Bessie Women's Vintage Aviator Boots (Black)

$365.00
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Tan
US Size
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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

Size Guide
Materials

Materials
Color Black
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

Size Guide
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Customer Reviews

Based on 21 reviews
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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.

S
Susan Akmentin
Beautiful, high quality

Boots don’t get any better than these. They fit beautifully. They look great. I can’t ask for more. I know where I will buy my shoes from now on. I watched the shoe care video and the shoe fit video, and there are good basic tips shared. I have a narrow heel and relatively wide front of foot, and the round toe accomodates my feet perfectly. I think you should try these. :0)

N
Nicole
BOOM BABY!!!

I finally bought a pair (sz 8) of these beauties and they did NOT disappoint!

The leather feels amazing and they look *fly*!

10/10 for the shipping too! Ordered them Friday and 72 hours later they’re on my feet. I’m feeling inspired to pay homage to Bessie Coleman when I go to the Pentagon on Halloween. Thank you American Duchess!

C
Caroline Baxter
Best. Boots.

I saw these on Instagram, bought them on instinct, then regretted it - I’ve bought stuff that way before and got burned. But WOW did these boots deliver. They are (a) incredibly comfortable, (b) absolutely gorgeous, and (c) beautifully made. On (a), I have bunions and wear orthotics and these boots accommodate them perfectly. The toe box is spacious and the fact the laces allow the whole boot to fit your feet makes for some astonishingly comfortable shoes. That is HARD to find for me. And the leather is soft, supple, and shiny. Worth every penny - and I plan to invest in a second pair. American Duchess, THANK YOU for making these.

J
Jane Doe
Bessie tan size 9.5

Absolutely perfect. Easily one of my favorite shoes I own. I saved up for these for a long time, and it was totally worth it. Comfy out of the box, true to size, fits my calf neatly, color goes well with many shades of brown and perfectly matches my purse. The little pocket is adorable, the laces are the perfect length for my legs, the lacing hooks are sturdy and I can walk over sharp rocks without fearing for my soles. I've owned these for a couple years, and they've handled everything from sand to mud to rain with ease. Just clean them off, condition them every once in a while, and they're good to go. They effortlessly pair with both vintage and modern, and they are obviously high quality without being ostentatious. I think these will be with me for a long time. Highly recommend!

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