After several failures, I think I’ve found the antique button boots for my life.

They’re a pair of black walking boots with a low heel, a brogue-style toe and all their original buttons. Made by Jones (as in Jones Bootmaker) and quite late considering people had mostly moved to laces by this point – a very rare find. Rationing during World War I was the official end to buttons for boot fastening, so they’re pre-1914 for sure.

They’re in REMARKABLY wearable condition. They even smell good! The only flaw is one of the button loops needs stitching. Oh – and I can’t do them up even slightly.

But never fear: I knew I wouldn’t be able to. They’re for the SLIMMEST of ankles. Like, child-size ankles. It was for this reason that they were priced amaaaaaaaazingly gently. I was just happy to be able to get my foot in, which isn’t anywhere close to a given with antique boots.

I plan to wear them undone until I’m bored with that (possibly tie them with ribbons), then take them to my local cobbler to add a precise panel at the front seam, so they button up snugly.

My grandma gave me HER grandma’s mother-of-pearl button hooks, so it will be a lovely moment when I get to button these boots properly.