Kisy are the traditional footwear of the peoples of the Russian Far North, including the Khanty, Mansi, Nenets, and Komi. This is an essential element of the gear of a reindeer herder or hunter who spends most of the day outside, far from home, and needs to be protected from cold and wind in the harsh conditions of the northern climate. Properly sewn kisy keep the feet warm and dry even when temperatures drop below -60°C.

Traditionally, kisy are made from kamus — the skin from the lower leg of a deer. On average, it takes around twelve skins to make a pair of kisy boots. This type of deer skin has a very dense and durable pile that does not absorb but rather repels moisture. The entire process is done by hand: women carefully dress the kamus skins, cut them out, and sew them together using fine slanting stitches. Khanty craftswomen use threads made of deer back tendons, which they also twist themselves. Such threads are reliable and strong enough for sewing outer garments and footwear.

The top of the boots has an obliquely cut edge for the purpose of comfort. A deer suede strap is sewn to the front top part so that the boots can be attached to the belt. The kisy are high, up to the thigh, serving as both boots and warm stockings. The boots are tied under the knee with a strap to prevent them from slipping when walking in deep snow.

The sole of the kisy is made of the skin around a reindeer’s hooves. It is an elastic, spiral fur that prevents snow buildup. The pile on the sole is sewn in such a way that also protects the wearer from slipping on ice and snow. For some types of footwear, skins are smoked in a special birch bark barrel.

Women’s and men’s boots have little difference in cut, but the decorative pattern on women’s kisy is lower because women’s clothing is usually longer. Kisy can be decorated with elaborate fur mosaics of different colors. The patterns on the boots not only served as décor but also symbolized the rules and restrictions followed by the peoples of the North.

Men’s kisy from the Museum of the Varyogan Village are made of light beige fur. The sole is made of moose leg skin. Leather straps are sewn to the top of the boots.