Cover A stylist and shoemaker spill their secrets on how to wear and care for leather boots (Photo: Getty Images)
A stylist and shoemaker spill their secrets on how to wear and care for leather boots (Photo: Getty Images)
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Fashion stylist Elma Li Druziki and bespoke shoemaker Jeff Wan share advice on choosing, styling and maintaining leather boots in Hong Kong
While the winter in Hong Kong has been unusually warm so far, it doesn’t mean we can’t get our leather boots out. These shoes are quintessential to any winter look because they not only keep the elements out, but also make the wearer look fashionable. And while the current temperatures in Hong Kong remain quite mild and there’s no real need to protect our feet from cold, all the same, we still want to wear those boots to look super-chic.
But given there are so many styles and materials to choose from, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and not know which boot would be the best fit for you. So, we’ve spoken to Elma Li Druziki, Hong Kong-based fashion stylist, and Jeff Wan, co-founder of bespoke shoe brand Shoe Artistry, to share their top tips on how to shop for, style and care for leather boots.
Above Elma Li Druziki recommends choosing boots that complement your wardrobe (Photo: Instagram / @elmaliconve)
Elma Li Druziki recommends choosing boots that complement your wardrobe (Photo: Instagram / @elmaliconve)
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What are the top three things that one should consider when buying leather boots?
Jeff Wan (JW): Firstly, what look and feel do you want [to create]? Secondly, what boot styles can you pair with your favourite outfits, or what outfits that you are planning to wear with these boots? Finally, pay attention to bunions, pinky toes, ankles and lower calves—and whether you’ve faced discomfort with other boots. If yes, a custom-made or bespoke boots service might be better for you.
Elma Li Druziki (ELD): First thing is the boot’s cut and style, because that will affect the size and overall styling. People’s feet shape varies—some have narrower or wider feet—so when you’re looking for, say, a pointed style, I would recommend to some to go up by half a size [to accommodate for feet width].
Second, what is the purpose of these boots and what materials would be the most suitable? Do they need to be functional for everyday activities such as work, or are they for parties and special occasions? Pay attention to the heel height, especially if you know you’re going to be walking around the city.
Finally, consider the colours you already have in your wardrobe. What colours look good on you and make you feel comfortable? You can also match the colour of your boots to your make-up, hair and even eye colour—this way you can make the most of your shoes.
You mentioned that style affects sizing—do you have any tips to deal with boots that might feel a little tight?
ELD: Leather is durable and strong, yet it has some elasticity. From my personal experience, I’ve bought a pair of limited-edition leather boots that were a little smaller than my actual size, but I took them to the cobblers to get them stretched so that they’d be more comfortable.
Is there an ideal leather that works best for boots?
JW: For those who like softness, go for lamb or goat leather. For a tough and firm exterior, cowhide or calf are great, and to be bold, exotic leathers like crocodile and python are your best bet.
What are the signs of a quality item that one should look out for when shopping for boots?
ELD: Look at the insoles—are they stitched in or stuck on? Consider whether they can be repaired [as you can wear them long term in that case]. Good boots take time to produce because there are so many steps involved.
JW: Knee-high boots should be soft and flexible, zip-up boots should have quality zippers, Chelsea boots should have good elastics and men’s boots should have well-built outsoles and stitched leather construction—for rubber soles, Dainite or Vibram [types of soles] are best.
Above Druziki suggests playing with clothing proportions to emphasise leg length (Photo: Instagram/@elmaliconve)
Druziki suggests playing with clothing proportions to emphasise leg length (Photo: Instagram/@elmaliconve)
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Second-hand and vintage shopping is becoming more popular in Hong Kong—how would you recommend caring for second-hand leather boots prior to wearing them?
ELD: Check the outer soles to see if they are in good condition or need replacing. I would also recommend buyers to put on sole protectors on leather bottoms to avoid them getting too scratched.
What are your recommendations for styling different types of boots?
ELD: Different-shaped toes can create different visual effects: a square toe results in a more futuristic aesthetics, whereas a pointed style can elongate the appearance of your legs, and a rounded toe looks relaxed overall.
Leather ankle-length boots are a good option for multiple styling purposes—wear them with cropped jeans, skirts or dresses for work or casual days. Tall or over-the-knee boots, especially when paired with shorts or miniskirts, can have a lengthening [visual effect]. Consider your body proportions and how you can create layering effects for the most flattering look.
Accessories, including jewellery, watches and bags, are very important for creating a total look, and can transform the feel of the same item for different occasions.
JW: A rounder toe shape, elastics on the side and ankle length are more forgiving, so Chelsea boots are one of the styles I recommend. When it comes to achieving a sleeker look, [you can experiment with] unique toe shapes and boot heights.
How would you recommend that people take care of their boots in Hong Kong?
ELD: Whether they’re ankle-length or tall boots, I insert a paper form in them to prevent them from sagging, wrinkling or losing their shape. After wear, I wipe my leather shoes with a dry microfibre cloth [whether it’s been raining or not], and once or twice a month, I take them to get professionally polished—especially if I’m wearing them more often. It makes them look brand-new, and I use a leather cream in between polishes to reduce the visibility of any scratches.
I will often turn on my dehumidifier—even in winter—and use dehumidifying gel packs [where I store my shoes]. If you have fabric or PVC boots, be mindful as they are more likely to get mouldy.
JW: Wearing cool boots during autumn and winter is great, but as it’s mostly warm and wet in Hong Kong, having mouldy boots isn’t. Keep them dry, make sure to apply cream and wax on them from time to time—even when you’re not wearing—and be mindful of small bugs that might get into them while they’re in storage.
Amalissa Hall was the style writer at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on writing digital articles, she covers news, tracks trends and interviews experts from the fashion, beauty and wellness industries, as well as entertainment spheres. Interview highlights include Formula One driver Alex Albon, award-winning costume designer Jany Temime and prolific make-up artist Lisa Eldridge.
She has also produced print stories featuring make-up artists, perfumiers and other upcoming figures discussing Asian representation on social media, sharing industry insight and trends as well as explaining new approaches to wellness in Hong Kong.
