1970s Ortles Afghan Yeti Boots

These boots were made in Italy by Ortles in the 1970s. They rise over the knee in shaggy fur, are lined in fur, and sit on a beige rubber sole with a 2-inch platform. They pull on without fastening. Size IT 37 / UK 4. The Afghan and Yeti style, named for its long, shaggy fur, was one of the most recognisable looks of 1970s winter fashion.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, Afghan coats with their shaggy fur trims became a symbol of bohemian style, worn by musicians and young people across Europe and America. The look extended to boots and accessories, combining warmth with a sense of the exotic and the handmade.

Winter holidays in the Alps grew in popularity through the 1970s, and après-ski dressing developed its own fashions: fur boots, quilted jackets and knitwear. Italian makers, close to the Dolomites and the Alps, produced boots for both the slopes and the city.

The over-the-knee height and long fur give the boots a dramatic silhouette, while the fur lining provides warmth. The beige rubber sole and 2-inch platform are practical for snow and city streets, and the pull-on design keeps the line clean.

Fur and shearling boots inspired by the 1970s have returned to fashion. An original Italian pair, in very good condition, offers the authentic version of the look.