Caroline Moore

Back in the clubhouse

September 24, 2021

Following a fantastic win on American soil for the European women in the Solheim Cup, we can now also get excited about the delayed Ryder Cup starting today. Meanwhile, amateur golfers were quick to get back to their favourite courses as soon, as social distancing restrictions, were lifted to enjoy some fresh air and a sense of normality.

It made us think about what people wear on the golf course and in the clubhouse. Plus-fours (knickerbockers) and tweed jackets were all the rage back in the 18^th century, although golf fans will remember that the late Payne Stewart had a penchant for plus-fours in the 1990s. Slacks took over in the 1930s as more casual attire became more acceptable. Tailored shorts are now common in the summer months and are usually worn with a collared shirt.

Simply put, there are glorious, traditional standards to uphold. While they are not written into the Royal & Ancient handbook, there are dress code rules that are recognised by most clubs. No shirts untucked, no short shorts, no ankle socks and no denim are common no-nos.

As golf attire usually transfers straight from the 18^th green to the clubhouse, it got us thinking about what you wear on your feet once you have removed your golf shoes. I think the same sense of decorum needs to be applied. My father was a fan of a post-round loafer…after all, the quicker he got his shoes on, the quicker he could order a rewarding pint of bitter!

There is sense in his thinking and loafers or moccasins are perfect for slipping on after four hours out on the course. They are smart and work well with long shorts or chinos. You can whip your socks (short or long) off too to allow your feet to breathe a little. Regular readers of our blog will know we have plenty of loafers to choose from, but for this purpose, I am suggesting the clean and lightweight Enzo or the Maranello moccasins.

Now into September, we must admit that autumn is around the corner and loafers may not be the ideal choice as the weather gets colder. The brogue though fits the bill perfectly. They ooze country style and a robustness that was needed back in Scotland where the game was invented in the 15^th century. To give a nod to the tweed, you could go for our Exmoor style or go for a classic, more elegant Munster.

Somehow though, I cannot see the likes of Rory McIlory, Tommy Fleetwood or Ricky Fowler rocking up in brogues, but then who is going to turn them away from the bar for not sporting the right footwear? Even the top players will need formal ‘street’ shoes. The slightly cringey opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup usually sees the players in suits or jackets and slacks, so check out what they are wearing on their feet. A monk shoe, like the Monkwell or Jacob, would look super smart while Golding derby would also look the part.

Not all clubs are so strict though and some accept a more casual dress code. Not sure they are ready for high-top sneakers just yet – my dad would never approve – but along with aforementioned loafers, you may get away with brown/dark green leather trainers, like the Ensign or the Silverstone II which has brogue detailing. But please do check!

In summary, it seems churlish to make the effort on the course and not continue the sense of formality into the clubhouse. These shoes will be more than adequate for eating out and many work situations. With these transferable attributes, you can be both the king of the clubhouse and boardroom.

Herring Shoes

Winter boots for the Southern Hemisphere

August 25, 2021

The few glimpses of sunshine we have had in the UK recently means that it must still be summer…although there is some doubt. While we cheerfully moan about the weather, our friends in the South Hemisphere are currently in their winter with half an eye on spring.

We felt it was only fair to revisit winter boots for the many loyal customers we have overseas below the equator. A big ‘hello’ to you down there. You’ll be glad to know Herring have got some winter corkers up their sleeves (or should that be trouser leg?) for men, and yes, women too!

Ladies first, and I have to say I am excited about these to the point I am almost looking forward to winter. The Stephy brogue boots are my kind of thing. Chunky and super traditional, they are retro country-set with a twist that comes in the form of a beefy heel. These beauties are the result of an exclusive collaboration with Trickers using their super-soft, deeply grained muflone leather that has been dried in drums for softness and texture. Blended with a welted rubber sole, they look awesome! They are repairable too so pleasingly tick the sustainability box and should last you for years, with some care and attention. I suspect they will look better with age too.

If you cannot be bothered with laces, then I am also giddy about the Paula rubber-soled Chelsea boots. Potentially written off as a bit horsey, these Chelsea boots have some biker attitude, again care of their generous rubber sole. As well as looking just that little bit edgy, the rubber sole will be perfect for puddle survival in the winter months. I love these in black.

Both of the above are exclusive to Herring, so it is unlikely you will see them on anyone else’s feet.

Ok chaps, it’s your turn. What can we offer you this winter Down Under? Here are some of the new boots on the block. A bit like the Stephy, the Corsham is a brogue boot with a chunky Goodyear-welted rubber sole. Colour-wise, you can choose between cedar and cherry.

Next up is the Cromer. This one is a little bit special as it is made from cordovan crup, which is tanned carefully over a long period of time and hand-infused with natural oils to give the lustrous almost translucent look that is so prized, along with a long-life resilience that other leathers cannot match. This leather really is remarkable…it has its own built-in anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle solution! The Cromer has a country-style shape with a toe cap in burgundy or tan. In short, they are really handsome boots.

The Melksham is more weathered looking, due to their suede upper, and has a thin rubber sole to help our Southern Hemisphere friends skip into spring. Quite utilitarian looking, these appeal to me in an understated way. I like the eyelets and hook combination, which creates extra ankle height.

Lastly, check out the Mullion II Norwegian two-tone boots. This is a good-looking boot. Rubber heel, high ankle, eyelets and hooks, chunky stitching…rather debonair, if you will. They are country and city combined, so the Mullion II is versatile for winter.

I will come back with some shoe options too, but meanwhile, enjoy this bevvy of boots and remember that spring is just around the corner.

Herring Shoes

Men’s shoes for a casual wedding

August 17, 2021

We have covered formal wedding shoes and boots, and footwear that’s suitable for wearing with lounge suits, now we turn our attention to the casual wedding. We are thinking open-necked shirts, tailored shorts or chinos, linen suits, and maybe a blazer or waistcoat.

It’s a good opportunity to wear easy, breezy clothes that you feel comfortable in but still ooze style…your own style. There isn’t much scope for obvious personality with the uniform of a traditional morning suit; it’s all a bit black, grey and a white shirt. A casual wedding though gives you more opportunity to vary colours and styles. You can go to town on your footwear too.

Before I roll out the obvious choice, I am going to offer you a few alternatives.

The Collins Oxfords have a summer feel to them with their interweave style in tan super-soft suede. They look like a wholecut, as there are no separate panels, so they very smart while offering a cooler – and I mean temperature here – upper, thanks to the weave.

The Marlborough rubber-soled Derby style gives you an opportunity to shake up the colour. The taupe style would look good with a pair of cream chinos while offering the comfort of a lightweight rubber sole.

For swanky style, have a look at the chestnut Salobrena monk shoes. They are sleek, they are shiny, and they are made from croc-effect leather to give them uber continental flair! I can envisage their wearers on a sunny terrace drinking a few pre-wedding breakfast cocktails or bubbles.

Ok, I have put it off long enough…a casual wedding is a perfect excuse for a new pair of loafers. I am going to suggest soft suede for a summer do. The Consort blends the weave of the Collins Oxford with a loafer in a tan and walnut suede. The Barcelona II tasselled loafer is smart too while the Cannes offers a navy upper, which is in pleasant contrast to the crepe sole, as does the Ingleby.

To really kick back though, you could opt for the Murlo II and really ramp up the colour with the turquoise option or slip into our biscuit Sanremo suede espadrilles.

You can ditch the socks with all the above suggestions to really embrace the casual nature of the occasion. With any of these choices though, you do not have to ditch the style!

We have waited a long time for weddings to be back on the agenda, so why not treat yourself to some new shoes that will see you through the big day but will also be a welcome addition for a variety of other uses and occasions this summer.

Herring Shoes

Shoes and boots to wear with lounge suits at weddings

July 23, 2021

In the first part of our wedding shoe guide, we covered the formal black shoes and boots you would wear with morning suits and more formal attire. Today, we are going to consider shoes that would be suitable to wear with lounge suits for a formal, yet a little more dressed down, occasion.

Most weddings would fit this bill, where the groom, the ushers and the rest of the male wedding party wear matching or complementary lounge suits. Most will buy something new for the occasion and we would urge you to consider your footwear at the same time.

As we have often alluded to in our blogs about wedding shoes, they not only need to look the part but also need to support you through a tiring day. Grooms, ushers, and guests alike will be on their feet for much of the day whether at the ceremony, posing for photos, drinking bubbles and eating canapes before the wedding breakfast, standing in the receiving line, making speeches or dancing… it’s not your average day at the office.

You need comfort which means getting a pair of shoes that fit you properly. This is where handmade shoes will serve you well. They will mould to the shape of your feet. No slipping at the heel and no pinching at the toe will prevent blisters. I mean, who wants a blister on their wedding day? If you are unsure of your sizing when it comes to choosing a pair of handmade shoes, then our guide here may help or just call our customer services; they are skilled in advising people on the size they need!

But what style and colour to choose? I am going to steer away from black as we have already discussed these in the formal wedding shoe blog. Here are a few ideas to choose from, but there are plenty of styles and brands on the Herring website to choose from, so please feel free to browse away.

Oxford
Due in this month, the Eden Oxford is a truly stunning formal shoe in a dark leaf colour. It has a contemporary shape with a brogue punch to the toe and swan neck broguing to the sides. Handmade by the craftsmen at Cheaney in Northamptonshire, this looks like a bespoke shoe and will make any groom or usher feel like they have paid attention to their footwear.

Brogue
Brogues are popular choice for a wedding in the country, but they can suit a town affair too. Our Henry II brogues in chestnut calf ooze quality. Also made in Northamptonshire by Alfred Sargent, they have a beautiful, burnished finish. The Carnaby brogue is a great alternative brogue too.

Spectator
These are still brogues essentially, but the two-tone element pops them into the spectator category. Again made by Cheaney, the Henley is a lightweight shoe with dark leaf calf bearing the broguing detail with the rest of the main body of the shoe made out of beige canvas. We have a Henley II as well, which has less broguing on the toe. Both of these shoes shout “summer wedding”!

For a navy suit alternative, the Farnham combines chestnut calf and navy suede. If you want to lose the brogue look, the Farnborough is a striking option with the navy suede across the vamp this time. Again, super-smart shoes that your mother and mother-in-law, oh, and your wife-to-be, will approve of!

Derby
These differ from Oxfords because the closing panels that host the eyelets and laces are sewn on top of the vamp. This gives the wearer a little bit of extra room if they have larger feet or a higher instep. That does not mean they are any less elegant. Take the Golding, as an example, or the Epping. I like the Burlington too for a lighter shade of brown.

Monk
Lastly, for shoes, I would suggest the single, double or, even triple, monks. The double buckle Shakespeare is uber classy and elegant, and come up a treat when you polish them. The Dahl has three buckles, which is very unusual so makes them extra special. For a single, try the Byron.

Boots
My husband wore boots to our wedding, and I assume many other do too. Elegance is key for a wedding. I love the Thatcher brogue Chelsea boots in burgundy or the Laverton II two-tone boots. You could also try the Orwell, which is a monk boot, or the limited edition and rather exquisite, Jordan.

The above is a romp through the more refined styles of the Herring collection that I think would work well with a lounge suit for a wedding. If you spot a style that you think would work well too, why don’t you comment below or post a photo on our social media channels in all your finery? We would love to see you!

Next up, we will discuss shoe styles for a casual wedding.

Herring Shoes

Formal shoes for a long awaited wedding day

July 20, 2021

We have written multiple guides on wedding shoes for men, but we think the topic is worth re-visiting as we have now reached so called ‘Freedom Day’, when restrictions have been lifted, and couples can have the day they have been waiting for. I know one couple who have postponed their wedding three times and I am sure there are others who have done the same.

If you have been holding on, it’s probably because you want all your friends and family to be there for the ‘big do’, so we are going to kick off our series of wedding shoe guides for men with a look at the more formal shoes.

Usually, I would head straight for the black Oxfords, but I am going to offer up something just as elegant and formal, but a little bit different. The wholecut – you can find out more in our recent blog ‘The art of the wholecut’ – is a beautiful thing. Carefully constructed from a single piece of leather, they are both eye-catching and classic. They also ooze craftsmanship. Just look at them! Our Chaucer wholecut can be leather or rubber soled, so you can decide how much comfort you need. This may depend on how much dancing you intend to do!

Like the Chaucer wholecut, the classic black Oxford gives the dark trousers of a morning suit the sleek look most grooms, ushers and guests are seeking. You cannot go wrong with this shoe. It will serve you well for multiple occasions and for work. Every man needs a pair of black Oxfords. Our bestseller is the Churchill II, but if you prefer a more rounded toe, the Charles II is a good option too. For a more continental shape, I would suggest the Nelson.

As most Herring connoisseurs already know, we also stock shoes from a range of respected UK manufacturers: Barker, Cheaney, Church’s, Loake and Tricker’s – so we have a full range of black Oxfords for you to choose from.

For a formal wedding, black brogues, semi-brogues or even quarter-brogues are also a good option. The Calne is a new addition to our collection and it has a really elegant shape accentuated by the long-wing brogue detailing. The Napoleon brogues are sharp too and look more formal due to the lack of toe punch and their longer toe. You could also consider the Belgravia with its leather sole, insole and lining. Again, our other manufacturers have their own varieties. I like the square toe and detail of Loake’s Kruger brogues.

Lastly, if you prefer boots, the Herring Flynn is a black Oxford in a boot style. No need for black socks for these, but they will still give you the super-smart you are looking for with a chiselled toe to elongate the look of dark trousers.

The second part of this wedding shoe series will focus on the more casual wedding where lounge suits are the suggested dress code. Until then, if you are getting married this year and you have been patiently waiting for your big day, then we would like to wish you all the best.

Herring Shoes

Summer is here

July 14, 2021

Summer holiday shoes to celebrate the warmer weather

It looks like summer is finally here and we are celebrating it! It has been a tough 15 months, so we want to seek out the positives in life and summer must be one of them. We may not be able to travel far and wide but the traffic around Kingsbridge, where Herring Shoes’ headquarters is based, would suggest that people are finding fun in the UK this year.

So, what will you be wearing on your feet? We’re not all made for flip-flops, so we are happy to offer you a few alternatives.

For the beach
Deck shoes are a perennial winner. Referred to as boat shoes by GQ magazine, they are sturdy enough to walk in comfortably, but easy to kick off when you want to feel the sand between your toes. I also think they look a bit better when they are weather-beaten and dusty.

This year, we can offer you deck shoes from Sperry. A certain Paul S Sperry was inspired to cut small grooves into a rubber sole to increase grip when he was on deck. These shoes used to be made in canvas, but leather has become the go-to. To really float your boat, I would suggest the white leather and navy trim of the Bahama IIs or the faded ombre blue twill of the Striper II. They shout ‘summer’!

Meanwhile, Herring has their usual array of fine deck shoes on offer too. The Rock looks like it sounds with a sturdy cleated rubber sole. The Padstow is more genteel but still has a smart leather finish, while the Fowey looks like it was made for mucking about in boats with a 360˚ tie to ensure they do not fall off in the high seas! They even have a white sole too.

We also stock deck shoes from Sebago, Loake and Barker to give you a full array of options.

For relaxing
I think the Murlo II tops the bill here. Billed as luxurious driving moccasins, these rubber, dimple-soled loafers would work equally well as slippers or an alternative to sandals when relaxing in the sun wearing shorts, chinos or jeans.

And as a shoe for relaxing with your family and friends, would you take the opportunity to be bold with your colour choice? Herring has included a turquoise version amid the usual navy, chocolate and cognac. I mean…why not? This has to be the summer to be bolder than ever!

For dining
We all love the Cannes loafer this year. They are made in the UK, so they are perfect for a UK summer holiday…but are named after a glamorous French location! They combine the crepe sole of desert boots with a gorgeous suede upper in sand, tobacco and navy. These are seriously nice.

The leather-soled Ibstock and Finsbury, with a rubber sole, are also good smart options. Or have a look at the new Tonel. They are unlined and made from high-quality suede, so they are super supple and very comfortable to wear without socks.

Barkers’ William loafers and Loake’s Nicholson loafers are also good choices.

You will hear more from me on shoes for summer, but I wanted to get you started with the suggestions above. Until next time…just enjoy the warmer weather.

Herring Shoes

How will you be wearing your sporting colours this summer?

July 6, 2021

Summer means sport and this year sees a bumper number of tournaments with the Euros, delayed from 2020, in full flow and the Olympics just two-and-a-half weeks away.

Apologies in advance if you are not an England fan. I will make this brief. For those of you that are, you will know that we play Denmark in the semi-final tomorrow night at Wembley. Unless you are lucky enough to have a ticket, you will no doubt be watching at home, on screens in gardens or in the pub. Even lacklustre football fans cannot help turning half an eye to the television when it gets to this stage. Why? Because sport makes us feel good.

The out-pouring of national pride and enthusiasm in supporting and celebrating the endeavours of our countrymen and women is uplifting. Australians will re-member the joy of 2000 Olympic Games and the British were full of pride in 2012. I’m sure, despite the delay and strained circumstances of this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese will get swept up in the euphoria of the event too, along with all the other the nations who send competitors.

Meanwhile, rugby fans will know that the British & Irish Lions have begun playing in South Africa – another once in every four years occasion – and the home nations have undertaken a series of international matches too.

The fact these three competitions have collided in one summer is due to COVID, which although frustrating last year, is rather wonderful for the sports fan in 2021. Meanwhile, Wimbledon and cricket is a constant in the summer with the addition of a new tournament this year called The Hundred. The Tour de France is wending its way through, well, France, The Open features at Royal St George’s in two weekends’ time and the Paralympics start at the end of August. It’s just brilliant!

So how will you be flying your colours and turning out for these events? This is where this blog came from after I saw a group of young men on their way to the pub to watch the football…all wearing pristine white trainers or sneakers. We can help with that!

In fact, our Sebastian sneaker has a choice of red, white or navy suede at the topof the heel, so can you choose how you display your national loyalty. These colours work for many countries across the world too!

If you prefer a trainer, than the Voyager in navy and white could be a good option or the Goodwood in white calf is a super smart classic too.

If you happen to get tickets to Wimbledon or the cricket, then a two-tone spectator must be the way to go. Named after the rowing regatta, the Henley would be perfect or the Henley II for a lighter shade or the Farnham for a bit of navy suede.

Light-weight brogues could also work, such as the Carnaby or Longford, and loafers will see you through all of the occasions above. I would suggest the Cannes or Ibstock for summer suede.

After 15 months of worry and waiting, it feels good to be able to celebrate something again and to be with family and friends. Sport brings people together in a truly unique way. If you are still home working and do not have any excuse to buy new shoes for the office, then why not treat yourself to a new pair of shoes to enjoy a truly packed summer of super sport…whoever you support.

Herring Shoes

What kind of sole man will you be this summer?

May 19, 2021

Men’s loafers with leather and rubber soles

What you choose for your soles of your shoes or boots probably depends on the occasion and the time of year. Herring sells shoes that have the same upper style, but a choice of sole to suit you. Our range is also so vast that our multiple styles of the same kind of shoe bear a choice of soles; our loafers are a good example of this. Before you make your choice, you may want to read up on your sole options.

Leather soles
Let’s look at leather first as it was the original sole. Leather soles ooze quality and tend to be the choice for more formal occasions.

Take the Herring Churchill II Oxfords as an example. The sole is made from a high-quality hide and have a strong tannage for extra durability. You can see the stitching on the underside of the sole and this looks super smart. The soles are individually trimmed on the last before being hand stained and wax polished. The heel has a rubber tip to prevent slipping, but they still make a satisfying clippy-cloppy noise as you walk down the street.

The downside of leather is their lack of resistance in inclement weather. Snow, slush and puddles are not a leather sole’s friend, but come the summer (it is coming), leather is light-weight and good to go. Perfect time to add some flourish to your feet with some spectators. Our Henley two-tone brogues are due in any day!

Rubber soles
For more resilience and a bit of bounce, especially if you are on your feet all day or have a long walk from the station to the office, rubber is the way to go. You do not have to sacrifice your smart appearance by choosing rubber. As mentioned earlier, we make and sell Oxfords with both leather and rubber soles, so you can choose the one that suits you. Our Knightsbridge Oxfords come in both soles with the rubber being a more inconspicuous flexible and lightweight variety.

Our Knightsbridge style comes in leather and rubber soles

Leather shoes also give you a bit of swivel on the dancefloor, so worth remembering for long-awaited weddings and other celebrations this summer. For something a little different, i.e. not a black Oxford, give the Longdon two-tone semi-brogues a whirl or the wholecut Christie II Oxfords to really make a statement.

Rubber soles also smack of life in the country where a tougher ride is needed. For this purpose, there are different types of rubber soles to choose from. A Dainite sole is low profile has shallow dimples or recessed rubber studs for grip. While Commando soles are chunky and identifiable by their deep cleats. These soles are rugged and ready for action.

Soles for summer
Let’s come back to the original question that gave me the title for this blog. As we look towards June, we should be looking at our options for summer shoes. Did someone say loafers? Our loafers offer you both sole options too.

As mentioned before, the warmer months are perfect for leather underfoot. The Barcelona II is our leather-soled best-seller, closely followed by the Ibstock, Ingleby, Dillon, Riverford and Lecce. You have plenty of choice of colours, styles and tassels or no tassels!

For a more rugged and resilient option, the Exeter is a great option and the Edmonton too. For a chunky look and feel, go for the Kramer Mod loafers.

With our sole guide above, hopefully you will be well informed when you make your choice.

Herring Shoes

Review: Driving moccasins for women

May 14, 2021

Back in January, I announced that Herring was launching its own range of women’s shoes and that I would get back to you when there were more styles to consider for your choice of footwear. Well, today, I am bringing you the suede driving moccasin….

Herring has been making these for years for men. They are handmade in one of the most respected factories in Portugal. To add some extra luxury, the Louisa features the Herring shield motif on the heel and there is an extra padded insole. If you are new to Herring, then this is a great place to start as these moccasins represent exceptional craftsmanship and superb value.

But when do you wear them? As the name suggests, you should wear them when you are driving. This is not such a daft notion. How many pairs of shoes have you ruined with scuff marks down the heel and on the back of the upper? I know I have. These are easy to slip on and off when you are in the car. The pimpled tread gives you more grip on the pedals and continues up the back of the shoe to cushion where your heel rests on the mat in the footwell.

That said, I’m not driving much these days, but am sure I will get back to it once all social distancing restrictions have been lifted and life gets back to normal. I am, however, working from home. To me, these moccasins are the perfect WFH shoe. Soft enough to feel like a slipper but smart enough to know I could waggle my feet in the air – if required – at a video meeting. Please erase that image from your mind immediately!

These moccasins really are a beautiful shoe. They feel very grown up; a stage of life I should probably be embracing. The stitching is so exact and neat…and then there are the colours. The Louisa comes in the classic chocolate, Cognac and sand shades of brown, but my eyes lit up at the ice pink and turquoise. This way I can blend my new-found shoe maturity with my enthusiasm for colour. Burgundy and navy are also available.

Where I think these shoes will serve me well is when I make the multiple visits to the garden to meet the needs of the new puppy – Derek – we have recently welcomed to our home. These shoes are too gorgeous to even consider taking them out in inclement conditions, but I think they will be ideal to quickly pull on for a swift nip in and out on a sunny day. The UK summer cannot be too far away, can it?

In terms of fit, I am a size four with very narrow and shallow feet. (It’s a privilege and a curse!) The size fours (European size 37) fitted me well, as the Louisa is made on a narrow last to allow our feet to stretch the suede without the shoe then slipping from our heels. As expected, they felt a little tight at first, but the leather soon began to ease. I think they could become the most comfortable shoes I have every worn!

Just you watch, I will be wearing them everywhere as they are essentially lovely loafers, as worn by our gorgeous model above. Wherever I do wear them though, I will be keeping them well out of Derek’s reach! Wish me luck.

Herring Shoes

Sneakers v trainers – what’s the difference?

May 12, 2021

Both these shoe styles are rubber soled and give you a bit of bounce, but to me, they are very different…or so I thought! This article has evolved as I have written it. Just as I think I have hit on the perfect definition; a curve ball knocks me off course. See what you think.

What I do know, is that historically, sneakers were the originals. They were first made in the US in the late 1800s by Keds and were designed to be shoes worn in stealthy moments…essentially, you could walk quietly in them! On the other side of the pond, the Brits were referring to these as plimsolls. Both had a rubber sole and an upper made of canvass. They were worn for outdoor activities and sports.

In the early 20th century, they were in huge demand with 1917 seeing the launch of Converse All-Stars. These sneakers featured on the feet of the US basketball team in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin while four-times gold medal winner, Jesse Owens, wore a track shoe designed by Adolf Dassler, who went on to establish Adidas.

Here is where I think sneakers and trainers started to take a difference path or track. After the Second World War, sneakers became casual footwear while the trainer developed into a high-tech shoe designed to enhance your sporting performance.

Where the lines began to blur is when trainers were also worn as casual footwear to suit personal preference or as a fashion statement. Anyone wear Nike Air Jordans or British Knights in the 1980s? These types of shoes have come full circle I think, with modern Nike Air 1s, for instance, now being regarded as sneakers, along with Vans and other similar brands, and are never far away from the feet of most teenagers.

But is the distinction between leisure/fashion or sports use enough?

I think shape also comes into play. Sneakers usually have a rounded toe and flatter sole. The sole on sneakers is a cup-sole. It has a solid base piece and cushioning on top. Trainer soles pitch up at the front, have a heel and sport all number of cleat styles while the tech in between the bottom of the sole and the inside of the upper is a category all of its own, recently ramped up by Nike’s addition of a carbon plate to their latest running shoes.

This is the bit where I confuse myself. Leaving the tech aside, I would still consider some styles of leisure shoes to be trainers. The shape of Herring’s Goodwood shouts trainers, but they are leather and are too good to run through puddles! The Voyage style is also a trainer as it has a cleated sole, heel and an up-turned toe.

On the sneakers front, I would confidently offer up the Strike II, the Sebastian or the Harvard. While the Tokyo messes with my mind a little. I would put the black and printed linen in the sneaker pile and the grey and lime ones in the trainer pot!

Meanwhile, some manufacturers still call their training shoes ‘sneakers’ and Herring calls all these types of shoes ‘trainers’. There really should be rules for this kind of thing!

But there are no rules. There is no need for categories, just good shoes and a wealth of styles that means smart leisure shoes are now accepted in more formal settings. Check out the Floyds, the Goodwoods and the Silverstone IIs – these would not look out of place in the boardroom!

In summary, I still think sneakers are for leisure and trainers are for sport…unless they look like a trainer. Brilliant! I hope that clears that up.