These long boots for men were produced in 1906. The soles were attached using wooden nails. The museum employees were able to identify a brand on the shaft that indicated the location of production — “Shoe Factory No. 1” in Taganrog.
In the early 20th century, the number of commercial goods, including boots, in the Russian North increased greatly. The boots from the museum collection were produced at a factory that was founded in 1853 and officially launched in 1858. Leather was hand-made in dark, cramped rooms. After the establishment of the Azov Tannery Association in 1895, the construction of a new factory began, leading to an increase in the range and quantity of manufactured goods.
Such long boots were commonly used by local residents in the Arkhangelsk Governorate in the early 20th century. The Pomors wore them for specific tasks, such as rafting timber down the Onega River towards the sawmills of the Onega Forest Trade Company or for fishing in the White and Barents Seas.
In the late 19th century and the first third of the 20th century, most of the boots purchased by residents of the Pomor region were made of genuine leather. Everyday and work shoes were custom-made from purchased or home-tanned leather. Throughout the region, various types of boots, shoes, slippers, and sandals were sewn using a hemstitch.
Such long boots were a traditional part of men’s working and fishing footwear in the Russian North. In peasant households, boots were made from cowhide or thin skins of marine animals such as seals. Often, boots were made with a straight last, meaning that either one could be worn on either right or left foot interchangeably.
The soft leather sole of the boot was sewn with the shaft using waxed end, a special tarred thread. After that, the boot was turned out. Such footwear was called turn boots. It could even be worn over other shoes. Sometimes, the shaft was made of thin sealskin, while the sole was made of more durable and thicker cowhide. Thigh-high boots were fastened with straps under the knee, and the upper edge of the boot was tied to the belt.
