laced boots for men – Herring Shoes Journal

The Torre

13 March 2024

We have shone the spotlight on rugged workingman’s boots recently in response to the enduring enthusiasm for the Peaky Blinder style. We have also started inching towards suede as we embrace spring. But how about blending the two?

The Torre does exactly that. With a cleated, chunky rubber role, you know you are getting a rugged little number. Complemented by a suede upper, yellow and brown round laces through seven pairs of eyelets, and a leather collar, then you have the look of the definitive tough guy boot.

We have added small design details to elevate this style even further though. The leather collar is a striking, sneaker-like white and the pale welt makes the distinction between the dark sole and suede upper.

The other standout difference with the Torre is that it is surprisingly lightweight for a rugged boot. A pair of size 8s will weigh in at 937g. Compare this to our Exmoor (1.35kg), Burghley (1.46kg) and the Cambridge (1.67kg) and you get the gist.

We have also made comfort a priority with plenty of padding to ease your time on your feet, plus a full leather lining.

To me, this is a good boot for this time of year. It’s not quite warm enough to whip out the summer styles, but the brown suede is a nod to spring and a step away from the weather-worn calf heroes of winter.

The Torre is also a great accompaniment to a good old pair of jeans or cargo trousers. Add a casual top or two and you are good to go. A great style for the weekend.

In the spotlight

The Badminton

19 January 2024

We think the Herring Badminton is the ultimate gentleman’s boot. We envisage our customers striding purposefully around the rural landscape (or local park) with their feet warmed by thick, woolly socks tucked inside their frankly gorgeous boots.

However, this boot also lends itself to the more industrial, city style of the Peaky Blinders era. Whatever your environment, the Badminton is a mighty fine boot…and a wonderful example of British boot-making.

Expertly crafted by the team at Cheaney, you know this is going to be a quality item in that it has been handmade by some of the best in the Northamptonshire business. However, it is the leather we have chosen that really make these boots stand out.

The Chromexcel leather that Cheaney uses is from the Horween factory in Chicago – a family-owned business for more than 100 years that spans five generations. Chromexel is created using 89 separate processes across 28 days.

The extensive dying process uses naturally occurring pigments and applied using heat, steam and pressure, all overseen with a careful hand. The base tan is achieved using chrome salts, hence the name Chromexcel, and characteristically yields a soft, supple and very durable leather.

The next stage is affectionately known as ‘hot stuffing’ whereby steamed mills are used to permeate the hide with the best available oils and waxes. The final step is hand-finishing the hide with coats of aniline dye and oil.

The result is a fantastic, richly-coloured leather that has exceptional character to make a boot that will show every mark and experience it goes through but will look better and better as it ages. Trust us, it really does!

We have used the same leather on other styles because we, and our customers, love it so much. The Burntwood monk boot and the Burford R rubber-soled brogues are both made from Chromexcel and ooze that rugged country style.

The Badminton though is our pick of the Chromexcel-made boots or shoes. It is both characterful and classy, and like a fine wine, will get better with age.

Browsing Tag: laced boots for men

The Torre

The Badminton