Bessie Women's Vintage Aviator Boots (Tan)

$365.00

25 reviews
Black
Brown
Tan
US Size
Description

Onward to adventure in the stunning reproduction Bessie Vintage Aviator Boots! These beautiful all-leather boots are carefully recreated from two pairs of original 1930s women's sporting boots right down to the nifty side pocket.

We've named these vintage reproduction boots after Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Indigenous American woman to hold a pilot's license. Bessie traveled to France in 1920, learning to fly a Nieuport 564 biplane, and earning her aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Returning to the USA, she became an acclaimed daredevil pilot in airshows, earning the nicknames "Queen Bess" and "Brave Bessie," and inspiring generations of Black and Indigenous women in aviation to this day.

Bessie Boots are perfect for adventures from the Great War period through the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. This style of boot was popular and well-loved. Wear them for numerous cosplays, Land Girl, motorcycling, and aviator costumes, for riding, working, and hiking, with breeches or skirts, historic or modern.

As a lace-up boot, Bessies are very adjustable for a wide variety of ankle and calf measurements. The top of the Bessie boots do reach the calf muscle, and we've designed this area to be particularly adjustable for a broad range. 

Based on a size 7.5 (Measurements scale a little bigger or smaller based on size)
Calf Size Range - 14 - 19.5 in / 35.6 - 49.5 cm
Ankle circumference  - 8.5 - 14 in / 21.6 - 35.5 cm
Boot height (does not include heel) - 12.5 in / 31.7 cm

Materials & Sizing

  • High grade 100% leather uppers
  • 100% leather sole and rubber heel lift
  • Leather collar cotton twill canvas lining
  • 5 in / 12.7 cm cm wide tongue with lace keeper loop
  • Speed hooks for quick lacing
  • Right-side calf pocket fits business and credit cards
  • Comes with two lengths of boot laces
  • "B" width (average) with a relaxed fit and wide toe box
  • Runs true to size for most customers.
  • Order a half-size larger for wide-width feet, or if you prefer your shoes to fit more loosely, or intend to wear with thicker stockings.
Sizing

Sizing
Size Trends Runs true to size for most customers.
Width Regular (B) width 
Size Chart
Women's Shoe Size Conversion Chart US, Euro, UK, Inches & Mondopoint

Materials

Materials
Color Cognac
Upper 100%Leather
Lining Pigskin leather & cotton twill textile
Sole Leather
Heel Stacked leather veneer
Heel Height 1.25 in / 3.2 cm
Footbed Lightly Padded
Closure Laces
Origins
Design Designed in Reno, Nevada, USA
Materials People's Republic of China
Assembly Made in China

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Customer Reviews

Based on 25 reviews
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M
Melody Siracusa
Amazing, just like their namesake

I have long wanted a pair of calf-length boots, but I was afraid to buy a pair online because of the hassle of sending back boots that don't fit right. I have wide calfs. They rarely fit right. I was hesitant to purchase these boots at first. However, the item information states that they fit a wide variety of calf sizes, and I had fallen in love with them, so I got them. I'm so glad that I did! They fit so well. They are an investment, but they should last for decades. I read a book about Bessie Coleman, the woman the boots are named for. She's one of the women honoured in the American Women quarters that are currently being circulated. That's how amazing she was. I believe that she would be very flattered to know that she has been remembered on American currency as well as the name of these boots. Read up on her, and buy these boots if you can afford them. They are worth the price.

M
Marie Herger
Absolutely gorgeous!

I was unsure when I ordered them how it would go but I was so pleased once I received them.
They were comfortable right out of the box & the sizing is perfect. I have large feet (size 11) but these are roomy enough that I can definitely wear heavier socks in them over the winter.
They look so amazing. I've worn them repeatedly already, & I've only had them a week!
Now I've been inspired to make myself a pair of calf length coulottes just so I can show them off.

S
Sara Mullins
Been waiting my whole life for boots like these

I've been searching for calf-high black army boots that fit my long feet and skinny calves literally since high school. It's probably been fifteen years and while I've bought similar boots in the past, none fit as cleanly and comfortably as these did right out of the box. Not to mention the quality! They are smooth, supple, and feel like they will last a lifetime with the right care. I had been waiting for these to restock for months and when I saw they had restocked but only at 3 left in my size, it was an instant purchase. And despite my weeping bank account, I can't bring myself to regret it. I only wish it weren't the heat of the summer so I could wear these all the time.

L
L S
Fab, versatil Bessie boots

The Bessie boots I purchased are beautifully made with attention to historically accurate detail. They are also versatile and timeless, as vintage designs so often are, and can be worn with true vintage through to contemporary fashion designs or a mix thereof.

M
Megan
Gorgeous!

When I first got these boots I wasn't sure if I was going to keep them or not. But after trying them on I fell in love! I got them for renfair outfits, but I am looking forward to wearing them in everyday outfits also. There were some blemishes on the tongue of the boot, but they weren't visible, so it didn't bother me. (I didn't contact American Duchess about them, but their customer service has been great in the past)

I've worn them once so far and they are super comfortable! I've been looking for knee-high boots for a really long time and these are perfect! when my sister saw them she said they were the most beautiful boots I own. I also really like the speed hooks, it makes it a lot easier to take them on and off.

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