of one hand: "Pskov Polymer", Rostov "KhimProm", and "Tomsk Rubber Footwear Plant". Well, maybe another dozen not so large manufacturers. But China, as always, is ahead of the rest of the world. We will not even name these manufacturers - Chinese, they are Chinese. Nevertheless, regardless of the country of manufacture, cost and style of rubber boots, you need to choose them wisely.
How to choose rubber boots?
If you are nevertheless tempted by the prospectto add stylish and beautiful rubber boots to your wardrobe, then learn a few rules for choosing them. Moreover, these rules equally apply to both models displayed in expensive boutiques and to the shoes that are on the shelves of ordinary shoe stores or on the counters of clothing markets.
- Rubber retains its shape and size: it does not stretch and does not "sit" on the leg. Therefore, choose only those boots that are not too tight.
- Rubber shoes do not heat (except for warm boots). Therefore, when buying, measure it on a cotton sock, with which you will have to wear rubber boots.
- If you buy boots without fitting (for example, in an online store), then choose shoes one size larger.
- Pay attention to the inner lining of the boots(if it exists). The best option - lining of natural fabrics. In synthetics, the foot will sweat. Although, in rubber shoes, it will sweat in any case. Just with a natural lining, this process goes more aesthetically.
- Exterior inspection - checking shoes for various scratches, punctures (rubber all the same), badly painted areas, greyish plaque and stains.
- Internal inspection is done by touch. Put your hand in the boot and feel it: there are no wrinkles, irregularities, a lacuna in the lining or insulation. In the latter case, also check the strength and tightness of the insulation to the rubber.
- To check the backing layer for dye strength, moisten a clean handkerchief and rub the lining inside the boot. If there are no traces left on the scarf, it means that the lining will not fade.
- And be sure to try on boots on both feet. Then you will know exactly whether you are comfortable with this shoe or not.
How to wear rubber boots?
What to wear with rubber boots is no longer a question.And if three or four years ago fashionistas were looking for advice on this topic, today the issue is off the agenda. Rubber boots are so diverse and “multifaceted” that they can be worn with anything: from jeans and sports jackets to elegant coats and raincoats and even office clothes. Therefore, it is more important to learn how to wear rubber shoes. Do not forget that, having radically changed their appearance, rubber boots have not changed their purpose. And the purpose of these shoes is protection from dirt and moisture. Therefore, remember:
- Rubber is an artificial material, and noNatural linings will not save your feet from getting sweaty. But this, of course, only if you abuse boots and stay in them for too long. Always try to change your shoes indoors: rubber boots are outdoor footwear.
- Try to put on boots on cotton socks - so your foot will freeze less and sweat less. A sweaty leg in rubber shoes is not because it is hot, but because it is stuffy.
- Therefore, always and always ventilate your rubber boots, wipe them from the inside with deodorizing and disinfectant.
- Do not wear rubber boots (even warmed) in severe frosts or ice. Otherwise, you risk getting a cold or fracture. Yes, and look in them you will be stupid.
- And do not forget to wash boots in time, clean dirt from them and wipe them with glycerin.
Have a good choice, pleasant shopping and useful acquisition. Be beautiful and healthy! We recommend reading:
