BELARUSIAN FELT BOOTS MADE OF TURKMEN WOOL

The only felting-felt factory in Belarus has survived in the town of Smilovichi. The main product that has been produced there for a hundred years now is felt boots made of sheep wool, including those brought from Turkmenistan.

In Belarus, industrial boots are made only in Smilovichi. At first there was an artel, and now it is a felting and felt factory. The company currently employs 40 people. There are young people, but mostly those over 50.

The process of making felt boots is unique and laborious. Wool for felt boots is brought from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia. They have recently agreed on the supply of raw materials from Kalmykia.

To get this felt winter footwear, they need to do up to forty operations. Most of them are made by hand: the wool is dried, scratched, washed, compacted, cut and shaped. Local felt boots are durable, reliable, environmentally friendly and beautiful.

Finished products are in demand not only in Belarus, but also far beyond its borders. Valenki go to Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine. Previously, Belarusian felt boots were bought by the Baltic countries. Among the customers were even Finland, Norway, the USA and Canada. Due to the pandemic and the economic crisis, supply volumes have significantly decreased.

Now in Smilovichi they are working on a large order from Azerbaijan - 4 thousand pairs of felt boots. The plans include deliveries to Europe, negotiations are underway with French and German entrepreneurs.

The assortment also includes hypoallergenic wool blankets and pillows that are in great demand. The factory management guarantees the quality of the products, emphasizing that only natural materials are used in the production.

Boots made of natural sheep wool are unique footwear for children of all ages. It is warm, comfortable to wear, easy to put on and take off, suitable for legs of any size, allows you to put on a sock if necessary, felt boots are funny and beautiful, which kids really like.

Prepared by Janmamed Gulamov

Belarusian felt boots made of Turkmen wool (turkmenistan.gov.tm)