Russian youth embrace simple boots

Moscow -- A simple yet traditional form of Russian boots known as valenki are quickly becoming a popular fashion trend among teenagers in Moscow.

While the boots are essentially heavy wool socks with a very primitive appearance, teenagers throughout the Russian capital have been embracing them as the newest fashion trend and driving up sales, The Washington Post said Sunday.

Not only have valenki appeared in various Moscow nightclubs and bars, they have even made it onto the runway in several recent fashion shows.

The director of Moscow's valenki museum and store said the increased popularity of the simple footwear is indicative of a new simplistic fashion trend called "Slavic style."

"You see a lot of ethnic clothes on women now," said Elvira Garaeva. "In Russia, people pay more attention to restoring traditions and history."

© 2007 United Press International.