Chris Clark – Herring Shoes Journal

Shoes for dog walking (and a chance to win a £200 voucher)

28 October 2021

Dogs have been man’s best friend for around 29,000 years, so we thought it was about time we gave them a mention and dedicated a blog to our furry friends. Details on how to enter our competition to win a £200 Herring Shoes voucher are further down.

The difficult part was trying to work out how we integrate a blog with dogs and shoes (shoes for dogs aren’t on the horizon just yet…), but it’s actually quite obvious when you think about it. Once we have got the pooch all excited and used the ‘W’ word, we have already thought about what shoes we will be putting on, taking into account the weather and location, so it’s certainly worth discussing in more detail. Whether your fur baby is a Doberman, Cavapoochon or Labrador, they all love a good walk.

You’ll notice all of the below shoes and boots are made with a rubber sole, which is quite important this time of year as the extra grip they offer not only makes them more practical in wintery conditions, but it also means you are not wrecking your leather soles (if you do get your leather soles wet then just ensure you pop your shoe trees inside and let them rest for a couple of days).

Herring Melksham and birthday girl Bella

Let’s start with a new style, the Melksham. Made for us by Barker on a lightweight rubber sole, they combine comfort, practicality and looks. This makes them an obvious choice for the daily, less messy walk around town or to the quay to get some fresh sea air. The chances are you might bump into people too (we know all too well that any dog is going to attract some friendly attention) and you don’t want to look like you’re on a hard-core hiking expedition! If you’re a trendy customer, then these tick all the boxes.

If your walks tend to be a bit more ‘active’, but you still want to maintain a classy look, then look no further than the Hardwick shoes in brown waxy calf. I chose these because they have classic Derby brogue styling and stand tall on their Solovair cushioned sole, so not only have you got the practicality of a soft rubber sole but you also have the waxy leather uppers which are designed to take a bit of a beating. I would go as far as to say the more weathered they look the better. You don’t need to be too precious with these.

We have options for women too. The lovely Bekie sent us the below photo of her wearing the Stephy brogues and these would work perfectly! Made for us by Trickers on a storm welted, Vi-lite Vibram sole (it’s a mouthful, I know) they are extremely durable and definitely give the ‘country chic’ vibe. A slightly more understated option would be a pair of Monica rubber-soled Derby shoes. Designed for ultimate comfort, they are made for those long, scenic walks on the coastal path and an easy go-to for slipping on when off to the park.

Now, what about the messy trips to the beach or field? We will often drive to the location and put a different pair in the boot, which tells you all you need to know about the kind of footwear you will want to don. It can’t be dressy or made with fine leathers as they will just get ruined and nine times out of 10, you’re going to take a pair of wellies, and why not? They’re waterproof, they can go over the bottom of your trousers and they clean up easily. But why would I talk about a style we don’t sell? Hold tight, we have an exciting new brand that will be added shortly. When you get the email announcing their arrival please click through and have a browse. They are premium wellies that will last a long time! That’s all I can give away at the moment though.

Wellies aren’t your thing? Then you should seriously consider the Trekker boots. Although we call them boots, they are almost a hybrid between a pair of shoes and boots. Offering the ultimate in water-resistant materials and construction, they will happily take a beating. Our new Peregrine jackets would look exceptional paired with these too and offer much-needed protection from the rain, check them out here.

Aren’t we lucky to have such loyal companions? Whether it’s your dog, cat or rabbit that you call your fur baby, they are all precious to us. It’s worth mentioning that there are currently huge numbers of animals in need of adoption right now and wherever you are in the UK there will be an animal waiting for a loving home. Check out the RSPCA site to see if you can find your next best friend: https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet

Oh and you didn’t think we had forgotten about the competition did you? Who fancies winning a £200 voucher to spend on our website? Simply find our post on Facebook mentioning this blog and competition, then post a photo of your pet in the comments section. It’s that simple! The photo with the most likes will win the voucher (this is where your friends and family can help), the competition will run for one week.

Good luck!

Herring Shoes

Shoes for spectating sport

21 October 2021

Whatever your sport of choice, you will know there is nothing better than a trip to your favourite stadium. From the pre-game atmosphere and dodgy pies to the highs and lows of the match and the post-game pint, it’s a day we have been looking forward to all week and we want to look our best… after all you never know who will spot you in the crowd!

Come match day many of us will be sporting our teams shirts and wearing a fleece or jacket over the top. Club scarves are often obligatory too when it comes to football or rugby, but what do we wear on our feet? The aim is to keep our shoes casual but on the smarter side. If we go too smart you could be mistaken for a club official and no-one wants that now, do we? Go too casual and you’ll look like you haven’t made the effort and we can’t be having that either.

Let’s jump straight in with a solid choice, the Goodwood. They may be a trainer but the polished leathers and solid build elevate them to a dressier feel. The construction is ideal if you are on your feet all day. The sole is a light, flexible rubber and with plenty of padding inside they will be extremely comfortable. Colour wise I would avoid white. Lots of queuing and being in a crowd means they will get grubby and although they would clean up nicely afterwards, they would also look dirty quickly (while we are on the subject, read our shoe cleaning blog here).

Next up is the Dune. Officially called a ‘desert’ boot, they don’t come up as high on the ankle as the slightly smarter chukka style, but otherwise they are very similar. The Dune are lightweight, versatile, and trendy. They fit right in the middle of the ‘smart-casual’ genre. Don’t be put off by the suede leathers either. It’s no longer the case that suedes stain easier. They will clean up the same as leather shoes (find out how to bring them back to box fresh here) and you can even purchase our weatherproofing service when placing your order for extra protection.

Although both of the above have a rubber sole, you may need something a bit more substantial for those frostier evenings as, of course, we follow our teams no matter the weather….

If you like the military look then the Churchstow is for you, double-stitched construction on a Goodyear welted Dainite sole that is deceptively light. They are super water-resistant too. If they don’t float your boat then I would recommend the Sharnbrook. Made with the legendary air cushioned Solovair rubber sole and perfect for all-day wear, you will forget you have anything on your feet while maintaining that much needed grip!

When the temperature really drops and you need to ensure you don’t get frostbite, then warm-lined boots are a great option. The Oslo chukkas are ideal. They look smart while keeping your feet snug…and the rest of you feeling rather smug. If you prefer boots that come up higher on your ankle then the Stockholm are a perennial favourite and if you like some chunk to your sole, check out the new Stravanger boots.

Some sporting occasions have a style of their own. I am thinking the West Car Park at Twickenham where rugby fans from across the UK gather before the game to enjoy a little bonhomie before heading into the stadium. It’s part of parcel of the event and there is definitely a ‘look’ that depicts the assembled supporters. I would suggest a rugged brogue for this bunch, such as the Burford or Grassmere II. We have brogue boots too, of course, and I think the Langdale II is a standout choice here. For the female sporting fans, we also have the Stephy brogue boots in tan or black.

Winging back to fairer weather shoes, how about something a little retro? Sport often makes us reflect back to the ‘good ol’ days’, so why not celebrate this by bringing back a classic? A bit of a curveball here but when you think about it, they fit the bill perfectly. I’m talking about the Tokyo hi-top trainers. With strong 80s vibes, a ‘tennis’ style sole and a striking colourway, they really are the perfect shoes to go with just about anything you decide to wear.

If the hi-top is a bit too retro, then don’t worry. We have the same style but in a trainer version and these would work well too. You can find the Tokyo trainers here.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at my selections. Ultimately, it does come down to personal choice but hopefully I have helped stoke the fires inside and got you thinking about what you’re going to wear at your next match day.

Please feel free to give me your selections below, I would love to hear your ideas and whatever sporting events you like to attend, stay safe and have fun!

PS: Bonus points for anyone who can guess the stadium in the top photo…

Shoe style guide

Shoes to wear with jeans

13 October 2021

In the first of our ‘What to wear’ series, we are starting with what to wear with jeans. Most of us wear jeans at some point in the week and the shoes we wear with them can change the whole look of an outfit. Here are my top five suggestions.

1) Without doubt, my go-to pair are the Purcell II in Tabacco Suede. We have talked in detail about the history of a Chelsea boot and why they appeal and this particular model works beautifully with jeans as the colour sets off the denim perfectly. And don’t be fooled into thinking suede means they are delicate, this suede is as hardy as anything and will clean up very easily if required ( I personally think they look better when they have the worn look).

2) Yes, another boot style (I promise this isn’t a running theme), but my second favourite style to wear with jeans is the Coniston (or the Coniston II would work). When my fleece gets broken out of the wardrobe and I’m having to clear leaves off my shoes, so I don’t make the porch a mess, I know it’s time to get my ever-faithfuls out. They are not as elegant as the Purcell II, what with their more rugged exterior and Dainite sole, but they are a smarter than average boot thanks to the brogued uppers and the deep burgundy mix of grain/smooth leathers. It must be mentioned that the 12508 last is for me the best country/casual style last there is. It’s not overly rounded or overly sleek, perfectly suited to being worn with your favourite pair of smart or rough-and-ready jeans.

3) I am excited to talk about my third choice… the Voyager in Mustard. A fairly new addition to our ever-growing collection of styles, they have become a real favourite of mine for when I am on the go. At the ripe old age of 35, I feel too old to wear my gym trainers for general ‘around town’ plodding or a trip to the supermarket, so these really are the best alternative. They are heavier and sturdier than my Nike shoes, and look the mustard (pun intended) with a pair of jeans. You won’t look like you’re trying to dress like a teenager, instead you will give the impression you care about your footwear even when they are the ultimate casual style, and adding a splash of colour never hurts. Talking of the colour, this yellow is the perfect tone and any other variation could look garish but the guys at Norman Walsh, who made these for us, have nailed it. To summarise, I would describe the Voyager as an ‘adult trainer’ and a bit of a wardrobe essential.

4) When I am not wearing the above and just need to slip something on easily, I go with the Rock. Yes, they’re deck shoes and usually worn with chinos or shorts but, trust me, they work with jeans too. I wouldn’t wear them to the pub or on a day out, but I will pop them on for walking my dog or taking the bins out. Once laced you don’t really need to unlace them as they will give quite quickly, so you can slip your feet in with ease, maybe you can call them my lazy shoes? Yeah, that would be fair. An alternative to a pair of Crocs, perhaps….

5) For those of us lucky enough to be able to dress ’smart casual’ at work, there are a lot of options when it comes to footwear. The go-to would be a pair of tan brogues and why not? They look great with a pair of jeans and a shirt. But to mix it up I would consider a pair of monk shoes. Forming part of our new handgrade range, the Monkwell in dark brown would be my first choice to wear with smart jeans, either with a shirt or even a nice tee. I could wax lyrical about the quality and finish of these shoes all day, but if I am cutting to the chase, then quite simply they are elegant without being too dressy. You won’t feel overdressed wearing these for that Friday evening pint, while not feeling under dressed at work.

These are just my suggestions. Happy for you to make your suggestions below or send us your photos on our social media channels.

Herring Shoes

The ultimate question: What is my shoe size?

4 June 2021

A rather complicated question for some. Luckily, we are experts on the subject, and we will try to share our knowledge with you here.

First thing to consider is that handmade dress shoes often come up larger than other styles. It is also worth bearing in mind that everyone’s ‘true to size’ is purely based on what they are used to and consider true, which is often an off-the-shelf dress style-shoes from brands such as Next or Marks & Spencer.

You cannot rely upon your more casual shoe size either as sneakers and trainers do not hug your feet or feel as sturdy and are more generic in shape to give the feel of immediate comfort, but, ultimately, they are not going to support your feet as well as a pair of good quality leather shoes.

Can you measure your feet to get your size? Sadly not. Let me explain why it doesn’t help:

All shoes are made on a last shape and each last will measure differently from another, and there are no set measurements.
It would be very difficult to accurately measure inside shoes.
Measuring the outside sole will not help as this is not an indication of the measurements inside the shoes.
Even if we did have the exact measurements of inside the shoes, how would we determine a good fit? e.g. your foot length will not want to equal the length of the shoe.
A good fitting shoe is not just about length, but also the volume of your feet and this is something you simply cannot measure.

I could go on, but you get the point.

So how can we get your size right? Well, we would ask you the following sorts of questions:

What shoe brands and sizes do you wear now?
Are you giving us a US, UK or EU size? If the shoes are US sized for example, give us this size and not a conversion they have on the label.
What shoe style are you interested in on our website? Some styles are deliberately more roomy or tight so that matters a lot when advising you.
Do you like your shoes to fit snugly, or do you prefer them to fit loosely?

These questions allow us to build a picture of what shoes you are used to and get a good barometer of your general size. We may recommend a size that seems wrong to you (most casual wearers will go down a whole size or more), but please have faith. Even if they feel a little tight to begin with, they will form to the shape of your foot and become unique to you.

How do you know if your new shoes are a good fit?

We advise wearing new shoes for 30 minutes while sat at home (if you walk outside in them or crease them, they may not be returnable) as this will warm the leather and give you a good idea if they are the right size.

You should expect there to be space from the end of your toes to the end of the shoes, depending on the style, there could be a significant gap, but it should never rub. You also want the width to feel snug, but not too tight. The lacing should give you a good indication of this. You want a nice V shape that has room to close a little as the leathers break in. If the V shape is wide they may be a bit tight for you. If they close up completely, then they are a bit too loose because the leather will give over time, and you won’t be able to tighten them any further.

If the length is good but the width is the issue, you may consider a G-wide fitting or another style with a wider last shape.

If the fit seems OK but your heel slips a bit when taking a step, then you may need to get a smaller size as a rubbing/slipping heel can often cause blisters.

Below we have drafted a guide, based on our experiences. Of course, this is not going to be 100% accurate for everyone, but it should help many people get a good indication of their size. You will also find this on every item page on our website under the ‘sizing’ tab. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us.

And don’t forget, if your shoes don’t fit you well, you can return them to us for a refund or exchange, either free or for a low cost label depending on what shipping options you choose during the checkout.

Herring Shoes

Brush up on your suede knowledge

31 March 2021

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.

Herring Shoes

Get into suede for spring

26 March 2021

It may be tipping it down outside today, but as of March 20^th, it’s now officially spring in the UK.

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.

Suede is not just for loafers though. As our last blog – The classic Chelsea boot to ease us out of winter – revealed, we have boots in suede too, such as the Purcell II for men and the Tamara for women.

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.

Herring Shoes

Chunky loafers for winter WFH and daily walks

26 January 2021

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?

Herring Shoes

Winter boot guide 2020/21

30 November 2020

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!

Herring Shoes

Meet the team: Chris Clark

24 November 2020

In the first of our Meet the Team series, we will check in with our customer service and social media manager. As people who work with shoes and our products on a daily basis, they have excellent knowledge of the industry and the latest trends.

Name: Chris Clark

Job title: Customer service/social media leader

How long have you worked at Herring Shoes? 10 years

Favourite style of shoe and why? Brogue… ideally in boot form. They go with anything and are generally appreciated by everyone even if they have little shoe knowledge. Everyone knows what a brogue is and that it stands for quality and style.

What is your shoe philosophy? You can turn a simple outfit consisting of a pair of jeans and t-shirt into something that looks thoughtfully put together if you add a decent pair of shoes. It’s a good way to express yourself.

What has been the biggest change in the shoe industry that you have seen since you have worked for Herring Shoes? More experimental styles are being made and, more importantly, they are being brought by customers. I would also say the demand for higher quality is at its peak, customers are happy to pay a premium if the quality is there.

Who would you like to see wearing Herring Shoes and why? Prince Harry. Likeable guy and a bit edgy too. Who doesn’t like him?

Top shoe care tip: Don’t put your shoes away dirty, especially if you are not planning to wear them again for a while. It will be a nightmare trying to clean them if the dirt impregnates the leather. If they get wet, ensure shoe trees are inserted and they have at least one day’s rest.

If you had to choose one pair of Herring Shoes to wear for the rest of your life, what would they be? My Coniston boots. Thick leather, thick Dainite soles and they feel sturdy, not to mention they look great with anything. The dark burgundy is very versatile. If the zombie apocalypse broke out, they would be the boots to see me through it!

Herring Shoes

Venturing into new territory: Instagram live

20 August 2020

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.

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.