Bikkembergs sand split leather ankle boots, EU41, EUC

Dirk Bikkembergs, one of the original Antwerp 6 designers (which also included Ann Demeulmeester and Dries Van Noten) is currently more known for his sporty football fashion than the more all-black, avant-garde style of his former colleagues, but one thing he did brilliantly in the 90s, and has continued producing to this day, is boots. Vintage 90s Bikkembergs boots command top dollar on ebay, and they are known to last for decades with regular re-soling. His more modern boot designs, like this pair, feature a modular non-slip rubber sole and are usually styled loose at the ankle for slip-on. The leather is always excellent quality, the boots themselves are very comfortable for all-day wear, and whether your style is slightly butch, gender-fluid, or no-nonsense practical, these are an excellent alternative to the ubiquitous Blundstones or Timberlands. I have another pair in a colour I wear more often, so this pair has only been worn twice at most. They're all around excellent boots that only improve with age and can take a serious beating. Marked size 41, I can wear these with thick socks comfortably, and they should be OK for up to a women's size 10 or a men's size 8. Condition 9.5/10, although the condition of the original box is probably closer to 4/10.