Alright, let’s get into it. The Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots. Man, where do I even start? It feels like ages ago I first saw them, probably flipping through some old fashion magazine or maybe saw a picture online somewhere. They just stuck in my head, you know? Completely different from anything else I’d seen.

First Impressions
Honestly, the first thing that grabbed me was how chaotic they looked, but in a good way. All those straps and buckles going every which way. They weren’t neat or tidy boots. They slouched. They looked like they’d been through some adventures already, straight off the shelf. Bold. That’s the word. They screamed ‘I don’t care’ but also looked incredibly cool.
The Hunt Begins
So, naturally, I started wanting a pair. Badly. This was way back, and finding them wasn’t exactly like just popping into any old shoe store. Westwood stuff, especially iconic pieces like the Pirate Boots, wasn’t everywhere. I remember looking around, checking websites, trying to figure out where I could even see them in person. They were expensive too, like, really expensive for me at the time. It wasn’t an impulse buy, definitely something I had to think about and save up for.
- Checked online stores constantly.
- Looked at second-hand options (which were also pricey!).
- Debated colours – the classic tan, black, or something else?
- Saved up money bit by bit.
Getting My Hands on Them
Finally, the day came. I pulled the trigger. Can’t remember if it was online or if I found them in a boutique during a trip, my memory’s a bit hazy on that exact detail. But I remember the feeling of finally having that Westwood box. It felt substantial. Opening it up… there they were. Exactly like the pictures, but real. The leather smell, the weight of them. Running my hands over the soft leather and fiddling with the buckles. It felt like owning a piece of fashion history, cheesy as that sounds.
Wearing Them Out
Putting them on the first time was an experience. They felt different. The slouch is real, you have to kind of work with it. And those buckles? Yeah, they take a minute to do up properly. They’re not grab-and-go boots. Walking felt okay, surprisingly comfy once you get used to the unique shape and the flat sole.
Wearing them out? It definitely got attention. Some people recognised them immediately, others just gave curious looks. They make any outfit instantly more interesting. Jeans and a t-shirt? Add Pirate Boots, suddenly it’s a look. They have this rebellious vibe. You feel a bit like a punk pirate, which I guess is the whole point. They’re not the most practical boots for, say, a long hike, but for making a statement? Perfect.
Living with Pirate Boots
Over time, they’ve aged, got some scuffs. Which honestly, I think just makes them look even better. They mould to your feet and your way of walking. Keeping the leather conditioned is key, gotta look after them. Those buckles sometimes catch on things, gotta be careful. But it’s all part of the charm. They’re not just footwear, they’re a conversation starter and something I genuinely treasure. Was the hunt and the cost worth it? Yeah, absolutely. They’re iconic for a reason.