Alpen Retro Winter Booties (Black)

My Alpens have survived multiple Nordic winters at this point and are still holding strong. The weather is harsh enough that I usually go through a pair of winter shoes in two to three winters, but the Alpens have survived four winters so far and are in good enough condition to survive the next one as well. Though I will note that I have taken them to the cobbler twice to replace the heel cap, the first time the heel cap dropped off on its own two months after I received the shoes and I didn’t receive a replacement in my order (which I’ve received with all my other AD shoes), however, after contacting customer service the visit to the cobbler was fully refunded with no issues. The second time at the cobbler was due to normal wear and tear from being used for four winters. The heel cap was replaced and the bottom of the heel was fixed, due to damage from big pieces of gravel, but it was a quick and cheap fix.

The only negatives with the shoes is that they EAT through shoelaces, and I’ve yet to figure out why (though a possibly combination from the way that they are laced and that the laces are put through ankle deep snow for three months of the year as well as a very rainy autumn).

The shoes do require regular maintenance and an occasional visit to the cobbler, but they have held up amazingly considering how Nordic winters can chew through shoes (even high quality ones). Bonus points as I get weekly compliments on them when I wear them regularly (from complete strangers in a very antisocial country).

Amazing

Apart from being beautifully made and lovely to wear, these make me smile even just looking at them. Cute and practical. Almost too good to wear ... but I will :).

I bough the shoes in summer 2023. I had to size up from my usual 8.5 to a 9 but the exchange was smooth. I wore them around 15 times (always in the city) and due to the heel they are pretty comfortable to wear. The quality, however, should be much higher for a shoe that costs EUR 250. The fake fur gets easily damaged and I found small pieces of fur in my anteroom to the extent that you can spot the white inner fabric.
What bothers me the most is the fact that the heels had to be replaced after 15 wears. I usually take very good care of my shoes and I typically have to replace the heels only every 2-3 years. So that added another 25 Euro.

So the design is lovely and the shoes are comfortable to wear. It's a pity the quality doesn't correspond with the high price.

I've had two opportunities to wear these gorgeous boots since I bought them recently and they pulled through every time. Even though I usually am on the broader side of shoes, I fit inside perfectly, they weren't too narrow at all. They walk wonderfully and through the comfy interior they kept my feet warm even at a church service!! The laces are also really good quality, they're the kind that don't slip but hold tight so they're not at risk of undoing themselves. Thank you so much, I'm so in love with these shoes!!!