WOLKYSHOP HANDMADE BOOTS // are they worth the extra cost?

I’m a boot gal, through and through – handmade boots, knee boots, ankle boots, sheepskin boots (I’m from New Zealand – they’re practically our national dress); you name that boot and I’m sure to have worn it.

So, when the team at WOLKYSHOP got in touch to ask if I wanted to try a pair of handmade boots from their autumn/winter collection and I saw all the amazing styles in the range, I melted a bit on the inside. So. Many. Boots! 

But I was instantly drawn to one style in particular; the ARRIBA grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go.

From the moment I took these out of the box I see and feel these handcrafted Dutch boots were top quality; made from top-quality oiled black leather, this classic ankle zip boot had a decorative zip on the outside and bold white stitching circling the rounded toe.

I’m all about the comfort, so loved the wide rounded toe and the ‘cold winter lining’ inside that keeps feet snuggly warm in the chillier months.  The 1.6 inch heel was perfect – giving me a little bit of a lift, while still remaining practical (I’m terrible at walking in heels).

When Wolkyshop first opened in the 1980’s the emphasis was on quality handmade boots and shoes that cared for your feet. Over the decades the designers have worked hard to transform the range so it’s not just functional, but fashionable too.

I expect boots to give me a bit of grief while they’re being broken in, but the Arriba handmade boots were surprisingly comfortable from the moment I put them on. The leather was snugly supportive and carefully designed to avoid painful friction points, and I could feel the lovely softness of the lining.

The clever construction releases internal moisture (no more clammy feet) while keeping water out (let the puddle jumping begin!). The anatomically designed footbed literally put a spring in my step – it’s no coincidence that ‘Wolky’ is Dutch for cloud – and can be easily replaced with custom orthotics.

All that, and they’re also cool, classy and chic. Boot perfection. 

• thanks to Wolkyshop for providing me with a pair of Arriba handmade boots to try and review