Great boots, bad lining WWYD?

[denisebrain]

If this were an ordinary pair of boots I'd toss them, but they are pretty nice. The suede is leather, the lining is the devil's work with that most-likely toxic dust from disintegration.

Last I knew, all one could do with this sort of thing was vacuum (outside, wearing a mask). Has anyone removed or replaced such a lining?

 

[Elsewhere]

Gah. I know the agony - I think I have several pairs in my basement with this issue. I did ask my shoe repair guy and he was like "NO WAY". Sounded like he'd have to literally take the whole boot apart and re-sew it back together. I can't imagine that would be worth it.
What I've discovered is that plenty of people literally don't care. One gal said to me "So my socks get dirty. Who cares?" Personally, I dont' want that devil dust infiltrating my shop, so I save stuff like that for our yearly alley sale.
Perhaps save them for ebay? Fully disclose the issue and let them rip? Let the market determine price. I suspect they'd still do rather well.

 

[Pinkcoke]

Noooo don't toss em! I've had the same problem with boots from this period. It's a mess. Best you can do is make neat slits where the lining meets the facing panel inside and shake out over the bin. Do these have zips as well? It's far easier to make a really big opening so you can clean it out properly (beating, vacuuming, brushing) and then I'd use something like a neat beaded line of fabric glue to stick the edge of the lining back down again. You will find they are a bit floppier afterward, as it's actually a foam that acted as a stiffener/interfacing that degraded here, usually beneath that lovely porous nylon jersey lining fabric.

 

[Jonathan]

Well, museums don't wear their clothing, so it would likely be welcome in a museum collection...

 

[Elsewhere]

Maggie - is that a pool noodle I see in that boot?
That's what we use to stand ours up in the shop, too. Heh.

 

[denisebrain]

Wow, Melanie, I think I could actually do that! The boots have these lacings on both sides so they can be opened into 2 panels. They are not stiff at all as it is, so I don't think they'd lose much in the process.

I definitely see your point Kristine, about letting the market decide on eBay, but I would be guilt-tripping about the dangerous material. [Picturing puppies, kittens and babies...I even feel guilty if I step on an ant!] Yes, that's a pool noodle! I use them for my own boots.

Do you have any particular museum in mind Jonathan?

I'm so sorry about your fur lining RetailRebirth! I've actually gotten the stuff mostly out of clothes that could be dry cleaned, first by vacuuming then the cleaning process.

 

[carla rey]

wow those are amazing Maggie!! what size are those????

 

[denisebrain]

That's the other amazing thing, I believe they are 9 1/2 M.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Those are pretty fabulous...just be careful if you decide to try to let that dust out.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Well, museums don't wear their clothing, so it would likely be welcome in a museum collection...

My thoughts exactly.

I had several pairs from the 70s and even 80s with this devilish dust. I did not have the patience to deal with it, and tossed them. They were my own boots, so at least I had worn them back in the day (a lot) so I had my use out of them, and the memories.

Those boots are FABULOUS!!!!

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Too bad as they are so Cool! I had a pair of fire engine red knee high vinyl one with black platforms in my hey day. Unfortunately, from being in my attic the vinyl peeled and the dust inside took over. Boy, did it break my heart to throw them away.

 

[blubirdboutique]

gaaaah so amazing!

 

[denisebrain]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone! I won't throw these away for sure.

Jonathan, if your museum could use these boots, they'd be yours. Otherwise, I think will go the carefully vacuuming route and let you all know how it goes. They would fit me, so perhaps I can get them into a condition I would feel comfortable wearing.

 

[Pinkcoke]

It seems to be prevalent in the quick-fashion boots from this period, the higher end versions are lined in leather and don't suffer degradation as a result. I also have these with the same issue:

 

[Jonathan]

They are great styles and the powedery lining doesn't bother me (we keep them in plastic bags and vacuum before and after exhibition.) I have a faux leopard coat with the same problem but its a fantastic coat so I'm not getting rid of it! If you don't want them I would be happy to pay for the shipping, but if you want to try to resell them, go ahead.

 

[denisebrain]

OK, I will ruminate...

 

[Sartorial Eloquence]

Wow, those are fabulous! If I had boots like those that would fit me I'd find a way to wear them (probably just repeated vacuuming rather than any actual restoration). I'd maybe try just stitching an extra layer of thin fabric on top of the existing lining in the legs or something to help keep the dust away from skin.

 

[Vivala]

Wow... those are truly fabulous. Repeated vacuuming does should like a good idea. Or a HEPA filter mask and complete removal of the lining!

 

[Sheila Dawson]

Those are the coolest boots! I would try vacuuming endlessly until all the foam insert is gone. That worked for a pair of boots I have, no more dusty insides

 

[denisebrain]

The fact that they would fit me has made this a bit of a personal crusade. I don't relish the thought of trying to remove the lining and vacuuming, but I think that may be necessary for actual wearing. Thanks for your thoughts Sartorial Eloquence, Vivala, and Sheila Dawson!