☆ DESCRIPTION ☆
Incredible and rare vintage late 1960s to early 70s (1968-1970) Italian made patent leather thigh boots. Made from a lipstick red patent leather with a faint faux crocodile/reptile effect. The are fitted and follow the curves of the leg and feature metal eyelets and lacing all the way down the outsides. Sturdy metal concealed zip on the inside which goes from the foot to knee height. Slightly flared block heels rounded at the back and are leather covered. The leather soles have a manmade grip firmly glued. Inside label reads "VIDAL made in Italy". A beautiful pair of vintage 60s/70s boots and now very hard to find in such excellent condition.
☆ CONDITION ☆
Excellent vintage slightly used condition. Barely worn. The construction appears very sturdy and not weak or failing. The leather is very clean and without unsightly marks and scratches. No signs of excessive wear. Zips working correctly and without broken parts. The sole is still flexible and doesn't show signs of cracking. The side laces on the left boot have deteriorated at the top (see last photo) and would look better if replaced. Study the photos carefully and satisfy yourself with the condition before purchasing. If you need more photos request these before purchasing. PLEASE READ THE SPECIAL NOTICE/PROFESSIONAL ADVICE REGARDING VINTAGE FOOTWEAR WRITTEN BELOW THE SIZE DETAILS.
☆ SIZE ☆
Stamped 37.5. Fits like a modern UK4.5 US6. Please go by the measurements below.
Length of insole following the curve: approx. 9.75 inches (24.75cm)
Width of insole (widest part of sole at the ball of the foot): approx 3.5 inches (9cm)
Height of heel at the back: approx. 2 inches (5cm)
Width of vamp (over the top of the foot at the highest part before your leg) 8 inches (21cm)
Ankle circumference: 10 inches (25.5cm)
Calf circumference at widest part: 13 inches (33cm)
Top opening: 14 inches circumference (35.5cm)
Length measured up the back inc. heel: approx. 23.5 inches (60cm)
All measurements are taken on the outside of the boot. Though I state measurements are approximate I have done my best to be as accurate as possible. And PLEASE measure against your own legs or best-fitting boots.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ABOUT VINTAGE FOOTWEAR: footwear manufactured in the period up until the 1970s which is made from man-made materials have what is called an “inherent vice” i.e. a flaw which worsens over the passage of time. As the soles are glued rather than stitched, the glue used to adhere the soles to the uppers degenerates to a powder as they age meaning the soles are likely to come away from the uppers after one or a few wears. I recommend therefore that the buyer takes precautionary action by having the soles either re-glued or re-soled prior to wearing. This can also apply to all-leather footwear but usually to a lesser degree. COMPOSITE (plastic/manmade/chemical) SOLES. This type of sole will dry out over time and become brittle. This is especially the case for pre-1980s footwear. So purchasing vintage footwear with composite soles carried a risk of the soles cracking, splitting and crumbling. I therefore recommend only indoor wear until it is clear that the existing soles are sturdy. I recommend that a new partial sole is glued to the existing soles to protect the existing soles further if the fabric of the existing soles is stable.
I do not accept returns on vintage footwear which has these inherent vices as the natural ageing process of bonding adhesives, composite soles and other chemicals and materials used in the construction of footwear is beyond my control. I sell vintage footwear as a collector's item to be treated with care and not as a fashion item to be worn regularly.
Bearing all of the above in mind, I recommend that vintage footwear should only be worn indoors. Outdoor wear is not recommended but if you do then I recommend only very light and occasional outdoor wear and only ever in dry conditions. Vintage footwear cannot tolerate the same wear as new footwear.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Please ask any questions you may have before purchasing. I am always happy to help. Please ask about shipping discounts on multiple purchases. International shipping service is by TRACKED AIRMAIL to participating countries.
PLEASE READ MY POLICIES PAGE BEFORE PURCHASING SO YOU ARE CLEAR AS TO WHAT BOTH BUYER'S AND SELLER'S RESPONSIBILITIES ARE.
