Alpen Retro Winter Booties (Black)
Description
Alpen Retro Winter Booties are just the fashionable footwear you need for your winter vintage outfits. These booties are based on original Montgomery Ward overshoes, also known as galoshes, but are made as regular boots. We've stayed faithful to the velveteen upper and houndstooth lining, opting to use ethically sourced sheepskin trim and leather foxing and heel. These beautiful boots are cozy and practical for winter wear, with rubber soling.
Protect your Alpens against the elements with Shoe Brush and Polishing Cloth.
Sizing
Materials
Design & Production
My Alpens have survived multiple Nordic winters at this point and are still holding strong. The weather is harsh enough that I usually go through a pair of winter shoes in two to three winters, but the Alpens have survived four winters so far and are in good enough condition to survive the next one as well. Though I will note that I have taken them to the cobbler twice to replace the heel cap, the first time the heel cap dropped off on its own two months after I received the shoes and I didn’t receive a replacement in my order (which I’ve received with all my other AD shoes), however, after contacting customer service the visit to the cobbler was fully refunded with no issues. The second time at the cobbler was due to normal wear and tear from being used for four winters. The heel cap was replaced and the bottom of the heel was fixed, due to damage from big pieces of gravel, but it was a quick and cheap fix.
The only negatives with the shoes is that they EAT through shoelaces, and I’ve yet to figure out why (though a possibly combination from the way that they are laced and that the laces are put through ankle deep snow for three months of the year as well as a very rainy autumn).
The shoes do require regular maintenance and an occasional visit to the cobbler, but they have held up amazingly considering how Nordic winters can chew through shoes (even high quality ones). Bonus points as I get weekly compliments on them when I wear them regularly (from complete strangers in a very antisocial country).
We're glad they're holding up to such extremes! As you know, quality shoes are only half of the story; to survive and thrive in winter environments, a strict regimen of good, regular maintenance is key, as well as regular cobbler visits. And, of course, avoiding the worst bits of winter if you can!
Amazing
Apart from being beautifully made and lovely to wear, these make me smile even just looking at them. Cute and practical. Almost too good to wear ... but I will :).
I bough the shoes in summer 2023. I had to size up from my usual 8.5 to a 9 but the exchange was smooth. I wore them around 15 times (always in the city) and due to the heel they are pretty comfortable to wear. The quality, however, should be much higher for a shoe that costs EUR 250. The fake fur gets easily damaged and I found small pieces of fur in my anteroom to the extent that you can spot the white inner fabric.
What bothers me the most is the fact that the heels had to be replaced after 15 wears. I usually take very good care of my shoes and I typically have to replace the heels only every 2-3 years. So that added another 25 Euro.
So the design is lovely and the shoes are comfortable to wear. It's a pity the quality doesn't correspond with the high price.
Hi Carina! Our Alpens feature real sheepskin trim, not fake fur, but we're sorry you've been experiencing issues with your Alpens. If you could please email our customer service team at info@americanduchess.com, they'd be happy to help you!
Heel caps are a tricky thing - you want them to be stuck on tightly enough that they don't come off on their own, but not so tight that you destroy the heel trying to get them off when they wear down and it's time to replace them. Different temperatures can cause them to expand and contract, and occasionally an individual's walking pattern or particularly rocky ground can make them a bit more likely to make a break for it. We're one of the few companies that includes a complimentary extra pair in the box as a freebie, so you have an extra set on hand for the first time you have to swap them out!
I've had two opportunities to wear these gorgeous boots since I bought them recently and they pulled through every time. Even though I usually am on the broader side of shoes, I fit inside perfectly, they weren't too narrow at all. They walk wonderfully and through the comfy interior they kept my feet warm even at a church service!! The laces are also really good quality, they're the kind that don't slip but hold tight so they're not at risk of undoing themselves. Thank you so much, I'm so in love with these shoes!!!
- 5 stars: 9 (82%)
- 4 stars: 1 (9%)
- 3 stars: 1 (9%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
My Alpens have survived multiple Nordic winters at this point and are still holding strong. The weather is harsh enough that I usually go through a pair of winter shoes in two to three winters, but the Alpens have survived four winters so far and are in good enough condition to survive the next one as well. Though I will note that I have taken them to the cobbler twice to replace the heel cap, the first time the heel cap dropped off on its own two months after I received the shoes and I didn’t receive a replacement in my order (which I’ve received with all my other AD shoes), however, after contacting customer service the visit to the cobbler was fully refunded with no issues. The second time at the cobbler was due to normal wear and tear from being used for four winters. The heel cap was replaced and the bottom of the heel was fixed, due to damage from big pieces of gravel, but it was a quick and cheap fix.
The only negatives with the shoes is that they EAT through shoelaces, and I’ve yet to figure out why (though a possibly combination from the way that they are laced and that the laces are put through ankle deep snow for three months of the year as well as a very rainy autumn).
The shoes do require regular maintenance and an occasional visit to the cobbler, but they have held up amazingly considering how Nordic winters can chew through shoes (even high quality ones). Bonus points as I get weekly compliments on them when I wear them regularly (from complete strangers in a very antisocial country).
We're glad they're holding up to such extremes! As you know, quality shoes are only half of the story; to survive and thrive in winter environments, a strict regimen of good, regular maintenance is key, as well as regular cobbler visits. And, of course, avoiding the worst bits of winter if you can!
Amazing
Apart from being beautifully made and lovely to wear, these make me smile even just looking at them. Cute and practical. Almost too good to wear ... but I will :).
I bough the shoes in summer 2023. I had to size up from my usual 8.5 to a 9 but the exchange was smooth. I wore them around 15 times (always in the city) and due to the heel they are pretty comfortable to wear. The quality, however, should be much higher for a shoe that costs EUR 250. The fake fur gets easily damaged and I found small pieces of fur in my anteroom to the extent that you can spot the white inner fabric.
What bothers me the most is the fact that the heels had to be replaced after 15 wears. I usually take very good care of my shoes and I typically have to replace the heels only every 2-3 years. So that added another 25 Euro.
So the design is lovely and the shoes are comfortable to wear. It's a pity the quality doesn't correspond with the high price.
Hi Carina! Our Alpens feature real sheepskin trim, not fake fur, but we're sorry you've been experiencing issues with your Alpens. If you could please email our customer service team at info@americanduchess.com, they'd be happy to help you!
Heel caps are a tricky thing - you want them to be stuck on tightly enough that they don't come off on their own, but not so tight that you destroy the heel trying to get them off when they wear down and it's time to replace them. Different temperatures can cause them to expand and contract, and occasionally an individual's walking pattern or particularly rocky ground can make them a bit more likely to make a break for it. We're one of the few companies that includes a complimentary extra pair in the box as a freebie, so you have an extra set on hand for the first time you have to swap them out!
I've had two opportunities to wear these gorgeous boots since I bought them recently and they pulled through every time. Even though I usually am on the broader side of shoes, I fit inside perfectly, they weren't too narrow at all. They walk wonderfully and through the comfy interior they kept my feet warm even at a church service!! The laces are also really good quality, they're the kind that don't slip but hold tight so they're not at risk of undoing themselves. Thank you so much, I'm so in love with these shoes!!!
Fantastic quality, very comfortable.
I bought the same model in cognac a few years ago and have been waiting a long time to be able to buy them in emerald green.
Have enjoyed the boots in cognac very much, used them a lot and always get appreciative comments and questions about where I bought them.
They work well in both snow and slush and provide good grip even during icy and slippery conditions.
I do hope the new ones I bought are as good as the ones I already own.
I hope they also come back in stock in red with white fur.
Fast delivery, well packed.
Look like the original , very well done.
I do not like winter but cannor wait to wear them❣️
They’re really nice. Good thick insole to keep your feet off the cold concrete floor/sidewalk. Comfortable heel lift and sleek styling so they don’t look like bricks on your feet. I walked down the icy driveway this morning and they have an admirable amount of grip. The lacing configuration isn’t my favorite but I’ll get used to it. Some people may find the heel and insole uncomfortable—there is a bit of a ridge in the bed of the shoe that could press on the instep of some people. 9/10 would recommend.
These boots are adorable and there's no trading comfort for fashion here. I typically wear a 9 or 9.5 and my feet lean towards the wider end of normal - I ordered a 9.5 in the Alpen. They are a great fit for me with opaque tights or trouser socks. I've worn them three times so far - the first for a walking holiday lights tour and the second a slow paced walking museum tour. No pinching or cramping in the toe box or balls of the feet. And each time lots of compliments on them. The one aspect I think can be improved is lengthening the laces and adding an additional crossing of laces to provide a little more ankle support.
Currently I worry about snapping the laces as I pull them to snug up the boot before tying.Other than that I love these black on black Alpen boots so much I've ordered a pair of the brown w cream faux fur Alpens to coordinate with my neutrals during the cool weather.
WOW! I've been looking at the vintage rabbit fur galoshes for a while, but quickly realized that wearing the real ones would result in catastrophe due to the age of the old rubber in them. When I realized that American Duchess had created a retro version that was an actual boot (instead of an over shoe or galoshes), I got very interested. I ordered my actual size (9.5, my feet are a little narrow, but not enough to wear narrow sizes), just crossing my fingers that they would fit. They arrived this afternoon and I put them on immediately. THEY FIT! Not only do they fit perfectly with a normal weight sock, I think they would be fine with a heavier "camp" sock. I especially love that they are functioning lace-ups for a more custom fit (unlike the fake lake-up styles in stores now, that use hidden zippers). The toes are great, nothing pushes on my toes, no lumps of stitching or other issues there. The heels are soft inside, and your foot stays seated very well so they don't rub. Just enough cushion in the insole. Overall I would say form & function are a perfect 10! I'm glad to know that their return & exchange policy is very good, but nice to know that if you have a question there is a real person to answer the phone, who may actually own & wear the shoes you are inquiring about! THANK YOU! You have a new fan.
WOW! I've been looking at the vintage rabbit fur galoshes for a while, but quickly realized that wearing the real ones would result in catastrophe due to the age of the old rubber in them. When I realized that American Duchess had created a retro version that was an actual boot (instead of an over shoe or galoshes), I got very interested. I ordered my actual size (9.5, my feet are a little narrow, but not enough to wear narrow sizes), just crossing my fingers that they would fit. They arrived this afternoon and I put them on immediately. THEY FIT! Not only do they fit perfectly with a normal weight sock, I think they would be fine with a heavier "camp" sock. I especially love that they are functioning lace-ups for a more custom fit (unlike the fake lake-up styles in stores now, that use hidden zippers). The toes are great, nothing pushes on my toes, no lumps of stitching or other issues there. The heels are soft inside, and your foot stays seated very well so they don't rub. Just enough cushion in the insole. Overall I would say form & function are a perfect 10! I'm glad to know that their return & exchange policy is very good, but nice to know that if you have a question there is a real person to answer the phone, who may actually own & wear the shoes you are inquiring about! THANK YOU! You have a new fan.
- You may also like
- Recently viewed