Herring Shoes Journal

When the sun starts to shine, it starts to feel a little bit like wedding season. I went to my first wedding in a fair few years last weekend, where I was keeping an eagle eye on the footwear. Tottering women’s heels that get swapped for flip-flops aside, the gentlemen sported a range of shoes and boots that befit the more relaxed wedding.

With morning suits eschewed in place of more comfortable lounge suits, the traditional black Oxford is not needed. This means any colour formal shoe fits the bill and I think our Herring Classic, the Longdon two-tone semi-brogue, is just perfect.

This really is a fine shoe. In fact, we think it is one of the most beautiful styles we have ever created with the help of our skilled friends at Carlos Santos. It blends so many elements of our other favourite styles that it really is the pick ‘n’ mix of the very best of our bespoke shoes that are created at the behest of our request!

1. It’s a semi-brogue. It has the touches of perforated detail that lift the look of a plain calf shoe. The sprinkling of decoration is definitely from the less-is-more school of thought and makes a real, but subtle, impact.
2. It blends calf and suede. This gives the Longdon a nod to the spectator or correspondent shoe. Spectator shoes are made to be noticed care of their two-tone construction. While the Longdon has a navy and rosewood version, the mahogany style still achieves a gentle two-tone look by contrasting the calf against soft, soft suede.
3. It uses calf leather that is hand-patinated. This means every shoe is different but the colour and shine just sings.

Underneath, a leather sole supports every step or shimmy on the dancefloor. While the Longdon’s welted make-up ensures your shoes can be re-soled time and time again so you can keep them for longer. 

Like many of the shoes that are made especially for Herring, the Longdon is designed to be repairable, so they should see many a wedding, job interview, party, boardroom discussion, etc. for years and years to come. This makes them a great investment in a true piece of craftsmanship that will get your footwear noticed for the right reasons.

Focussing on the mahogany version, the Longdon will look great with a navy or beige suit, or the equivalent pair of chinos. Complement with a white or pale, mid or dark blue shirt, and you will be ready for any occasion. If you want to turn heads, then consider the Longdon for your next pair of formal shoes.