FOOTWEAR FOCUS ROAD TEST Step into Spring Emma Cooke tests a boot from Laura Vita that put a Spring in her step! W


inter boots are a thing of beauty. All dark colours, and rich leather and sturdy heels. There’s lot to love about a winter boot. But, as spring rolls


on to summer, I find myself needing something rather more. A little more colour. A little more springtime pizzazz. I need the jazz hands of the boot world. But ideally still with all the qualities of a good winter boot.


So, what is the ideal springtime boot? An elusive creature,


it straddles the divide between winter and summer, but is able to be more light-hearted than an autumnal boot (the other transitional boot). Winter boots plod you through the chilliest of ice and snow. Autumnal boots are chic and low-key. Spring boots have the wiggle room for a bit of flair. Winter boots are a motherly governess telling you to hurry up and stop dawdling, while autumnal boots are an effortlessly polished French girl. But spring boots? Spring boots are the ‘it ‘girl that steps out in pink fur and still somehow pulls it off.


The spring boot should still be practical of course. Sturdy enough to fight


off any lingering chill, as well as any April showers (or as we call it here in the UK, the weather) and yet still comfortable to wear in May. And anyone who knows me, knows I’m a sucker for leather in any shade the ranges from black to burgundy, so while bringing pink fur may be fine up top, when it comes to my boots, it doesn't quite cut the mustard. Essentially, the burning question I have is, how does one update the winter boot without it being over the top?


Laura Vita has the answer. Tired of monotone boot colours, the brand’s


ambition is to liven up footwear for the contemporary consumer, in an eminently tasteful way. The result is a shoe that’s eclectic, quirky, but still within the realm of good taste. What’s especially good is that every customer is sent a completely unique pair of shoes – the way the leather reacts to the colours they use creates a unique shade in every style. Because who doesn't want their own pair of completely one-of-a-kind boots?


For this road test, I was sent their ankle boot in the Anna style. Crafted in a


beautiful deep red, that’s somewhere between muted burgundy and true lipstick scarlet, it’s everything you could hope for in a spring boot. The heels are chunky, and the shoes themselves designed ergonomically, with comfort in mind. Slipping these on, I’m able to trot all over the place without a single blister, or painful heel.


The design itself is full of beautiful little details. The back of the shoe


is covered in fine black netting stretched over an interesting pattern, that blends perfectly with the rest of the shoe. The effect is romantic and unusual, without being fussy. Burgundy lace is also used to hem the boots, peeking shyly over at the ankle before running down the side. As far as spring goes, this is it.


In a world of grey, black and plain old brown boots,


Laura Vita’s creations are a ray of sunshine. Crafted with individuality in mind, each unique pair of boots is the perfect balance of style and fun, and


will instantly enliven your wintry-wardrobe. Comfort and pretty colours combined, they’re the easiest way to put a spring in your step for the coming season. Yes, I know that was a groan-worthy pun. I regret nothing.


Details:


Style name: Anna 01 rouge. Product description: Leather boots Upper: Leather, Lining: Textile and Microfibre. High heels: 7.0CM


Contact Agents: Joe Boylan - +353 42 9357555 | boylanmarketing@indigo.ie Don Edwards - +44 (0)72 2610443 | don.edwards@live.co.uk


MAY 2017 • FOOTWEAR TODAY


• 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32