Raf Simons' FW22 Runway Boots Stomp Into the Season

Raf Simons‘ Fall/Winter 2022 runway show was a return to form for the esteemed Belgian designer, with leather boots, vinyl aprons, extravagant fuzzy mohair hats, couture-ified satin bags, and much more making for statement looks infiltrated by Simons’ dark and sexual undertones. One of the key pieces that had this attitude in mind is the black block-heel boots; a wellington style that was seen on almost every look (in one form or another) during the presentation.

Now, this pair has been released — albeit rather quietly. It first started to appear unannounced in stores, and has since landed online at various retailers around the world. Thankfully, this provides us with a closer look at the pair, which is made from a thick and high-quality black smooth leather that’s minimally detailed.

Raf Simons’ insignia is embossed onto the lateral-side collar of both feet, while moving down the shaft we find no detailing. Instead, attention is put to signature touches like the toe, which is almond-shaped per Simons’ recent dive into the footwear world. Grip rubber is applied to the midsole, running around the perimeter of the boot to separate the sole from the shaft.

Beneath is the stacked sole, a chunky piece that adds almost three inches in height. Asymmetrical seams on the front and a central seam on the rear complete the luxuriously minimal piece.

What’s special about this pair of boots is that it’s Simons’ first major “runway” boot to release to the masses for many years. Recent years have seen the designer focus on lifestyle footwear styles inspired by the sneaker industry, and while boots were released, they were not of the same vision as this new wellington boot. In turn, these are sure to become a collector’s item in the years to come.

Take a look at the boot above, and pick up the $1,585 USD pair online from retailers like Antonioli, or in-store at stalwarts like Machine-A in London.

In other news, the Off-White™ x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Brooklyn” drops next week.