Samelin 517 Aviator Boots: Military Build, Everyday Shape

The Samelin 517 is the most wearable boot in the aviator line — military construction in a shape that doesn't announce itself. It's the pair most people end up wearing daily.

Full leather lining, not synthetic

The 517 is lined in full leather rather than synthetic fabric. Leather breathes, absorbs moisture and gradually moulds to the shape of your foot, so the boot becomes yours over time instead of staying generic. It's the detail that separates it from similarly-priced boots.

A sole that can't come off

The direct-injected PU sole is moulded straight onto the upper rather than glued, which removes the most common failure point in boots. Combined with the water-repellent leather upper, it makes for a boot that handles daily wear in wet climates.

Practical touches

The insole is washable and removable — genuinely useful for a boot worn often — and sizing runs unisex EU 35–48. It also comes in white and red alongside the classic black, if you want something less expected.

NATO-grade manufacturing

Built by Samelin in Estonia under NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 standards. Break them in gradually — our guide explains how — and waterproof them before wet season.

Frequently asked questions

Are the 517 boots waterproof? Water-repellent rather than fully waterproof. They handle rain well, especially once treated.

Can the insole be replaced? Yes — it's removable and washable.

What colours are available? Black, white and red, in unisex EU 35–48.

See the range

Browse the Samelin collection for the 517 and the taller 516.