The Soviet era is remembered more and more often these days, although it was not easy to buy a worthwhile, high-quality item at that time. They could not even dream of imported things back then. Of course, we tried to get a nice coat, blouse or comfortable and beautiful shoes. And if it didn’t work out, I had to wear a “Bolshevik” coat and “Farewell to Youth” boots. Remember these shoes with a romantic name?
Soviet bots and their originality
Such a pair was inexpensive and was sold in almost every store. Many still remember with longing this symbol of a bygone era, although they were very modest even by Soviet standards. The only simpler thing was felt boots.
Model features
Rubber, hard cloth and zipper - that’s all that was part of the traditional shoes of the 50-60s of the last century.
Moreover, men's, women's and children's shoes differed only in size. However, sometimes store shelves were decorated with ankle boots of the same type. They were usually bought for representatives of the fair half of humanity.And their strong and hardy companions made do with low bots.
Good quality and thick rubber on the sole reliably protected from slush and snow.
Of course, in severe frosts it could crack, but they didn’t wear boots in cold weather, preferring warmer felt boots. A additional insoles were cut from scrap material.
The top made of warm cloth perfectly protected from the same snow and cold. The felt lining inside comfortably envelops the foot. Sometimes faux fur was placed inside for warmth. The cloth top did not have a particular variety of colors.
Reference. Black color was considered the best shade and was most often used in light industry.
True, sometimes enterprises suddenly began to produce “bye-byes” in dark green or even gray. But she quickly came to her senses and returned to the completely non-staining and absolutely non-capricious color of wet black soil. A zipper was sewn in front.
Important! Everyone who has ever worn these shoes notes their comfort. Despite their not very presentable appearance, the boots were warm and dry.
They didn't skimp on tires at that time. In addition, the boots weighed little, and the leg could bend in them the way it wanted, unlike the same felt boots.
What does the name mean
But no one knows this for sure. Some people claim that they are purchased mainly by pensioners. But at that time, not only the elderly wore them.
Some people think that rubber soles quickly brought feet into poor condition and caused age-related diseases. But the additional insoles were precisely intended for protection.
And someone is simply sure that the name comes from their practicality.
Important! In such boots, the most broken foot with varicose veins, bumps, swelling and swollen joints felt as if in worn-out and therefore especially beloved house slippers.
Why were bots popular in the USSR?
The simplest answer is because they didn’t produce anything else. The “Farewell to Youth” model was proudly displayed in all stores. And their price was quite affordable.
Everyone wore them. And this contributed, as they say now, to the creation of a team spirit. If you think about it, the members of the Politburo tried not to stand out and wore the same things as the rest of the people. Boots were worn by children, students, workers and even factory directors. At that time it was fashionable and stylish.
And, of course, convenience. This could not be taken away from the “bye-byes”. He stuck his foot in, pulled the zipper and rushed off to do his business. Often they weren’t even really fastened if they needed to run out to a neighbor’s house for salt or go out for a smoke. And in cold houses they were often used instead of slippers.
Soviet bots today
Nowadays, “bye-byes” are not in great demand. Although sometimes they can be found in modern stores. But young people prefer to wear sneakers or UGG boots. Middle-aged people wrinkle their noses proudly when looking at these products from the middle of the last century.
But there are still pensioners who longingly remember their youth and buy shoes that perfectly cover their sore feet. Sometimes they are bought by summer residents who stay in their suburban estates until October-November. It's nice to sit on a bench in the evening, relaxing after work.
Although if some representative of the informal youth movement wanders into a store with “bye-byes” and buys himself a cozy pair, these shoes may get a second chance and may become popular again.
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