Bessie Women's Vintage Aviator Boots (Tan)

€365,00

4 reviews
US Size
Description

Onward to adventure in the stunning reproduction Bessie Vintage Aviator Boots! These beautiful all-leather boots are carefully recreated from two pairs of original 1930s women's sporting boots right down to the nifty side pocket.

We've named these vintage reproduction boots after Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Indigenous American woman to hold a pilot's license. Bessie traveled to France in 1920, learning to fly a Nieuport 564 biplane, and earning her aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Returning to the USA, she became an acclaimed daredevil pilot in airshows, earning the nicknames "Queen Bess" and "Brave Bessie," and inspiring generations of Black and Indigenous women in aviation to this day.

Bessie Boots are perfect for adventures from the Great War period through the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. This style of boot was popular and well-loved. Wear them for numerous cosplays, Land Girl, motorcycling, and aviator costumes, for riding, working, and hiking, with breeches or skirts, historic or modern.

As a lace-up boot, Bessies are very adjustable for a wide variety of ankle and calf measurements. The top of the Bessie boots do reach the calf muscle, and we've designed this area to be particularly adjustable for a broad range.

Based on a size 7.5 (Measurements scale a little bigger or smaller based on size)
Calf Size Range - 14 - 19.5 in / 35.6 - 49.5 cm
Ankle circumference - 8.5 - 14 in / 21.6 - 35.5 cm
Boot height (does not include heel) - 12.5 in / 31.7 cm


Materials & Sizing

  • High grade 100% leather uppers
  • 100% leather sole and rubber heel lift
  • Leather collar cotton twill canvas lining
  • 5 in / 12.7 cm cm wide tongue with lace keeper loop
  • Speed hooks for quick lacing
  • Right-side calf pocket fits business and credit cards
  • Comes with two lengths of boot laces
  • "B" width (average) with a relaxed fit and wide toe box
  • Runs true to size for most customers.
  • Order a half-size larger for wide-width feet, or if you prefer your shoes to fit more loosely, or intend to wear with thicker stockings.

Sizing

Sizing
Size Trends Runs true to size for most customers.
Width Women's regular/medium width
Size Chart
Women's Shoe Size Conversion Chart US, Euro, UK, Inches & Mondopoint

Materials

Materials
Color Cognac
Upper 100%Leather
Lining Pigskin leather & cotton twill textile
Sole Leather
Heel Stacked leather veneer
Heel Height 1.25 in / 3.2 cm
Footbed Lightly Padded
Closure Laces
Origins
Design Designed in Reno, Nevada, USA
Materials People's Republic of China
Assembly Made in China

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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E
Emelie Rosberg
Snug and comfy

I ordered size 8. I am EU size 38/39 and they fit perfectly. I also love that they are quite narrow, which fits my narrow feet. They are well made and comfortable. I would however prefer them without the pocket on the side. That looks odd, in some way. Nothing fits there. I decided to return them since I didn't think they are worth the price, fully. If they would have been without the pocket and slight higher, I would have kept them.

R
Ruth Anna Schroeder
Don’t look very good on wide legs

While I can tie them all the way to the top with the included extra long laces and technically, they fit, it looks ridiculous. I think I’ll return them. The lacing part is gaping widely at the top - everything is covered, but not in a pretty way. My calf circumference is 17 in so still comfortably in the range of what should fit. They’re very comfortable and if you have skinny legs, you’ll probably love them.

We're sorry you're not a fan! We quite like how they look on wider legs, but everyone has their own preferences! We put a lot of work into making sure that these fit and look great whether they're laced fully closed or open wider, so that they're wearable by folks of many body shapes. See our reel showing them off on wide calves here - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeEcnMJFUeI/?igsh=MWY5cWNyNDlyanZkZw==

S
Sophie
The best boots I ever owed

I've had them a bit over a year now. They fit my foot perfectly. I have a heel that goes out farther than normal and modern shoes are not build for that. So I was a bit hesitant to buy these but I've not regrettet it once. They fit so good, like I put them on and couldnt believe it. I just really, really love them.
Only one thing: I almost fell down the stairs the first time I wore them. We have this ugly 70's brown brick tile in the staryway and the coating on the sole does not agree with that. Very, very slippery. Also in general these shoes have the traction of a piece of paper, leaves especally damp or wet ones are spippery. As long as you know and are concious its no problem but I didnt think of it bc I'm used to modern shoes, so just think of that if you leave the sole plain leather.

E
Ellen
My most beloved boots

They are just… awesome!
These boots are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. I am not a very slender woman and I usually have difficulties finding boots that fit my calves, but the lacing of the Bessie boots is just perfect for a very snug fit.
I am glad that they come with a second, longer set of shoelaces because I need these to lace up the boots to the top.
These are not the first shoes I ordered from the American Duchess and they definitely won‘t be the last.