Among the most memorable offerings of the year, Rick Owens' Inflatable Boots, a collaboration between the famous brand and Straytukay, an emerging London-based designer, are finally available. Made externally of medium-weight latex, a natural rubber sourced from Malaysia and processed in the United Kingdom, they are the result of the manufacturing expertise of Torture Garden Latex, a brand specializing in latex garments that has become a benchmark for many major brands. The interior of the boots, on the other hand, features a lambskin lining and insole to provide added comfort.
Thigh-high, they wrap around the leg at the top and then open below the knee, with a design that curves around the back of the calf and ends in an elongated toe. The boots' name is inspired precisely by the uniqueness of the upper: in fact, the lower part of the shoe functions like a balloon and can be inflated manually via a valve visible on the back, located near the seam.
If you are wondering how to walk in these shoes, the answer is simple: you do not walk. In fact, this is an art project, designed to be a collector's piece rather than a functional shoe. Even just putting them on requires some skill: as with all latex garments, you need talcum powder or lubricant to get them on. There is no shortage of warnings on the brand's website, either: daily use forbidden, utmost care when walking and climbing stairs.
Maintenance also requires special care: being made of natural rubber, these boots are delicate and can easily deteriorate if not treated properly, as in the case of exposure to the sun or unsuitable substances. We therefore recommend washing them by hand, simply with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, letting them air dry and storing them in their box.
