Last week, we celebrated spring and our penchant for suede as the weather begins to warm up a little. It struck us that there is a lot to know about suede and it may help if we shared some of our knowledge to help you decide whether suede is for you or to maybe help you look after your existing suede footwear.
Welcome to our Suede Bootcamp!
What is suede? In simple terms, suede is the underside side of the leather. It has a shaggy texture and without the exterior layer is more pliable, so it is popular for clothing, gloves, bags and shoes, of course. In fact, the term ‘suede’ comes from the French terms, gants de Suède, which literally means “gloves from Sweden”. Who knew? Well, you do now!
The comfort of suede Suede’s malleability provides extra comfort. If you have wider feet, for example, suede will shape to your feet quicker than a calf leather, so suede shoes or boots will feel like slippers sooner rather than later!
Is suede too delicate for footwear? No…otherwise no-one would make them, and all the leading UK shoe manufacturers do! They will need care, like your calf leather shoes, but they are resilient enough for winter, autumn and spring weather. We often get asked ‘Is suede a bad idea in winter?’, ‘Does suede get ruined in the rain?’, ‘Can I get stains out of suede?’, and other similar questions and it all comes down to the care.
How do I clean suede shoes or boots? It’s easier than you think. Just as suede is not as fragile as you may think.
Step 1: Remove the laces (if you have any), so you do not get cleaner on them and can treat the area around the eyelet area.
Step 2: Brush off any loose dirt. We recommend a crepe or brass suede brush to brush out any dirt or marks. Simply brush against the pile lightly and work your way around the suede to focus on any dirty areas.
Step 3: Now you want to give your suede a good pampering, starting with a deep clean using something like Saphir suede cleaner. This cleaner doesn’t only cleanse, it brings life back into the suede and also helps to protect the suede from staining.
Get a bowl of warm water and add the suede cleaner. Use 50/50 water and cleaner. You really do not need much. Use the brush provided and apply it against the pile. Once your suede has darkened down due to being wet, you have put enough on.
Step 4: You need to rinse the cleaner off for 5-10 minutes later with clean warm water. Just dip the brush into the clean water and brush the suede. Try and brush from lots of different angles to get the suede cleaner off. Do not worry if the suede looks darker; it’s because it is still wet. Once done,
Step 5: Leave your shoes or boots to dry. This takes around 20-30 minutes. You can put a cloth over the front to help soak up the excess moisture but DO NOT rub the suede with a cloth as any loose bits will come off and go onto the suede and ruin your good work.
Step 6: Once the suede has dried, it will look cleaner and more vibrant. Remove your shoe trees and re-lace your shoes. You are now finished! You will have a sense of satisfaction as you sit back and admire your hard work, also expect lots of compliments from friends and colleagues admiring your wonderfully cared for shoes.
Why choose suede? In short, it looks good and it’s comfortable, but it’s no pushover! If you missed it, see our guide from last week – Get into suede for spring – to see some of the styles available.
For Herring, that means suede. Although there may be a few showers about, the sunshine is on its way. As long as you check a weather app to ensure you avoid a sudden monsoon before you step out, you will be fine with suede as it’s not as fragile as you think.
As one of our wise shoe gurus Sean said: “People are just set in their ways thinking wet weather will destroy suede shoes. Just like a leather shoe, if treated and maintained correctly, they shouldn’t have any issues.”
And not all suedes are the same. The better the quality, the easier it is to maintain. It will not surprise you to learn that Herring only uses the best materials.
In my article from 2015, I wrote about how to care for calf and suede shoes and my advice still stands. When they are brand-new, the best practice would be to treat them with a protection cream or spray. Our warehouse operators will spray yours for you before they dispatch them. They are very decent chaps like that!
Then, just as you would polish your leather footwear, you need to look after your suede equivalents in the following (abridged) way: Remove laces, remove dirt or marks with a crepe or brass suede brush, apply cleaner mixed into water, rinse off and leave to dry. You are good to go.
So, don’t be put off considering suede, especially as we look forward to warmer days and a little more freedom as the vaccine programme continues to be rolled out.
With that positive attitude on board, I would like to introduce you to some of my favourite suedes.
First up, is the lattice Consort loafer. Not only is it two colours of suede – tan and walnut – but also two textures. For some of you this will be a Marmite-level of love or dislike! Whatever your view, they are superbly handmade using Goodyear-welting for comfort and durability.
While we are on loafers, I must mention the Barcelona II. It’s a bestseller and is available in a range of colours in leather, but in suede we have it in brown with a leather sole for breathability. The classic last shape and design make this a perennial that will never be out of fashion and therefore a great investment.
For alternative colours, try the Prost (with a tassel) and the Enzo (without). Using soft suede uppers and an elegant rubber sole with additional insole padding, these are a clever hybrid of trainer comfort with loafer styling. If you want sneakers, I can suggest the Strike II in stone suede.
Then there is the chukka. A suede chukka boot is a real classic. We have two styles: The Orkney R and the Fortune. The Orkney R is a stylish chukka boot in a waxy suede made on a sleek last. It looks really fresh, especially with the contrast stitching and with the thin rubber sole. The Fortune is a lightweight and soft chukka style that uses the Steptronic rubber sole to make them incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. This style comes in navy and ginger.
For a more formal setting, I would suggest one of our suede monk shoes, such as the Cardiff II (single monk), Ilminster (double) or the Shalford, or our brogue, the Reading II (available in a wider width).
As you can see from above, there are many suede styles available. Footwear manufacturers would not continue to make them if this upper material had not stood the test of time. You can filter by ‘Suede’ in the ‘Uppers’ section on the left-hand side of the Herring website to view the whole array available or click here. Go on, give suede a go this spring.
We usually start to wax lyrical about loafers in spring.
It’s when we start to see the warmer, longer days and feel brave enough to
ditch the socks and roll our trousers up a notch or two.
Winter 2021 though is very much an inside affair with the
Government advising us to stay in doors to try to control the pandemic and to
protect the NHS. The exceptions are when you need to go out for food, medical
attention, etc. or to embrace your daily exercise routine. We think the chunky
loafer fits the bill in both instances.
If you are working from home but still like to wear shoes,
then the loafer without socks works here. You can slip them on and off as
required. They can be worn with any type of trousers. They are smart enough in
case your work video call involves your feet – would love to know in what
circumstances this occurs by the way!
When you do head outdoors, simply grab a pair of socks, slip
your loafers back on and get stomping. The two loafers I have selected below
are rugged styles so they can cope with challenging terrains to accommodate any
walk.
First up, the Kramer
Mod loafers. These new mock-croc style loafers come with a chunky but light
sole, which means you will have to do some serious pacing at home and walking
the streets to ever wear them down! These go down to size 6 so women can wear
them too. They come in black and brown.
Tricker’s offer a less retro style in their James
R loafers. This a classic penny loafer style with a lightweight Vibram-sole.
Again, it looks like a hefty beast that is ready for anything.
If you still want chunk but fancy a more refined sole, give
the Terni
rubber-soled tasselled loafers a whirl or Church’s
Pembrey II rubber-soled loafers. They both have a boxy, no nonsense toe but
a rubber sole for a lighter step. They will be more than suitable for popping
out for a walk, but you won’t be making a racket on your wooden floor when you
return home. The lack of deep cleat will mean you will drag in less dirt from
outside too.
It’s funny world we are living in right now with us spending
more time indoors that ever. If the thought of spring cheers you up, then start
wearing the loafers early – it’s only a month early after all! I mean, who’s
going to tell you not to?
Brexit has officially taken place but what does that mean for our valued European customers? Whereas some businesses on both sides may be shutting up shop to customers in the UK and on the continent, we – well, mainly our web guru Gareth – have been working hard to make sure there are no barriers to your shopping experience. In fact, our European customers stand to benefit from the UK’s EU exit as the VAT you pay will generally be less than the 20% customers pay here.
The process should be simple.
Simply select your goods of choice. The price advertised will not include the VAT. This will be added when you get to the checkout stage and will represent what tax you would normally pay in your country. Your order will be shipped with all fees paid too, so there is little or no impact on ordering from us if you are in the EU. It is business as usual.
Some of our best customers are European, so it stands to reason that we want to take care of you. We have tried to make it at easy as possible using intricate web code and multiple tax rates across Europe.
We continue to operate as usual for customers who live outside the EU too.
How long have you worked at Herring Shoes? I started the website for Adrian (Herring) in about 2000 as a web developer but I joined the business full-time in 2010. Since 2018 I have been the MD.
Favourite style of shoe and why? You can’t have just one favourite because times change and so do your tastes. My first favourite in the 1990s was a burgundy beef-roll loafer which I thought was the coolest thing for a 20-something to wear; although I also had the burgundy Dr Martens Chelsea boot too, so maybe I had some style?
Now, I favour the military and utilitarian styling of the Badminton, for example. I just love everything about it, from the way the leather develops over time to the bright eyelets that give it personality, while being strictly functional as a pared back boot.
Favourite style of boot and why? My most loved pair (just ahead of the Badminton) is the Exmoor boot. Adrian and I visited the Fox brothers mill in Somerset to design the tweed and then we custom designed a boot with Cheaney that would show it off.
In a way, it is the opposite of a utilitarian style with the flamboyance of a rich tweed that you can make a suit from (I have and so have some of our customers!) It is unique as a style, so I feel special when I wear them and even more so as I appreciate the thought and effort that has gone into creating them.
Herring Exmoor boot
What is your shoe philosophy/what do you love about shoes? John Wildsmith, the founder of the Wildsmith brand, said it best: “You are either in your shoes or in your bed, so it pays to invest in both.” This is so true but is not often said. With our shoes, we create a product that is either completely or mostly natural and sustainable, lasts well, doesn’t go out of fashion, is repairable many times and supports traditional craftsmen and women at the same time. What bothers me is the short-lived lifecycle of so many mass-produced trainer styles. We need to invest in heritage, well-made shoes, whatever the style.
What shoe/boot trend do you envisage for 2021? Our shoes are not fashion conscious in the normal way other brands are. We create classics that are updated to reflect current styles, but they are still overtly traditional. In 2021, we will launch an exciting collaboration with an iconic trainer brand so that we can offer authentic casuals as more of us move away from the formal requirements of an office. I am sure though that the classics will endure. Men like to show off and an expertly crafted shoe always says a lot about the wearer. Maybe the formal styles will start to push back into some of the casual settings?
What has been the biggest change in the shoe industry that you have seen since you have worked for Herring Shoes? The big brands have started to take far more control of their products which is good because it discourages discounting of the product. It costs a lot to hand-make a shoe in England and a lot of factories have closed in the last 20 years because their margins were unsustainable.
To keep the tradition alive there needs to be a reasonable profit and they are, sensibly, protecting themselves. There is a trade-off though, we are not able to sell as freely as we were due to their distribution models. This is why having the Herring brand, made to the same standards and fairly priced, wherever you happen to live in the world, gives us opportunities to grow.
Who would you like to see wearing Herring Shoes and why? There are a few that would probably make people wince as being too obvious or too celebrity-loving. Unfortunately 2020 put the brakes on any new profiles but we have a few ongoing projects which might well include a some well-known faces that make it onto the website. I can say with hand-on-heart that every ambassador I have had the privilege of meeting has been inspiring in different ways. Collectively they say a lot about what makes Herring as a brand tick, so whoever we meet next is who I want to see.
Top shoe care tip: Alternate your shoes. It is so important to share out the wear between more than one pair of shoes. If you could only do one thing, alternating would be it.
If you had to choose one pair of Herring Shoes to wear for the rest of your life, what would they be? Easy, the Herring Exmoor boot. It has great associations for me. I love its Britishness and it can be dressed up or down. Might look a bit odd on the beach with shorts though….
The last day of November signals the end of leaf-crunching autumn and the start of the colder wintery weather. It has been a challenging 2020 so winter may seem even longer and tougher this year, but a decent boot may just help lift the mood a little. Please know that we are not underestimating the stresses and strains of this year, but hey, we must find joy where we can as we come out of the second lockdown…and boots make us smile.
Here is our guide to the best boots for winter 2020/21.
Brogue Our choice is the Stow style from Trickers in acorn calf leather. These really are a thing of beauty. I don’t really need to say anymore, just look at them! They are true classics and would work equally well in the country as they would in the town. They ooze brogue edginess.
Trickers are renowned for their boot-making skills and these are made with thick, quality calf leathers. They are storm-welted for extra water resistance and they are also available with a super-springy Dainite sole, in a variety of colours. If you have smaller feet or the woman in your life fancies these, they come in size 6 and go up to size 13.
Chukka/desert This Ryder III style was worn by Daniel Craig’s James Bond in The Quantum of Solace and has risen to popularity since. No doubt a flurry of interest will follow when the new Bond film, No Time To Die, is eventually released. Another classic, from Church’s this time, they are perfect for smart casual wear, especially if you are still working from home.
Bovver These no-nonsense Churchstow Norwegian rubber-soled boots would fit the bovver category for their extreme ruggedness. Less than a fashion statement though (but they also fit that bill nicely), they have been finely crafted to last.
As a tall boot, it has a punkish flare, but the lightweight commando pattern sole and contrast Norwegian stitching into the upper, along with a Goodyear stitch into the sole, make it ideal for getting out and about at the weekend.
Hiking Like the above, these are sturdy little numbers that are meant for walking. Our Badminton rubber-soled boots are described as the ‘the ultimate gentleman’s boot’, made from leather that is designed to take a bashing. They have been crafted for us by Cheaney, so the quality is really top notch.
Chelsea When you are not reaching for your rugged footwear, the Chelsea is the perfect choice for almost everything else in winter. Smart enough for work but casual enough to wear with jeans or chinos on a Friday night or for Sunday lunch. The Chelsea boot can really do no wrong and they are easy to get on and off too! Our Wilson Chelsea boot is our longest standing style and for good reason. It is made on the 11028 modern-shaped last that has become classic in its own right with its nod to the Swinging Sixties.
Derby This is a welcome new addition to our collection. Made for us by Steptronic, our Liverpool style looks like a brogue boot but has a Derby-style lace configuration with a side zip fastening. The key word is ‘comfort’. They are light, hard-wearing, flexible and have a sheepskin lining. The soles are not welted, but you will still get years of good use out of them as the calf leather is hardy.
Your choice As I am sure you know, we have plenty of other boot styles on our website should you wish to have a browse to put a few favourites on your Christmas wish list! The above are just a few suggestions as boots really are an individual choice that can speak volumes about who you are and the mood you are in!
Combat boots with a Commando-esque sole are your go-to boot trend for this autumn/winter. These military inspired boots will ensure you are ready for anything…and will make you stand a little taller too. This heavy-duty boot is inspired by the combat footwear worn by the military and they are as tough as they look, but that does not mean they are rough. Prada, Valentino and Givenchy all have their versions and Herring is no different…all with that iconic thicker sole.
Our classic offering, due to its elongated ankle shaft, much favoured in the punk era, are the Churchstow Norwegian style. They have contrast Norwegian stitching around the welt into the upper, along with the Goodyear stitch into the sole. They feature six pairs of eyelets and three pairs of speed-lace eyelets too. While black is what you will see on the catwalks, we have these in brown and tan grain as well.
For a more country or workman-like look, may I suggest the Fleetwood. Same tough sole but a suede upper and they’re surprisingly lightweight. Meanwhile, the Windermere isn’t so much crafted as engineered. It is a thoroughly masculine style, it is a boot designed for taking on the elements. Featuring a leather upper and full leather lining, the Commando rubber sole and Veldtschoen construction make this a highly water-resistant shoe. They all feature the Commando rubber sole to give grip and unbelievable wear, and a bit of extra height. Be warned though, make sure you kick the dirt out of the cleats before you get in the door or you will not be popular when you traipse mud through your home.
If you are not into a heavyweight sole, we can offer you a Dainite rubber alternative. This is also very durable but a bit thinner. The dimples offer a good level of grip, but the round design stops you tracking dirt into the house. See our Badminton boot, which we describe as the ultimate gentleman’s boot, sporting five pairs of eyelets and three pairs of speed-lace eyelets. For a smarter look you can opt for our Kirkdale Chelsea boot or be more relaxed with the Canterbury chukkas.
As we slip into autumn, a boot made for all weather is a must for everyone’s wardrobe, so why not get something that is durable and fashionable to see you through many colder seasons to come?
Hopefully, some of you managed to tune in to our long awaited Instagram Live debut. Although we are a little late to the party when it comes trying out this popular social media tool (fashionably, I might add), we decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss is about.
The post we put out before we went live
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let me explain exactly what I am talking about for those of you that don’t know much about Instagram Live. It is, in its simplest terms a live video broadcast through Instagram. The purpose is to engage with our customers and encourage discussions with a live stream of the host (me) and one or more guests. Once live, anyone who follows us on Instagram is notified and they can decide whether or not to join in. If you joined me on Monday then you would have seen me with our brand ambassador Gui Bo of Men Need More Style live from his home in France, talking about all things Herring and style. I also had a Chancery briefcase to give away (congrats to Aleksander who resides in Norway for winning). Once you are watching you can submit questions, which will be visible for everyone, that we can discuss and answer, as best we can.
I know social media still holds a bit of stigma for some, understandably, and you may ask us ‘what is your aim? why are you doing this?’. Well, quite simply we are trying to engage with as many people as we can and show everyone what lies at the heart of Herring shoes, which is more than just great shoes! We are, of course, proud of our Herring range and the other brands we sell on our website but we are just as passionate about friendly, approachable customer care, which runs through the core of our business from top to bottom. We love giving advice and answering questions. Between us we have a wealth of knowledge, gained from years of experience which we can use to help you make the best choice possible. Whether you want to know the best colour shoes to wear with your navy suit or what size is best for you, we are on hand to answer your questions and, by using Instagram Live, we think we can reach even more people.
In case you missed it I will now sign off and leave you with a recap of some of the questions asked on Monday. Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who contributed with their kind comments and I look forward to speaking to many more of you in the near future. To make sure you see me next time, follow us (click here) and hopefully the next time you see ‘Herring Shoes have gone live‘ pop up on your phone, you are tempted to watch and, maybe, ask a question too.
Enjoy:
I hear people talk about shoe trees, but what exactly are they and what do they do? It’s a good question and although many will know what they are, it shouldn’t be assumed that everyone has come across them before. Essentially, they are made of either plastic or wood and they are designed to fit inside your shoes to help them keep the shape and wick away excess moisture, this in turn keeps the leather in good condition and stops the soles wearing through quickly. We don’t sell plastic ones because they don’t absorb moisture unlike wooden trees. Plastic can be acceptable for travel but you can also used rolled-up paper to stuff inside which will work perfectly well as an alternative. It should be noted that you don’t have to have one set of shoe trees for each pair of shoes you own, you can rotate them and use them on the shoes you have worn that day. Yes, in a perfect world you would have a pair of shoe trees for each pair of shoes, so they always get a chance to dry and and reshape between wears. Ideally you should also be rotating between at least two pairs of shoes and not wearing one pair solidly throughout the week. This will make a huge difference to the longevity and overall wear. Please follow these two simple tips: rotate your shoes, and use shoe trees. (Find shoe trees here).
What other tips do you have for keeping my shoes looking at their best? Following on from the last question, it’s good to get in the habit of using shoe cream on your shoes (Saphir is the best, find it here). If you think about it, leather is a natural product and, just like our skin, it does need some moisture from time to time. So using shoe cream on a monthly basis at the very least is highly recommended, finishing it off with a nice polish also helps to protect the leather and adds a nice lustre which many people find appealing. Another tip would be to avoid rain/wet conditions if you can. Unless you are a meteorologist, naturally you will get caught out from time to time, but if this happens simply put your shoe trees inside your shoes and leave them to dry at room temperature. It is important that you don’t get tempted to put them near a heat source as this will dry out the leather too fast and it may crack. Leave them for at least two days, then give them a little cream and you are good to go. If you don’t let them dry properly and you continue to wear them, the sole will wear through extremely fast; wet leather and concrete do not mix well. If you have rubber soles then you don’t need to worry quite as much, although I would still use the shoe trees so the leather uppers keep their shape.
A question for Gui: How many shoes and suits do you own? 40-50 suits and 150-200 pairs of shoes. (I am still trying to get my head around this too).
Do Herring ship worldwide? Yes, we specialise in worldwide delivery using DHL. In most cases items will take one working day from despatch to reach you within Europe, and within 1-2 working days for most of the USA. Asia and Australia is usually around 3-5 working days. We can also help you with the duties as we offer the opportunity to pay for them when you are in the checkout, this way there are no surprises when your parcel gets processed through customs and it saves you extra handling fees. You will see we also sell low-cost returns labels for anyone outside of the UK (we send free returns labels with all UK orders as standard). This is a DHL label that you can use to send your shoes back. It is always cheaper than any other method and could save you a lot of hassle and money if you have to return a shoe for any reason. You can think of it as a really cheap insurance policy if you are unsure of sizing or if the style will suit you.
My shoes are still a bit tight, any tips on how I can stretch them? Generally speaking, you want them to be a little tight when you first get them as, with wear, the leather uppers and cork footbed will mould to your feet. We find if you wear them for an hour whilst sat down and relaxing, your feet will soon warm the leather and you will get a good idea if the fit is right. At this stage, if you have not creased them or scratched the soles you are welcome to return the shoes for an exchange if they are not the right fit for you. If they feel OK but you have worn them outside and they still need stretching after a few months then I would advise using Saphir renovateur to help soften the leather and use some shoe trees with socks on them, this will help to push the leather out and stretch them. Alternatively, you can take them to your local cobbler who will be able to give them a bit of a stretch.
What styles do you suggest for wider feet? We try to make sure we have a good selection of shoes made in wide fitting, which is a G (F is normal, G is wide, H is very wide). Although you can sometimes find that an F is still suitable if the last is particularly giving. You should consider derby/gibson styled shoes as the lacing allows for more flexibility around the instep area, this could make all the difference you need. If in doubt, always contact me or a member of the team and we will talk through some styles with you and help you to work out what is best.
What are your best selling business shoes? Assuming this means black shoes, then our Herring Knightsbridge and Mayfair are the best sellers. The Knightsbridge is more traditionally shaped with a slightly shorter toe when compared with the Mayfair, which is sleeker overall.
What have you got coming up that’s new? Covid has put a bit of a delay on a few things we had lined up, but we are working hard on finally getting some ladies styles online so this will be the next big thing you see on our site. We are, of course, still adding new styles so the collection will always have a freshness about it.
Good day gentlemen! My name is Kazi Atiquzzaman, a menswear enthusiasts living is Melbourne, Australia. Even though I work in IT for a living, men’s style has always been a part of me. I admire 1920-1970s sartorial style including vintage and workwear.
The monk shoes design is inspired from Middle Ages monk-strap sandals with no lacing and instead substituted with one or more buckles and straps. It was first introduced in the 15th century in different parts of Europe and since then this style has evolved to be one of the great classic masterpieces in the genre of shoes. The modern version of Monk Shoes is introduced in today’s world as something you can wear with both formal and informal attire. Most often the monk strap shoe is classified between an oxford and a derby style.
Today, I will be reviewing a pair of timeless Herring Attlee shoes which are handmade in Northampton, England. Herring Attlee is a stylish double monk-strap shoe which can be considered by many fashion experts to be one of the most versatile and elegant dress shoes that a man can add to his wardrobe. The sophisticated yet restrained design gives these shoes a truly unique look compared to any other dress shoe. As Attlee can be considered slightly more casual than oxford, therefore it can really go well with suit separates or sport jackets.
The Attlee model features a solid black finish with striking silver buckles, and a cap toe that draws viewers into the rest of the shoes. They are made of 100% pure calf leather with Goodyear welted sole and are perfectly designed for everyday life. The dual monk strap is very comfortable and blends seamlessly, providing a classical look that can only be achieved with quality shoemakers like Herring. The tasteful stitching around the buckle further improves the design and create a very aesthetically pleasing piece of footwear that is an absolute joy to wear. The silver buckle is also equally functional and stylish and pulls the shoe together pleasantly.
I just received these beautiful shoes a couple of days back and thanks to the Herring team for delivering them so quickly. It is currently winter in Melbourne and slowly shops and marketplaces are re-opening after many weeks of COVID-19 restrictions. So, I decided to take my new Attlee for a spin. I always like to incorporate sprezzatura into my style and the Attlee can only complement the overall look I was trying to achieve.
Herring have a fantastic range of shoe styles to suit all budgets, but if you are searching for double-buckled shoes in particular see this link to view their offerings.
According to GQ magazine: “Espadrilles have been a mainstay in men’s armoury since the King of Aragon kitted out his infantrymen with pairs back in the 13th century.”
Well, there’s a fact for you!
Eight centuries later and they are still being used by men stepping out for summer rather than battle.
Do not be too quick to dismiss the espadrille. They may have come from humble beginnings as peasant footwear worn in Spain or France, but that does not mean you only have to wear them when you dress down or your unsightly toenails need to stay hidden.
Espadrilles are a compact slip-on shoe with updated versions produced by top designers every S/S season, but essentially they are same shoe.
Espadrilles are smart enough to wear with tailored chino trousers and a shirt. Alternatively, choose a linen suit and T-shirt for an updated Miami Vice style or slim jeans and a white T-shirt. All trousers though need generous turn-ups or should be slightly cropped to reveal a bare ankle.
They are equally versatile to be worn with shorts instead of flip-flops. An article on the DMARGE website suggested espadrilles were the gentleman’s alternative to flip-flops. Worn with a linen shirt, smart T-shirt or cotton sweater, they are uber preppy with the ability to elevate you from beach bum to refined Riviera (French or English depending on your love for our neighbouring Torquay) gent.
On all occasions, I would opt for no socks otherwise you immediately lose your summer vibe and, quite possibly, your dignity!
We have applied our classic know-how to produce a suede design in biscuit or navy to suit any outfit. Our espadrille has a flexible rubber sole and heel, so they are more hard-wearing and will last you longer than the traditionally made shoes.
Come on…when the sun’s out, pull on your espadrilles to enjoy a footwear style favoured by the great and good of the fashion world. This is no peasant shoe; this is a pleasant shoe.
