Mongolian ethnic traditional boots

MONGOLIAN TRADITIONAL BOOTS

Without a doubt, one of the most exotic and colorful boots in the world is Mongolian traditional ethnic boots.

The main feature of the Mongolian boots is their unusual shape with upturned toes and various ornaments, which are so different from modern and western shoes. Mongolian boots may seem crockery, bulky and uncomfortable for younger generation or foreign people.

Surprisingly, those strange and eye-catching decorative boots are still worn in Mongolia. So you must be interested in why those uncomfortable boots are still demanded even in the 21st century among the Mongolians?

The fact is that there are still a lot of pastoralists, who are practicing a traditional nomadic way of life, somewhere in the vast territories of Mongolia. And it turns out that it is more convenient to wear traditional boots over modern boots in everyday life in Mongolia.

Historically speaking, Mongolian boots with an upturned toe have been appeared in the time of the Huns and have been constantly modernized during the Mongol empire.

Mongolian boots are made of cattle leather with stitched sole, that it becomes not that heavy and inconvenient as it seems. The proof is that even Mongolian national wrestlers can compete each other in these traditional boots.

And the boots used for wrestling would not hamper the wrestlers’ movements; but it would protect his feet and knees. Also, the special shape of upturned toes helps to fulfill wrestler’s performance including various wrestling techniques to throw his opponent away to the ground.

Mongolian boots are also completely suitable for continental harsh climate with hot summers and cold winters. As the extra air, which filled the space in the upturned toe allows the boots to keep cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, Mongolian boots are perfectly adapted for riding. Here it is necessary to take into account that nomadics in rural areas spend a most of their time riding on the horseback. It is appropriate to note that the design of the gutals is fully harmonized with the outlook of the Mongols, who respects the mother earth with a soul of never harming the environment. In other words, Mongolian boots with upturned toe and flat soles without heels do not rootle and destroy the soil and herb. Mongolian boots consist of two parts: actual boots and the special long socks, which are made of a thick fabric inside. Long socks are to protect feet from cold and gall. Particularly, a higher importance is given to the ornaments embroidered on the boots.

Jargal Expedition.