517 Aviators – Red Leather Ankle Boots

A leather ankle boot that gets noticed. In red.

The 517 Aviator in red is the boldest colorway after white — the same no-nonsense water-repellent leather boot from Samelin, Estonia, with a finish that stands out. City, outdoors, any weather. Same NATO-certified construction as the M77.

Why these boots

• Water-repellent genuine leather upper — handles rain, mud, and daily wear
• Direct-injected PU sole — durable, lightweight, grippy
• Anatomical insole — antibacterial and washable
• Minimal leather lining — lightweight and breathable
• Made by Samelin, Estonia — same factory as Norwegian M77 military boots
• NATO AQAP 2110 / ISO 9001 certified
• Unisex sizing, EU 36–48

Built for real-world use

Capable across conditions — practical enough for rough weather, characterful enough to wear every day.

• City commuting and everyday wear
• Light hiking and trail walking
• Variable weather — rain, slush, mild cold
• Anywhere you want a leather boot with presence

Construction details

Upper: Water-repellent genuine leather Outsole: Direct-injected PU sole Lining: Leather (single layer, minimal) Insole: Anatomical, antibacterial, washable Weight: 1.2 kg (size 41) Standards: NATO AQAP 2110 / ISO 9001 Origin: Tartu, Estonia

Fit and sizing

True to size for men. Women should size down one full size.

The minimal lining keeps the boot light and breathable. In freezing temperatures, wear a thicker wool or thermal sock.

FAQ

How does red compare to the other Aviator colorways? Same boot, different finish. Red is the most distinctive — a deliberate choice. Black is the most understated, brown is the most natural, white is the starkest. All four share identical construction.

Will the red leather fade? Quality leather dye holds well. Apply leather conditioner regularly to maintain the finish and prevent drying. Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure if you want to preserve colour intensity.

Is the minimal lining a problem in cold weather? In mild to moderate cold, no. In freezing conditions, wear a thick wool or thermal sock. The boot is not insulated.

Are these suitable for hiking? Light hiking and trail walking, yes. For demanding terrain or longer outdoor use, the 553 hiking boots or M77 are the better choice.

Who makes these? Samelin OÜ, Tartu, Estonia. NATO-certified, 75+ years in production.

Order with confidence

• Made by Samelin — NATO-certified manufacturer, Estonia
• Ships to EU in 3–7 working days
• Free shipping available — check if you qualify at checkout
• 30-day returns on unused, unworn items
• Questions? hello@whatshoes.co