"HERMES" 90’s-00’s Cross-strap jodhpur ankle boots

Built on the foundation of a horse tack workshop, and with the precision of materials and craftsmanship, HERMES has created a quiet luxury. Here, we introduce a refined piece that strips away the context of riding boots.

The cross strap wrapping around the ankle forms the core of the design, creating a piece that is minimal yet exudes a definite tension and presence.

First, what catches the eye is the placement of the strap crossing diagonally over the ankle, which, while not overly decorative, contributes to a structured design that balances the foot's center of gravity the moment it is worn. The buckle is a small square shape, and it secures with a metal outline rather than excessive shine, maintaining the strength of a classic boot while naturally landing in a sophisticated urban style.

The leather used is very fine calfskin, and the natural gloss on the surface is uniform, causing shadows to shift slowly depending on the light, and deepening with wear. The toe has a rounded silhouette, offering a refined look that is not overly pointed, while the three-dimensional undulations on the instep create shadows at the feet, making a presence when peeking out from the hem of pants.

The sole is made of leather, and the presence of the "semelle cuir" inscription on the stamp clearly indicates a straightforward craftsmanship. Additionally, the finish reminiscent of concealed stitching shows that the surface is smoothed without exposing stitches, emphasizing a meticulous and elegant profile. The "MADE IN ITALY" stamp confirms that this item was produced in Italy, which was the center of HERMES footwear manufacturing at the time.

Regarding the age of this item, the fact that the HERMES stamp on the sole is in serif typeface, and that the style of the "semelle cuir" inscription differs from the information-rich style common in current products, supports the possibility that it dates from the late 2010s or later. Furthermore, the reinterpretation of the strap with minimalism and the quietly preserved functional beauty derived from horseback riding align with the luxury of subtraction that HERMES excelled at during the period when Martin Margiela was involved, making it natural to estimate it from the late 1990s to early 2000s.

The value of these boots lies in their completion through just the crossing of straps and the position of the buckles, rather than simply following the traditional jopper format. Because they do not feature excessive ornamentation, they are easy to incorporate into daily wear without choosing specific outfits, and thanks to the quality of the materials and the precise lines, they can elevate the overall dignity just at the feet—this is a strength unique to HERMES.

In terms of styling, simply pairing a shirt with tuck pants creates a neat look, adding a sense of tension derived from horse tack at the feet, which introduces a mode-like sense of space. Even when layered over a calm combination of knitwear and slacks, it maintains a sense of refinement, and choosing a long coat or a minimalistic jacket as outerwear can balance elegance with genderless strength.

Take this opportunity.