Equestrian Sophistication
The Soul of the Piece
Born from British influence reinterpreted for the contemporary street, the Storm is a distinctive ankle boot. Crafted in Italy from deep black suede, it asserts its identity with a decisive square toe silhouette and a streamlined lacing system. An imposing piece, enhanced by a discreet equestrian signature sole — for connoisseurs.
Its Place in Your Wardrobe
In a sartorial library, a good black ankle boot is irreplaceable — it transcends seasons, moods, and styles without ever looking out of place. The Storm goes further: its square toe and equestrian sole give it a character that the standard black ankle boot lacks. Its medium heel ensures comfortable arch support all day long, and its lacing allows for a precise fit around the ankle. The suede absorbs all the light it touches, creating that depth of black that smooth leather cannot reproduce.
Style Notes
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The Modern Equestrian Look: Wear them with a pleated wool skirt or a flowing midi dress to break up the structured side of the boot with a touch of deliberate femininity.
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The Play of Materials: Suede absorbs light — pair it with smooth leather or satin pieces to create a fascinating contrast of textures in a monochrome black outfit.
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The Ideal Trousers: Its streamlined silhouette pairs perfectly with a 7/8 cut that reveals the lacing work — the detail then becomes the focal point of the outfit.
Craftsmanship: The Blake Stitch and the Equestrian Sole
The Storm ankle boot is crafted in Italy using the Blake stitch technique — a construction method that has defined Italian shoemaking since the 19th century. In this system, a single seam simultaneously passes through the insole, the edge of the upper (suede upper), and the outsole, uniting them in a single, externally invisible stitch line. Unlike the Goodyear welt (which interposes a sewn welt between the upper and the sole to allow for resoling), the Blake stitch creates a lighter shoe with a thinner profile and immediate flexibility — qualities that define the aesthetic of luxury Italian boots. The particular challenge with suede is that the napped fiber, which is more fragile on the surface than full-grain leather, cannot be pinched or tightened at the seam without risking fraying — so Italian artisans use a reinforced folding technique on the reverse of the upper before assembly. The equestrian sole, a discreet Burberry signature, refers to the brand's heritage in equipping British outdoor sports — hunting, riding, hiking in the Highlands. Its textured surface recalls traditional riding boot soles, designed to provide grip on uneven terrain: a functional detail transformed into an aesthetic signature, visible only when the shoe is lifted — just like a true sign of quality.
