meet ‘voyloks’ sustainable boots sculpted from raw wool & hot water

business architect, brand builder and serial enterpreuner andrey petrov introduces the ‘voylok’ boots, crafted with raw wool and hot water. made in a remarkably sustainable, renewable way, the shoes use no chemicals, dyes, bleach or glue. the only by-products of the construction process are wool scraps and muddy water, which can be recycled, by going straight back into the garden. 

wool felt keeps your feet warm in winter, and comfortably dry in summer
all images courtesy of andrey petrov

the concept of ‘voylok’ boots — now on kickstarter here — is based on traditional ‘valenki’ russian footwear, and is reimagined in today’s context to work across all seasons and weather conditions. sculpted with raw wool and hot water, the ‘voyloks’ illustrate how less is truly more: no chemicals, fewer manufacturing steps, zero waste, less weight (half the weight of rubber boots), and a smaller shoe-rack due to their versatility. in addition, wool felt is naturally anti-bacterial and hygroscopic, so feet remain dry and odour-free. ‘voylok boots are as kind to our feet as they are to the environment’ andrey petrov says. 

minimalist, soft, comfortable, and warm

the ‘voylok’ boots are a clever indoor/outdoor solution, combining two shoes into one. the design incorporates a removable waterproof overshoe, which you can take off to enjoy a warm and comfortable pair of indoor slippers. the new sustainable footwear model takes shape as a high-concept, low-tech solution to today’s environmental, health and over-consumption issues.

dress your ‘voyloks’ up, or down — they are a versatile, unisex design

take the waterproof overshoes off and enjoy a pair of comfortable, warm slippers

‘voyloks’ offer a barefoot-like experience thanks to the wide toe box, flexible sole and light weight

the boots feel comfortably loose and mould to your feet within the first few weeks of wearing

there is a wide range of models, varying in height, all comfortably warm and featuring a removable waterproof overshoe

black tie affair? sure!

the ‘voylok’ boots are sculpted rather than sewn — there are no seams, chemicals, glue, dye or bleach

wool and hot water. and very skilled labour — that’s all it takes to make a pair of ‘voyloks’

raw wool retains lanolin in the fibres – great for health and well-being of your skin

project info:

name: voylok boots
designers: generations of felt makers in russia and andrey petrov

learn more about ‘voylok’ boots on their crowdfunding page on kickstarter, here. 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.