British Shoes – Herring Shoes Journal

The suit is back…so are formal shoes!

1 March 2024

After years of slouchy clothes and trainers, the suit is back…and so are formal shoes. Whether a reaction to the now more distant memories of living and working through Covid or just a sartorial choice, tailors and traditional shoemakers are delighted to see the return of the suit, overcoats and formal shoes to the catwalks.

What happens on the catwalks, generally filters down to the high street. That’s the whole point of these shows. The top designers inspire a whole season of clothing and footwear. So, get ready for more formal garb for the autumn/winter 2024/25 season.

While there will undoubtedly be some fashionable style upgrades and adjustments, the classic look of the suit remains a tailored two or three-piece teamed with gorgeous formal shoes or boots.

While this is an ideal look for the office or an occasion, the catwalk chatter seems to suggest that elegant suits, coats and footwear will be welcomed in a more casual environment too.

Dolce & Gabanna, for instance, have designed tailored clothing for customers who have grown accustomed to wearing sportswear. The whole aim is to make the wearer feel ‘sleek’ and to embrace the romance of the suit.

While we love the clothes, Herring is all about the shoes! An article in The Times reported Jim Moore, the creative director at large for American GQ and a consultant for international fashion brands, saying: “I was doing a casting and all the young guys, the models, were wearing proper tailored overcoats and hard-soled shoes. They weren’t wearing trainers anymore. They looked smart.”

Let’s take a look at some hard-soled shoes that will complement this casual formal comeback. I noticed that Dolce & Gabanna’s collection was largely black or hues of grey. They used a lot of patent and polished black formal footwear. With black Oxfords and loafers leading the way, alongside knee-high black boots.

No need to fear, we have got all the black Oxfords you need with the leather sole that provides the satisfying clip-clop of a hard-soled shoe.

The Churchill II is a classic Northampton made toe-cap Oxford made on the beautiful 205 last shape. For an unadorned style, the Shrewsbury is a wholecut Oxford made from a flawless piece of leather. Again, if you are looking for standout style, a wholecut will set you apart from the rest.

For a bit of shine, the Newcastle is a classic Goodyear-welted Oxford toe-cap that has a black polished version while the Aston (above left) is a full-on patent shoe.

We’ve got you covered for loafers too. These have long been the go-to when trying to dress down a suit a little. Again, if you want shiny, then the Barcelona comes in a black polished style with classic tassel detail but also in brown and burgundy calf, plus brown suede. The Dillon (above right) has a snaffle trim for a Gucci feel, while the Pisa is more relaxed but no less Italian in their style.

I also feel the monk shoe will be in step with this more formal vibe. We have some beauties in this style. For example, the Salobrena has a sleek shape and is made from a stunning croc-style leather while the Dahl has three buckles and has been beautifully hand-finished.

In the spotlight

The Corsham

16 September 2023

With autumn on its way, we thought it was about time we took a look at one of our most beautiful boots, the Corsham.

This is a perfect country gent’s boot with a strong, but light-weight cleated sole, with a wonderful cedar grain calf upper with brogue detailing.

Due to feature in our Autumn Weekend edit, we think the Corsham is the perfect laced boot that is equally comfortable on a crunchy leafy walk through the woods as well as it is lounging by a log fire in a country pub or hotel.

The Corsham is a homage to the great British manufacturing heritage of the Northamptonshire area of England. This brogue boot epitomises the great handiwork of Goodyear-welting factories that goes back over two hundred years.

This version has been made by the experts at Barker. They do not make this style for anyone else, just Herring.

Barker England was founded in 1880 by Arthur Barker, who had the vision to create some of the finest shoes in the British footwear heartland of Northamptonshire. Every pair of shoes or boots Barker makes goes through 165 production stages and takes six to eight weeks to make.

In short, Barker-manufactured shoes are made by the finest craftsmen. Barker’s shoe skills have been developed for more than 140 years to provide exceptional quality, fit and comfort.

And, as these oh-so fine boots are Goodyear-welted, so you can wear them in so the upper feels like your favourite slippers and you can get them re-soled when you need to. With the Corsham, you get great comfort, durability and style in a timeless boot.

Herring Shoes

Rugby World Cup 2023 preview

1 September 2023

With the Rugby World Cup about to kick-off in France, we thought it would be a good time to remind ourselves of the rugby ambassadors we have worked with over the years, with the newest being our very own current England squad member Joe Marchant. As an English business, I am afraid all our ambassadors wore the red rose of England but that’s not to say we are not appreciative of the talents of our worldwide rugby community, not least the hosts of this year’s tournament.

With Herring’s roots embedded in Cheltenham, just a short distance away from Gloucester, the rugby fraternity were always on our doorstep. Our very British shoes and boots seemed to appeal to the Twickenham-bound set too, including former captain Will Carling OBE. Given the captain’s role at a young age, Will played in two World Cup tournaments, taking them to the final in 1991. More into cycling, leadership mentoring and his family now, Will has been on board with Herring for several years, and is a fan of our desert boot and monk shoe styles.

Internationals-turned-TV pundits David Flatman and Ugo Monye are also keen on a bit of Herring footwear with the former favouring Oxfords and the latter a big sneaker fan.

But we also have a very own World Cup winner in our midst. Hooker Steve Thompson MBE was one of the heroes who brought the Webb Ellis Cupo ‘Bill’ back to English soil from Australia in 2003. The joy that created 20 years ago was incredible, not just for people watching on their televisions, but to the crowds that turned out at Heathrow for the squad’s return and the thousands that filled the streets for the bus tour.

Thompson’s place in the team, after just 18 months of international duty, was pivotal. His pace and aggression made him a key player for the entire tournament. He bucked the trend for short hookers. He was tall, hefty, strong, but mobile. He was also fearless. Thompson went on to win 73 caps for England and was part of the beefiest front row that had taken to the field for the British & Irish Lions on their tour to New Zealand in 2005.

In terms of shoes, Thompson likes to dress up and dress down. His favourite Herring shoes suit his wide feet. He likes the Murlo II moccasins for chilling out, our Kirkby Chelsea boots for smarter occasions, and the Aigle Sonricker walking boots for days on his feet.

A generation later and Ben Moon (below) joined our Look Who’s Wearing ranks. With Herring now based in Devon, the prop was just up the road in Exeter where he plied his trade as a loosehead with the Chiefs. While a World Cup outing evaded him, he still pulled on the white shirt for England eight times and is a local hero. His shoe choice was delightfully Devonian from our Fowey deck shoes for days down by the water to tweedy rugged boots on the farm and calf grain brogues boots for smart occasions.

More recently, we have introduced current England centre/wing Joe Marchant to our shoes. We were delighted to see he had secured his place on the squad before he settles in France to play for Stade Francais next season. As with so many of our rugby friends, Joe likes to look good and dress up when he can. He really likes a formal shoe with our Sussex Oxfords and Carnaby brogues in his collection.

All these men are internationals that we are proud of being associated with. While they all have slightly different styles, they appreciate a well-made shoe and understand a sense of occasion.

As Joe says: “A lot of the time in rugby, you are going to great places, representing your club or your country, so I think it’s really important to look right.”

Go well Joe and all the others in an England shirt and any other coloured jersey for that matter. We cannot wait for this 10^th Rugby World Cup begin. Let’s hope it is a good one. Enjoy the next seven weeks.

In the spotlight

The Colorado

8 August 2023

We have switched our attention to a more casual style for this In The Spotlight feature, but less formal does not mean less quality. The Colorado is a fabulous modern take on the traditional desert boot…and we love it.

The desert boot was brought to the UK by British shoe company C & J Clark, now known as Clarks. When Nathan Clark was deployed to Burma in 1941, not only did he go to fight for his country but to also check out new shoe designs. A fairly unique combination, I think you would say!

He quickly noticed soldiers were wearing durable crepe-soled suede boots that were designed to weather the harsh desert conditions. Mr Clark purchased a pair from a local bazaar and brought them home to Somerset to be re-created and sold to the world four years later.

The ever-so-British desert boot gained a global following, making their debut at the Chicago Shoe Fair in 1950. They became popular with beat poets, musicians and actors to aid their popularity.

And suede desert boots, such as our Dune boots, remain popular to this day, but they have also evolved. For example, chukka boots have the same upper design but are usually leather-lined and have non-crepe soles. Some are even welted, like our Herald, so that they can be re-soled multiple times to enjoy a longer life.

The next iteration of the desert boot from Herring is the Colorado. Still made from suede, but we have offered a few more colours than the classic sand. The Colorado comes in blue, brown and olive to complement a white rubber sole instead of the traditional crepe style.

The plain vamp has been given an upgrade too with a stitched apron to elevate the usual desert boot style. We have also given the Colorado three eyelets – one more than the regimented two of a desert style.

Made by our skilled friends at the Carlos Santos factory in Portugal, the Colorado is made from top-quality suede and is finished by hand. It’s a handsome smart-casual option that will take you through the end of summer and into autumn.

In the spotlight

The Henley

13 June 2023

With the Henley Royal Regatta due to take place at the end of this month, we thought we would turn our attention to its namesake. However, don’t be mistaken for thinking this rather fine shoe is only suitable for boating events; the Henley would be welcome at any sporting occasion or summer outing.

In fact, we have two Henleys in our summer portfolio. Both are rather splendid versions of the spectator shoe. In case you do not know, the spectator is the most common welted footwear design to use two different colours. This two-tone effect is created by using different leathers for the toe, vamp, facings and counters. The wingtip or full brogue pattern is the natural style for this effect because it already has different pieces of leather for these parts of the shoe.

The term spectator derives from its roots as a shoe worn by sporting gentlemen that liked to indulge in a bit of golf or cricket. They became a hit with the men watching these sporting events too, so on-field footwear became off-field fashion…and the spectator was born.

An alternative name for a two-tone shoe is the co-respondent. In the UK, they were considered ungentlemanly and were worn by the “wrong sort”. This perception was encouraged by the most notorious affair of the 1930s when King Edward VIII abdicated from the throne to marry Wallace Simpson. She was a divorcee and still married to her second husband when the King proposed marriage. A co-respondent in English law is the term for a person named in a divorce suit as the wrongdoer. To press the point, both Edward and Wallace were fond of a two-tone shoe. The co-respondent has since dropped its negative connotations and is happily worn by wrong and right sorts alike!

The first iteration of the Henley was made for us by Cheaney. It has been made using an elegant last shape. It features brogue detail on the vamp, facing, counters and toe. The sweeping canvas areas make this shoe very flexible and breathable.

The Henley II was made by Barker. There is no detail on the toe, but the canvass is bisected by a leather trim. It had a full leather sole and is lined with leather too. It is made in tan leather with light-coloured stitching visible on top of the midsole to fully embrace the summer season.

Both are stunning examples of the spectator shoe, and both would be an ideal addition to an outfit worn to regattas, Wimbledon, The Ashes and any other sporting fixture. Sports events aside, they are perfect footwear for wedding guest attire, summer concerts and general gadding-about-in-style occasions.

Both Henleys have also been exquisitely made by these two renowned shoe manufacturers in Northamptonshire. They are quality, welted shoes, which means they can be repaired to last for many summers to come.

In the spotlight

The Jerry

31 May 2023

The Jerry was new to our Premier Collection last year. Developed by our long-term friend and Journal contributor Jerry Tharapos, this is a really beautiful, bespoke boot that deserves a bit of attention. It is the culmination of a great relationship, expert shoemaking, and a two-tone style, so we are quite sentimental about it!

Where to start? A somewhat Dickensian laced boot with six eyelets and two hooks, this Balmoral-style boot it is now very contemporary care of the 205 last the Jerry has been made on to give it a squarer, chiselled toe.

Balmoral boots are akin to an Oxford in boot form, with some distinct features: a closed lacing system, a distinct upper and lower portion of the boot, low heels, a rounded toe, and above the ankle in length.

The British royal family had their part to play in their existence with Prince Albert originally commissioning them for walking through the Balmoral grounds but also to be worn indoors. Ever a fan of boots, Queen Victoria was quick get in on the act too.

Our version is two-tone with the vamp, toe cap and heel-counter made from calf leather and the contrasting top and tongue made from suede. We have one in burgundy calf and blue suede, and the other in navy calf and suede. Both look superb.

We also added broguing along the lower and toe-cap seam and on the two-cap too. Every detail has been thought of.

The mastermind behind their design was Jerry, who will not mind us saying, is a rather natty dresser. He is big fan of burgundy leather, period dramas and vintage styles. A self-confessed modern dandy, Jerry looks sharp and likes to blend old and new styles, usually with a bit of tweed thrown in.

However, it is the skills that goes into making shoes and boots like this that attracted Jerry to Herring in the first place. His namesake was handmade by the wonderful craftsmen at Cheaney in the heartland of shoemaking in Northamptonshire. They are Goodyear-welted which means they can be repaired again and again, if you look after them. This means that if you wear the sole out; you can get it replaced, but not lose the comfort of that you have broken into the upper.

So, if you want a bit of royalty-approved, two-tone, brogue-ish quality footwear in your life then take a look at the Jerry. As their co-creator Jerry would say: “Be dashing…be daring”.

In the spotlight

Herring Dunkeld

26 April 2023

Welcome to a new feature for Herring in which we will quite literally shine the spotlight on new and classic shoes and boots we have to offer you, while also throwing in a sprinkling of other products too.

But why? It has come to our attention that we have such a large selection of hand selected styles that you may not have seen some new or classic options (they may well be the ones you have been searching for all year) and by highlighting them here, we are bringing them back to the forefront for you to see.

An excellent example of this is the Dunkeld semi-brogue. The semi-brogue is a true classic and a style of shoe we are known for. A gentleman needs a pair of semi-brogues or two in his wardrobe as they are so versatile. In the office, at a wedding, down the pub, at the rugby club and so on, a semi-brogue can be dressed up or dressed down to suit any occasion with the intricate detailing unique to the semi-brogue making a subtle statement about your style.

When we set about designing the Dunkeld, we wanted to create something that would celebrate classic elegance but would have a twist. Available in a classic black calf, we also requested a rosewood version. Our trained artisan friends at the Carlos Santos factory in Portugal have done us proud on the latter with the exquisite hand-burnished calf creating a stunning look.

The Dunkeld is also made on a Z160 last to give it a very slender shape with a chiselled toe box that is highlighted by the delicate fleur de lys-stlye broguing.

The modern twist for this very traditional shoe is in the elastication. It is a superbly hidden feature that is tucked under a fan of delicate leather panels. By incorporating elastication, we have been able to do away with laces that some people find fiddly or just prefer the convenience of a slip-on shoe. However, they still look like traditional lace-up shoes with the inclusion of clever faux leather laces.

So, we know they look good but what’s going inside? Like so many of our custom-made, exclusive shoes, these are welted. A welt is key to maintaining the durability of a shoe. Invented by the Charles Goodyear Jr (from the American tyre family), it is a leather strip that is sewn around the edge of a shoe-upper to which the sole is attached. It is the buffer between the upper and the sole meaning that the sole can be cut off and then a new one attached without damaging the upper.

This means the Dunkeld can be repaired again and again, which means you hang onto your favourite shoes, that have moulded nicely to your feet, for so much longer. To help you choose a welted footwear, we clearly mark all our welted shoes with our “Sustainable: Designed to be repairable logo” on our website. The investment made in these shoes will pay you back as you will not need to replace them for many years but can simply repair them.

Back to how good they look! The black calf style is formal shoe and will look very elegant with a dark suit, while the rosewood could be dressed down a little but would be a standout feature with a navy or grey trousers. For sure, this is a classic.

Herring Shoes

Exclusively made for us

20 April 2023

‘Exclusive’ is a term that is bandied around a lot by marketeers. We are also keen on a bit of ‘bespoke’! It struck us that we may need to explain what these terms mean when it comes to our footwear.

When we mention ‘exclusive’, we mean this style of shoe or boot has not been made for anyone else. Herring has had a hand in designing the final look of the product, whether that is choosing the leather type, the finish, the last, the sole, the colour of the sole or interior, and any decorative design feature.

This means you will not find these shoes sold anywhere else. They are all Herring’s!

We have a proud history of teaming up with the best shoemakers in the UK and Europe, and we like to tell you where our shoes have been made and by which manufacturer. We have worked with the Northamptonshire greats, Barker and Cheaney, Bolton-based Walsh for their sneakers, and Carlos Santos for their beautiful hand-finished shoes from Portugal, among others.

We visit their factories and have built up a professional and respectful relationships with their management and very skilled craftsmen. Together, we create iconic designs that they do not make for any other reseller or store.

This is how we have always worked. We have ideas and passions that we want the very best in the business to turn into stunning footwear. In short, every Herring shoe or boot is custom-made to order with a large serving of our own flair and expertise applied.

Here is short run-through of some of our exclusive styles:

Dunkeld brogues – made by Carlos Santos
If you find laces fiddly but want a formal shoe, it can be hard to find anything that looks sleek and formal. Dunkeld is both, with a faux leather lace and delicate leather pieces covering the elastication, made on the Z160 last for a chiselled toe box. These look stunning with a suit.

Horwich trainer – made by Walsh
Herring Horwich is handmade in the UK for us by Walsh, a famous name in the world of training shoes. Following on from our successful collaboration last year, the Horwich is a completely new addition to the range and focusses on clean sharp contrast colours for a distinctive retro vibe. We have used multiple materials and finishes to elevate this bespoke design.

Burlington II – made by Barker
This is a classic shoe. The Burlington II is a new style incorporating a round-toed, semi-brogue with a Derby or Gibson lace plus a hybrid leather-rubber sole in case it rains. This is a premium shoe, handmade in Northamptonshire by Barker using the finest materials.

Charlton II loafer – made by Barker
Also good for spring/summer, the Charlton II takes its inspiration from the classic tassel loafers of old. On a great-fitting 386 last, this elegant loafer is on a Goodyear-welted leather sole and is, again, handmade just for us in Northamptonshire.

Disraeli – made by Cheaney
The Disraeli is a fantastic new addition to our work-friendly range of shoes as it offers the sleek toe cap silhouette of a traditional Oxford but the convenience of an elasticated front. This is handmade from start to finish in the UK and is repairable at the original factory making Disraeli a sound investment.

These are classic shoes that would not look out of place in a Jermyn Street flagship store, but you will not find them there. You can only find these exclusive, bespoke (got them both in there!) styles in our convenient online store.

We will be introducing our new exclusive styles in more detail over the next few weeks. Let us know what piques your interest.

Sole mates

Sole mates: Joe Marchant

14 April 2023

Our latest sole mate is Joe Marchant. Last seen on the international stage playing for England in the Six Nations, it’s back to club rugby for the rest of the season with the Rugby World Cup 2023 hot on its heels. With two appearances for England in the Six Nations and some standout performances for his club, Joe is hoping his ability to play at centre and on the wing will stand him in good stead for selection for Steve Borthwick’s 33-man squad.

But first a little background detail. Joe was an England debutant at centre in 2019 having made his way through the age groups at U18s and U20s levels. He joined the Harlequins academy in 2014 and made his club debut in 2015. A brief sabbatical with Auckland’s Super Rugby team, the Blues, gave him a new string to his bow though when coach Leon MacDonald made it clear he would be playing on the wing as well as at centre. Wing and full-back are often interchangeable and, as we have seen from the England’s line-ups in the past few seasons, fly-halves and centres often swap, but not so much centre and wing.

“I think it is a good thing to play a number of positions, especially at club level. I often play 60 minutes at centre and then the last 20 on the wing. It also depends on who we are playing against. For example, for teams that kick a lot, one of my strengths is being under the high ball, so it makes sense for me to be on the wing. I just love being on the pitch, to be honest.”

The centre partnership conundrum continues for England with more than a dozen players in the 12 and 13 shirts since the last Rugby World Cup in 2019.

“It’s hard because there are so many good options, but the centres have seen the most change, especially with Faz (Owen Farrell) being able to play 12 and 10. There’s always going to be a lot of changes and combinations. Even this campaign, the centres were so different. First week was me and Faz, then it was Ollie (Lawrence) and Sladey (Henry Slade), and Manu (Tuilangi) came in at the end. There are so many different options and strengths, so it has to come down to who you are playing against.

“We all want to play. It’s about keeping your head down, training hard every day and waiting for the opportunity; any one of us could get picked.”

Joe has returned to his club to help battle for a top-four spot. With just four rounds left with the middle of the table so tight and some clubs due for a bye week, it is tough to call who will take the play-off spots, but few would ever write-off Quins!

Whatever position Joe plays, he seems to shine the most when he plays alongside his familiar club mates, such as fellow England team mates Marcus Smith, Alex Dombrandt and Danny Care (who received an England call-up as recently as 2022). Quins’ convincing win over Exeter Chiefs earlier this month saw Joe speed over for the fourth and fifth tries of a whopping 40-5 win, potentially fuelled by his enthusiastic dancing to “It’s Raining Men” in the changing room beforehand. Check out the video…it will bring a smile to your face!

“We were so excited to play at Twickenham and there have been a few times when everyone has been singing and dancing before a match. It was definitely good for us. When we our enjoying ourselves as Quins, we can do a lot of good things!

“Me and Marcus had pretty clear comms from Steve (Borthwick) to go away and play like international players for our club. Basically, go back and put in a good performance. Marcus went straight back in, and I got back on the bench against Ireland.”

Joe will be swapping London for Paris next season as he heads to Stade Francais where he will hook up with Quins’ former head coach Paul Gustard, who is now defence coach at Stade Jean-Bouin. Joe will still be able to take part in this year’s Rugby World Cup but will not be able to play for England afterwards. All in all, this was a decision he did not take lightly after nine years at The Stoop.

“It was really hard. The England stuff was on my mind even though I was not in the squad at the time. I have really enjoyed my time at the club and love playing for England, but I felt it was the right time to try something new.”

Away from the rugby pitch, Joe has a black belt in karate and a dog called Otis. He is a keen guitar player, is learning French and is dating singer-songwriter Hollie Shearer, daughter of England football legend Alan. He has recently been part of an LGBTQ+ Pride event on behalf of the club. Quins seem to be leading the way when it comes to inclusivity having founded the sport’s first LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Quins Pride, in 2021. This season’s Pride game against Newcastle Falcons is scheduled for April 15.

Joe also likes a good pair of shoes with the Herring’s Sussex Oxfords and our Carnaby brogues in his collection. These are full-on, traditional shoes and are perfect for black tie events, weddings, and other formal occasions, but also for date nights!

“Hollie and I like to dress up and just go out for dinner. I really like that smart look. I am not the most fashionable person out there; Hollie is a big influence on my fashion sense. But I like a nice long jacket and a smart pair of chinos with good shoes. I think that looks really strong and the shoes make all the difference.

“A lot of the time in rugby, you are going to great places, representing your club or your country, so I think it’s really important to look right.”

Good luck to you Joe. We wish you all best for the World Cup and life in Paris. You’ll be taking a bit of British flair with you though with some of the smartest shoes we have to offer.

Sole mates

Sole mates: Julian Warren

7 March 2023

A face that nearly every sports fan will recognise from Sky Sports News and live football presenting ranging from the Premier League to the World Cup, Jules knows the importance of making sure you look the part, especially when you’re a lead anchor on the worlds largest sports channel!

Jules at the Carabao Cup final wearing single monk shoes

Jules lives with his wife and two wonderful children in Oxfordshire, mixing his family time with a hectic sports schedule is a feat in itself and we are thankful that he has found time to chat with us about life at Sky and the path he has walked (if you like what you see and want to follow more then the link to Jules’ Instagram is here).

Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. We want to take you back to 2008, when you first started working at Sky. How did it all come about? How did you deal with your nerves when you knew you were making your first live appearance?

I’d worked for many years in sports radio, but presenting on Sky Sports was my dream job – and luckily I managed to make it happen. After some work experience and a bit of badgering, I got a screen test and within a few weeks I was live on Sky Sports News! As it was my first taste of TV, I’ve never been so nervous in my life, but luckily I was on air alongside a broadcasting legend – the late, great David Bobin – who held my sweaty hand (metaphorically!) and got me through. I still get nervous, but the palms are less clammy!

Was there ever a ‘wow’ moment when it hit home that you are working for Sky Sports? Maybe meeting a personal sporting hero?

I’ve been lucky to interview many big names from the sporting world over the 15 years I’ve been at Sky, and work alongside some great former players – many of whom I grew up watching as a lad! As a lifelong Everton fan, presenting a show with Graeme Sharp and Tony Cottee was real “pinch me” stuff. Sharpy was banging in the goals when I first started supporting the club (when we used to win things!) and as a 10 year old I was at Goodison Park with my Dad to see TC score a hat-trick on his Everton debut. Little did I know 20 years or so later we’d be colleagues!

You’re an avid Everton fan ( I feel your pain this season, as a Forest fan) do you have to avoid seeing the live scores when you are on air, for fear it may affect how you present?

Sadly I have to cover all the scores when I’m on air on “Soccer Special” so there’s no way of escaping the goals going in the Everton net (sadly in the last year or so there’ve been quite a few so I’ve not had too many successes to report on!) I don’t keep my allegiance secret on air but I do try and be professional and objective when I cover them (that said, if we score and the camera isn’t on me, I’m celebrating and jumping up and down in my seat. I’ve not been caught out…yet!)

Let’s move on to more sartorial talk. You are always wearing a well tailored suit on air, but what’s your general style when off air? Are you more of a ‘jeans and trainers’ kind of man, or a ‘Chinos and Chelsea’s’ dude?

Firstly thanks for the compliment, I’ll pass it on to the Sky Sports stylists who guide us on what to wear! Off air, I’m definitely a jeans, trainers and hoody man, very relaxed – in contrast to the formality of my “on air” look. If I’m going out out, it’s shirt & jacket, smart trousers and a pair of Herring shoes, of course!

We know that you first saw our shoes through your fellow Sky colleagues wearing them (Prutts, Daws, Teddy, Hef etc) but what drew you to the single monk style and the semi brogues? What differences have you noticed from your Herring shoes when compared with other brands?

I was first drawn to the look of the shoes, they’re beauties! I love the detail on the Chamberlains & the quality of the leather and I’m a big fan of the the monk strap look which contrasts nicely with the semi-brogues. I can honestly say both pairs are the most comfortable “smart” shoes I’ve ever worn. I’ve got wide feet (as I was told from a young age by the fitters at Clarks!) so in the past I’ve found new shoes can feel tight at first and take some time to soften, but these seemed to fit perfectly from the word go. When you’re on air for up to six hours at a time, you want to look the part and feel comfortable too – and my Herrings tick both boxes!

More casual wear with the Herring Cirencester

Sole mates

Sole mates: Teddy (Ed) Draper

18 January 2023

Having the same values and philosophy as we do here at Herring Shoes is important to us, not just anyone can be a ‘sole mate’. A great feel for quality footwear and clothing helps too, as is understanding sustainability and slow fashion. For these reasons and many more, we are over the moon to have Teddy on board, it’s been a real highlight for us here at Herring Shoes HQ.

For those of you that perhaps don’t recognise Teddy’s name, you will almost certainly recognise his face. He describes himself as a journalist, tv presenter, radio broadcaster, and podcast host. Having worked for Absolute Radio, Rock N Roll Sports podcast, and presented some of the 2012 Olympics, it’s fair to say he has an impressive CV.

Let’s fast forward to the present. Teddy is perhaps the most recognised Sky Sports News presenter on our TV’s, often breaking the latest stories whilst seamlessly transitioning from newsreader to interviewer. Naturally, he is always immaculately dressed too (especially now he’s wearing our shoes of course).

Teddy’s friendly and personable character is an unteachable asset that has no doubt helped him throughout his career and when paired with his journalistic qualities, it’s no wonder his personal podcast is such a big hit. ‘Sport and Life‘ (available on both Apple and Spotify) has been a labour of love. On his pod he chats to people in the world of sports, fitness, business and health. When you start delving into his episodes you soon realise he covers these topics and much more, the variation of guests is truly refreshing. Here are some of my personal favourites on the podcast: Dr Chidi: Lifestyle Medicine, Former boxing champion George Groves, Dr Mark Draper on Vitamin D, Matthew Mansell: Former pro rugby player and Athlo app founder

‘I’m very excited and honoured to join the Herring family and to partner with these great people on my podcast. Primarily, it’s the history and quality of the handmade shoes that go all the way back to 1966 (epic year for English sport!). I’m grateful and proud of the opportunity to be associated with a family business based in Britain that has a growing global reputation. I love my Herring brogues for their classic smart appearance, but also the incredible comfort – you can wear them all day, in and out of the studio. They feel almost like a trainer, and still feel fresh and supported come the close of play on my work day. Massive fan of my Red Wing boots – stocked by Herring – too as they, again, look fantastic, are very practical and you can wear them all day long.

Teddy enjoying his Red Wing classic Moc’s

Looking to grow the sport and life podcast has created a dilemma – you require partners to amplify the show, but I’m determined to stay true to my principles and promote something of quality and benefit to the listeners. My conviction that Herring was a great match was cemented when my father-in-law shared an anecdote: his wife bought him two pairs of Herring shoes in 1986 and not only does he still wear them, but maintains “they’re the best shoes he’s worn.” As far as recommendations go, that’s hard to beat. ‘ Teddy, January 2023

If you haven’t already given ‘Sport and Life‘ a listen, then I strongly implore you to do so. You wont be disappointed. If however you do need some encouragement, then his latest episode ‘Sports broadcaster Richard Graves‘ may contain a little gift for any new order on our website 😉

Shoe style guide

Smart men’s shoes for Christmas get-togethers

2 December 2022

Christmas 2021 did not really turn out how we planned. Office parties and gatherings with families and friends were hurriedly cancelled as the latest Covid variant took hold. Christmas 2022 is looking more festive with parties booked with confidence and invites sent out for soirées and meet-ups, thanks to the success of the vaccination programme.

To celebrate feeling comfortable enough to go out this Christmas, I say do it in style! Get out those party outfits again and turn on the style for every festive occasion you are invited to. They are an opportunity to add some sway, some swag, some eccentricity, and just something a little bit extra to mark the holiday season.

Embrace every after-work drink, dinner invite, pub outing, mince pie munching, post-wintry walk drinks with a bit of flair….and that includes your shoes!

It’s an opportunity to switch up from your work shoes. If you wear a black Oxford every day, you may want to wear something a little more casual like a loafer. Go for bare ankles if you really want to step out of office life or team with contrasting socks to make a statement. Check out our model Matthew in our Brighton loafer.

If you are more relaxed at work and like to get dressed up to socialise, then a black Oxford is a great investment. You will never regret having them in your wardrobe, I promise! They look so good with a sharp suit. We have lots of Oxfords to choose from but below is the Sussex for your consideration.

For something in between, try the Munster brogue in rosewood calf. These are hand burnished to give the colour a bit of fizz with a sleek, pointy toe so there is no mistaking them for brogues more used to country rambles. These are classy dress shoes and look sexy!

For those of you that like a little dash of eccentricity as suggested earlier in this journal article, we have some party classics. Patent dress shoes, such as our Aston Oxfords, are perfect for a black tie occasion while slippers also have their place. I am not talking about your fleece-lined, go-to comfort footwear for cold evenings at home, I am talking about velvet slip-ons with a luxurious quilted lining. Our stag house shoes and sk u ll slippers make quite the dandy statement!

I would say God rest ye merry gentlemen at this point, but actually, just get out there and enjoy as many gatherings as you can this Christmas. We have a few years to make up for. Cheers.

Herring Shoes

Backing Sean at the London Marathon

29 September 2022

Our very own customer advisor Sean Prowse will be pounding the streets of our capital this Sunday as he takes on the TCS London Marathon.

This will be the longest distance he has ever run and will put him in the 0.01% in the world of people who have run a marathon. Sean describes it as a “bucket list moment”, although fully aware a marathon takes longer than a moment!

The father-of-two has trained for the big day through one of the hottest summers we have ever seen, taking on the peaks and troughs of the South Hams, as well as the Big Half in London to give him a sense of a race day in the capital and the Two Tunnels Half Marathon in Bath.

Sean has also had a busy summer as a retained firefighter, with the high temperatures causing lengthy wildfires, including a two-month blaze at the local parkrun site on Bolberry Down. Oh, and Sean has a job too working for us!

Sean is raising money for Brain Tumour Research and is tantalisingly close to his target of £3,000. You can show your support for Sean and his cause by DONATING HERE.

You can find out about him below in our quick Q&A:

Job title: Customer Service Advisor

How long have you worked at Herring Shoes?

11 Years

Favourite style of shoe and why?

Full brogue. Being able to dress up or down with this style makes it a firm favourite.

Sean wearing his Herring Petworth, part of our AW collection

Favourite style of boot and why?

A classic Dainite soled boot in a deep shade of brown or burgundy. Who doesn’t love burgundy?

What do you love about shoes?

Whether it is intricate broguing or simply admiring the finishing of a toe cap, I just love being able to pick up a new pair of shoes to appreciate the detailing and craftsmanship involved in bringing a pair to life.

What has been the biggest change in the shoe industry that you have seen since you have worked for Herring Shoes?

Think the biggest change is seeing how shoemakers have been willing to experiment to go beyond the traditional welted shoe. Whether it is with the use of different leathers, patterns or colours. With each season there is always something new that catches the eye.

Who would you like to see wearing Herring Shoes and why?

David Attenborough. Who couldn’t listen to him all day? Living Legend!

Top shoe care tip:

Allow your shoes to dry naturally by alternating. Wearing a pair every day will simply not end well.

If you had to choose one pair of Herring Shoes to wear for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Herring Badminton, simplistic design, favourable last shape, gorgeous leather, it simply ticks all the boxes.

Herring Shoes

Ordering from Germany: Bestellung aus Deutschland

7 June 2022

A customer experience by Joachim Seidel (Deutsche Version)

Update for 2023 – we now offer fully landed prices to all of the EU – delivery and all import duty and taxes are included in the price you pay, there are no extra charges.

I’m a satisfied German customer of Herring Shoes since 2010 and after ordering my first pair of shoes I have never looked back 🙂

To start with, I wanted to try brands I knew, like Church’s, Loake and Cheaney. But over the last few years, I realised more and more how beautiful their own Herring branded shoes are a combination of craftsmanship, price and, of course, looks made me want to try them.

When Brexit happened, I was curious and unsure if the costs would explode. I really was wary ordering from any British brand like Barbour, Gloverall and so on…the details as to shipping, tax and customs were not as clear as I wanted it to be and in the first few months, I read a lot about confusion at the borders when importing goods from the UK.

But after contacting the team at Herring, they gave me the confidence to continue as normal and the process really isn’t much different. I soon realised that the way Herring Shoes processed my order was simple and self explanatory when I had my items in the basket and checkout.

I always choose DHL Express for my deliveries and I am very satisfied. The first two times it was a little bit unusual to answer the German customs via email where they were asking if my order was private or business, but after I responded, I received my parcel very quickly. Even two returns didn’t take any effort. Herring Shoes included all the forms and labels I needed to make the DHL collection.

Of course, when ordering in the EU from the UK I think about the costs, but I can tell you first hand they are about the same like before, because Herring reduces the UK-VAT of 20% before adding the necessary German tax or fees in the basket (their site is intuitive so if it detects you are viewing from outside of the UK it will show you the EX VAT price)

Finally, I’m still very glad to have the opportunity to order great British shoes at a great price 🙂

Ein Kundenerlebnis von Joachim Seidel

Seit 2010 bin ich ein zufriedener deutscher Kunde von Herring Shoes und nachdem ich mein erstes Paar Schuhe bestellt habe, habe ich es nie bereut 🙂

Zu Beginn probierte ich mir bekannte Marken wie Churchs, Loake und Cheaney aus. Doch in den letzten Jahren habe ich auch Gefallen an der Herring-Hausmarke gefunden – eine gelungene Kombination aus Handwerkskunst, Preis und natürlich Aussehen.

Als der Brexit feststand, war ich neugierig und unsicher, ob die Kosten explodieren würden. Ich zögerte bei britischen Marken wie Barbour, Gloverall & Co zu bestellen. Die Details verschiedener Online-Händler zu Versand, Steuern und Zoll waren oft unklar und in den ersten Monaten erlebte ich viel Verwirrung bei der Bestellung von Waren aus dem Vereinigten Königreich.

Das Team von Herring reagierte schnell auf meine Fragen und bestärkte mein Vertrauen, dass bei Ihnen der Bestellprozess wie gewohnt problemlos funktioniert.

Zumindest die Lieferungen über DHL Express liefen ohne jede Verzögerung. Die ersten beiden Male war es etwas ungewöhnlich, dem deutschen Zoll per E-Mail zu antworten, ob meine Bestellung privat oder geschäftlich sei, aber nachdem ich geantwortet hatte, erhielt ich mein Paket sehr schnell. Selbst zwei Rücksendungen waren kein Problem.

Meiner Erfahrung nach sind die Kosten im Vergleich zu vor dem Brexit in etwa gleich geblieben, da Hering die UK-Mehrwertsteuer von 20% abzieht, bevor die erforderlichen deutschen Steuern und Gebühren im Warenkorb hinzugefügt werden. Die Herring – Website ist da sehr intuitiv :).

Also aus meiner Sicht auch nach dem EU-Austritt Großbritanniens immer noch klare Kauf-Empfehlung: tolle britische Schuhe zu einem tollen Preis :).

Uncategorised

Our best British shoes to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

27 May 2022

As people plan street parties and start stringing bunting across their homes, it struck us that the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee represents a very British occasion. We are a British company through and through, and while we love all our customers from overseas, one of the reasons they choose us is the traditional shoemaking heritage our products offer.

It got us debating on which of our British shoes are the top five most British! See what you think.

Churchill II
Named after one of our most famous Prime Ministers, the Churchill II is a traditional black Oxford. They are handmade from start to finish in Northamptonshire – the home of British shoemaking. This is a classic formal shoe that will never let you down.

Eden II
Another Prime Minister, another classic shoe from the craftsmen in Northampton. The Eden II has a more contemporary look with a brogue punch to the toe and elegant swan neck brogueing to the sides. The Eden is handmade using the finest calf leathers, stitched onto a Goodyear welted sole and then hand burnished. It really doesn’t get much better than that for British shoe making.

Chelsea boot
With the Chelsea boot’s origins firmly with our previous long-serving Queen Victoria, this boot had to appear on this list. We have plenty of examples, but we decided on the suede Taverner. It’s gorgeously elegant with a spectacular, rich suede upper made on the perfectly proportioned 109 last. We think this is a must-have for the well-dressed.

Carnaby
Not a Parliamentarian in sight for this one with a nod to the rural gent despite its uptown name! You must have a brogue in a British list of shoes, and the Carnaby are our best-sellers. They look great with a grey or navy suit but can work equally well with chinos or jeans. Tan brogues are a man’s best friend!

Greenwich II
The Royal Borough of Greenwich was the inspiration for these very fine monk shoes. In fact, Greenwich became a royal borough to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The Greenwich II are super smart formal shoes that again have been made in Northamptonshire. These have a medallion of punching on the toe to make them stand out…in a good way!

So, what do you think? Are these the most British of British shoes? If you have any other suggestions, please let us know! Until then, enjoy the Jubilee celebrations.

Shoe style guide

Why it makes sense to spend more on your shoes than your suit

16 May 2022

End of season or term parties, summer balls, sporting events and weddings are beginning to gather pace. As the warmer weather begins to creep in, the social calendar starts to fill up. With so many people still working from home or with more relaxed dress codes now accepted in offices, these events are a rare occasion to don a suit.

It got us thinking about suits and the shoes we wear with them. In our mind, it is better if you spend more money on the shoes than the clothing and here’s why.

Other people notice your shoes!
Whether you have forgotten to polish them, or they are down at heel or are just a poor choice, other people will notice and probably form an opinion of you. You want this to be a good opinion. Here, are two positive scenarios to consider.

I suggested my colleague might need a shoe upgrade when I noticed his shoes were looking worse for wear. Bless him, he heeded my advice and got himself his first welted pair of shoes… and it took less than two minutes for someone to compliment him on his shoes after he left the shop!

At the last wedding I attended, the standout guest was a super-tall gentleman with a long beard, but these attributes were not what made him stand out. His patent black Oxfords, similar to our Waltz 11s, did all the talking for him! He looked awesome and attracted many admiring glances. I could not tell you what kind of suit he was wearing!

While these are positive examples, we can probably all recall memories of when people have made the wrong shoe choice or have not taken care of their footwear. It does not matter if you are wearing head to ankle designer gear if your shoes let you down. Shoes make an outfit. (By the way, I feel this is a safe space as I know I am preaching to converted here. Herring Shoes’ customers love shoes!)

Shoes can outlast a suit
If you buy welted shoes and take care of the uppers, your shoes can last a long time. Sadly, expanding waistlines or too many knee slides on the dance floor mean suits get worn out. Fashion also changes. The double-breasted dinner jacket of your university days may not be what you want to wear anymore!

If your shoes are repairable – we have a clear logo indicating this on this website – and you regularly polish them and use shoe trees, they should fit you and complement your outfit choice for many years to come. You need to think of your shoes as a true investment.

Shoes for all occasions
Whereas black-tie suits are for formal occasions, the black Oxfords you wear with them can be worn with a lounge or morning suit, so will see you through days at work and other occasions too. Equally, a tan brogue or spectator shoe can be worn with a suit at work, as well as with chinos or jeans at the weekend.

In conclusion
The gentlemen filling suit hire places ahead of their summer occasions have got it right. Get the fashionable suit you want for the day but invest in your shoes for years to come. Take university under-graduates, for instance, the shoes you wear to celebrate the end of term will work equally well for job interviews, for work, and for friends’ weddings in the future.

You want to ensure you stand out for all the right reasons and a good pair of shoes will help you do that.

Herring Shoes

Breaking in your shoes

25 February 2022

For those of you that are well aquatinted with welted footwear, this article may well be a case of preaching to the converted, however it could help you determine the styles and construction you decide to try next.

So, what should you expect when you purchase your first pair of welted or stitched shoes or boots? Of course, you are expecting to be blown away by the quality and aesthetics; this is a given when you are spending your hard earned money. No doubt you are also expecting them to be the most comfortable pair of shoes you have ever worn too, and this is where it becomes important to understand why your new shoes are as expensive as they are and how this affects their comfort.

Firstly, let’s talk about the fitting. Without going too far down the rabbit hole, the size needs to be right. You are looking for a snug, but not tight fitting, and they certainly mustn’t be loose. You should have a nice ‘V’ in the lacing area too which over time will close a little as the leathers stretch. If the fitting is correct then you are good to go and it’s time to walk around the house to get a feel for them (you would be forgiven for posting a sneaky Instagram photo to really rub it in your friends’ faces how nice your new shoes are). But you have probably noticed that while they feel supportive and snug, they are perhaps not particularly comfortable straight away, especially when compared with your trainers or sneakers. Fear not.

Herring Jacob with a classic Goodyear welted leather sole

Let’s swing back to why you have paid so much for these shoes and where most of that cost has gone. Simply put, it’s the materials, construction and the manual labour of the shoes to go through 200 odd processes from start to finish…by hand. The leathers will be real. This means they are thicker and in turn a little stiffer. Calf leather will always be softer than a polished leather though, so they will feel more comfortable straight away in comparison, but still it is thicker than imitation leather or thinner leathers used on casual shoes. This means they will last many years, but they will also require more breaking in. There is also a cork footbed between the sole and insole. This feels stiff, but again, it is designed to mould to your soles as you wear them in, the same way the leather uppers will and you will likely find the stiffness is often most noticeable around the heel because of the heel card inserted between the leathers (this is essential to help the heel keep its shape). It is not uncommon for you to get a blister or some pain in the heel when wearing them in. This does not mean they are poor quality or that there is a fault, it is simply part of the breaking in process and it will ease by wearing them indoors for two to three evenings before you first wear them outside. They will have already started to soften and mould to your feet in this time.

Ok, so now it’s time to talk about the sole and construction. The thicker the sole, the harder it is to break the shoes in, similar to the thickness of leather uppers also having a say in how hard they are to break in. When you think about it though it’s quite logical: A thicker material has less flexibility than a thinner material. So, a single thickness leather sole (most dress shoes have this) will break in quicker than a Dainite rubber sole. Both of these would wear in quicker than a double or triple thickness leather sole. Again, and logically, a single thickness leather sole is going to also wear quicker than the a Dainite or double/triple thickness sole, so it is a case of weighing up the pros and cons when deciding what style you are going for, and the same can be said for how the uppers are stitched to the sole (the construction).

Herring Silverstone II with a cemented rubber sole

Goodyear welting is known as ‘the world standard’ of shoe construction (see this blog for a more in-depth read on construction) and quite rightly so, it makes shoes extremely hardy and resilient. It allows for the shoes to be resoled many times. It also means that, again, the shoes will be less flexible straight away due to the amount of stitching and welting, which also adds a little weight.

If you are desperate for a pair of shoes that you won’t need to spend so much time breaking in, then you should consider looking for a pair that are Blake stitched. They can be repaired still but as not as many times as a Goodyear welted pair. They are also lighter and more flexible due to the stitching process, so they will instantly feel less ‘stiff’, this method is used more in casual shoe styles like loafers and moccasins.

Finally, you have glued soles. These cannot be repaired and they are often less expensive than any of the above methods because they are much simpler to make but they are not as hard wearing or long lasting. The major advantage is that they will need very little breaking in though and will feel more ‘instantly’ comfortable.

Herring Biker boot with a Goodyear welted commando sole

At this stage you are probably wondering why you would put yourself through all of this for a pair of shoes and I don’t blame you! But I can assure you, it is worth it. Once you have broken in your shoes, which can take anywhere from one week to four weeks, they will be the most comfortable shoes you have ever worn and they will also look superb thanks to the supreme leathers.

As they say, no pain, no gain…

Herring Shoes

Rev up your biker style

25 January 2022

Biker boots offer a different style for the heavy boot-loving wearer. While combat boots are still a favourite for many, the biker boot provides a just-as-rough-and-tough alternative to tap into your inner Marlon Brando.

The engineer boot led the way for biker boots when a stovepipe leg was fashioned over an English riding boot. The modern-day biker boot can range from ankle to below the knee and are designed to protect the lower limbs of their wearer care of their thick leather upper and tough rubber sole. Buckles, zips, and fasteners are often incorporated to maintain a snug fit and the heel is low to enable the wearer to effectively control the bike.

Herring has brought out its own version of the biker boot that is equally at home as a fashion item as it is on the back of a Harley Davidson. They are also useful for wet weather walks.

Our design features a commando rubber sole, a gear-change patch on the toe and a zip for convenience. There is a buckled strap and cut out ribbed section at the back to rev up the biker style. They have been handmade using Goodyear-welting for the highest quality and long-term ownership, as they can be repaired repeatedly.

These boots are hand-patinated individually in the Carlos Santos factory, so they look great and just need a gentle wax-based cream or polish to protect them.

Biker boots are a great accompaniment for jeans with a T-shirt, casual shirt or chunky jumper. You could even chuck on a leather jacket to complete the look. This is a far cry from the tweed suits that were originally worn by motorcyclists!

If biker style is not your thing, you may prefer the Churchstow Norwegian rubber-soled boots or the Hartwell brogue boots. The latter two have the same cleated rubber sole to give a nod to rugged footwear.

January and February weather is ideal for these types of boots, when its constantly wet underfoot and we are all dragging ourselves around waiting for spring to get going. A new pair of boots always does wonders for the sole and, indeed, the soul, so maybe biker chic is what you have been waiting for to brighten up the gloomy days.

Herring Shoes

Men’s shoes for dating

23 November 2021

This blog isn’t just for those who are single and on the dating scene, hopefully it helps encourage those of us who already have partners, and perhaps don’t have enough date nights, to make a bit more effort.

A lovely shot of Hugo and Lily. Hugo is wearing the Herring Canterbury

Let’s face it, we are well and truly in the digital age of dating and whether you like it or not, it’s here to stay, but I think it should be embraced, especially after the last couple of years where going out and meeting someone in a bar has become virtually impossible. Dating sites and apps offer a safe place to get to know someone and help you make a decision on whether you want to take things to the next step; it can be a huge confidence booster too.

So, you’ve found your perfect match online and the time has come for that first ‘in-person’ date. There’s no doubt you need to look your best to impress and this starts with what you’re wearing. You don’t want to just throw on the first pair of shoes you come across in your porch or wear the same clothes you wear down the pub with your mates. It’s time to bring your A-game.

The most important rule: Dress for the occasion.

You don’t want to be in a tuxedo and black patent shoes if you’re just meeting up for a coffee! Most physical dates will involve meeting for either lunch or dinner. I would suggest if you are meeting for lunch or a coffee even, that you take the more ‘smart/casual’ approach. I would go with dark coloured jeans (preferably not baggy, but they don’t have to be budgie smugglers either) paired with a chequered or patterned shirt with the sleeves rolled up. This will give a fantastic first impression when paired with our Grays, Orkney, or Canterbury chukka boots. Chukkas aren’t over the top and just enough on the smart side to show you have put some thought into what you’re wearing. If you aren’t much of a shirt man then I would wear a plain tee and team this with a pair of smart trainers/sneakers, such as the Sebastian or Goodwood and if you can match the colour of your tee with them, even better! Also consider a pair of suede Chelseas, such as the Bronson. These are the epitome of ‘smart/casual’ and work with both of the above dress options.

Carl has matched his shoes and tee to get the smart/casual look. He is wearing the Herring Sebastian

Dinner date? Now we start to think more on the smarter side. You don’t have to go down the ‘black tie’ route unless you’re going to a ball or a themed evening (how cool would a murder mystery night be for a first date?), but I would certainly wear something along the lines of a textured blazer, your best quality dark coloured chinos and a linen shirt. The latter doesn’t have to be plain, but I would avoid too much of a pattern. Details, such as a nice belt, will make a difference too especially as you should be tucking your shirt in. The obvious choice of footwear is a pair of brogues, and this is where the Carnaby come into its own. They are a modern-day classic made on a sophisticated but not pointy last. The chestnut calf will go with anything. I defy you to make these shoes look bad! I would also consider the Munster, which are a bit more understated, but extremely refined. The Byron are a solid option too for those of you like a monk style and love to mix it up a little.

It’s good to be creative and maybe you have planned a country walk for your date, ending up in a nice cosy pub with a roaring fire and hot chocolate. For this I would go country chic, such as a big woolly jumper and waxed jacket would set the tone nicely and we’ve got you covered. Check out our offerings for country clothing here from Peregrine. Footwear wise, you need something with good grip and you can afford to go a bit more chunky with your shoe choice. My first option would be the Leconfield long wing brogue in burgundy or tan: they’re timeless country styled brogues. Or go for the Hardwick, which would be ideal for those who like the chunky look but don’t want the weight. For the real shoe aficionado, the Kirkoswold ticks a lot of boxes, especially in the waxy finish. If your walk is a bit more hardcore and there’s some climbing involved, then the Trekker is the one you need. OK, it may not be the most stylish pair, but they suit the occasion down to a tee.

I could go on all day, but I think we have covered enough bases and I hope it has helped to give you some ideas.

Don’t forget, the above is not set in stone, first and foremost you have to make sure you are comfortable, confident and happy in whatever you’re wearing (as covered by Caz here). The better you feel, the happier you will be, and the date is more likely to be a success. You’ll be planning your second date before you know it 😉

Herring Shoes

Where can I buy decent men’s shoes?

25 June 2020

If you have landed on this blog, then you may have just Googled this question! One of the answers to the title question is…us!

Buy British shoes — One of our best selling shoes, the Herring Carnaby

Sadly though, web queries like this will become more relevant as some high street shops close after being forced to shut their doors for several months during lockdown. This will include independent retailers that have long served their local communities with shoes and boots from a range of manufacturers.

Of course, there will still be the option to go to large chain stores that sell their own brand of shoes, along with clothing, homewares, gifts, etc. However, by being so prolific as one-stop shops for all a family’s needs, an element of craftsmanship will be lost, and these stores very seldom offer a fitting service or even a qualified footwear advisor.

Department stores will often stock a range in the same way as a traditional shoe shop used to, but even before lockdown, there were department stores that were heading for administration. Coupled with people adhering to social distancing rules, the temporary, and potentially permanent closure, of shoe shops has seen people go online to find their footwear. This can be bewildering as there are manufacturers and there are retailers…and manufactures that have their own shoe shops!

We specialise in classic British style such as our stunning Herring Exmoor

Herring Shoes is an online retailer that sells shoes and boots from a range of manufacturers. Most of these are UK based. We have always worked closely with largely Northamptonshire-based factories and their craftsmen and this seems even more appropriate as the UK’s shrinking economy tries to wrestle back the 20% it shrank by in April.

All our shoes are ‘decent’. In fact, we are proud of their quality. They do range in price and we often have sales to make them affordable. In addition, our welted shoes can be re-soled time and time again to ensure your investment lasts for many years and will often be less than the amount you would have spent on replacing countless cheaper shoes. Your soles can be replaced multiple times but the leather upper that has moulded to your feet will remain just as comfortable.

We have recently reached our 7,500 Google review milestone to give online shoppers confidence in our ability to meet their needs. We have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 with more than 93% of customers giving us the highest possible rating.

And while you cannot all come and see us in our store – although we do have one in Kingsbridge – our customer services team is very experienced in the nuances of all the footwear we sell and whether they suit a wide or standard foot, whether to go a size up or down, etc. Give them a call – they are remote but friendly versions of qualified footwear advisers.

We do jazzy too, check out our Herring Laverton

Head to our website to browse our stock by manufacturer, by shop type, by size, by colour or by fit. Decent footwear is still being made and sold by Herring.

Browsing Tag: British Shoes