VALENKI

... when I first heard about the existence of валенки in my Russian classes, so very densely manufactured boots made from felt that are worn in the Siberian snow and ice plains, I thought that I must one day possess a pair. Now, even though I haven't made it to Novosibirsk yet, I was recently given a валенок or two (well, two actually).

And now I wonder - practical warm boots to be worn at home, primarily, or future fashion item ??? ...