As a massive rain cloud heads its way to South Devon, I am wondering why I am even contemplating this journal entry, but I am eternal optimist and believe we will get some solid days of summer sun in the not-too-distant future. When we do, our readers will be prepared with some pre-emptive advice on what shoes to wear with shorts.
Sure, you can whack on a pair of flip-flops (or thongs for our southern hemisphere clientele) with your board shoes on the beach, but what about life away from the sand when you may wish to have little more support underfoot or simply want to look a little more dapper? Here are some suggestions for the sunnier days to come (they will come!)
Deck shoes
These could not be more South Devon if they tried! Seen on the feet of many a boat-lover, these shoes are perfect to slip on and off as you jump from the shore to the deck but work equally well as a casual accompaniment to shorts. They are comfortable and get better with age to cultivate that true New England summer vibe. See England and Exeter Chiefs’ Ben Moon below to prove my point!
We have any large range of deck shoes from you to choose from the traditional style with white rubber soles, such as our Fowey style in navy or Sebago’s dockside Portland collection through to cleated, more hard-wearing styles that look like they could weather many a storm! Most bear the traditional 360˚ leather lacing but we do have some unadorned styles too.
To really nail the casual sea-faring look, Sperry has a canvas Bahamas II range in white and hues of blue, or the Striper II below. Again, these will get better with age and will be a go-to staple of your summer wardrobe.
For women, we have our new clog-backed deck shoes from Sebago in a gorgeous shade of light pink. What’s not to love? Or we have a more traditional style in Sebago’s Jacqueline deck shoe.
The above all represent a good alternative to flip-flops when you want to hide unsightly toes or cracked heels (often caused by flip-flop wearing) without feeling your toes are getting overheated as the weather gets warmer.
Moccasins
Again, these are causal but are a step up from the deck shoe and feel like a halfway house between a deck shoe and a loafer. Made from suede uppers with a rubber sole, they are light-weight and super casual while maintain a sense of style. Billed as driving moccasins, use them to get you to the waterside for a spot of al fresco dining.
I like the Maranello style in sky-blue suede with the yellow detailing, but you can also get navy and brown with blue detailing, and black with red. If you want a bold splash of colour, why not try the Murlo II in turquoise?
Loafers
Loafers are perfect when you need to look a little smarter, such as for that causal wedding you have been invited too but have no idea what to wear. Like deck shoes, Herring has always had a strong loafer game, so there are plenty to choose from. For shorts though, I would suggest suede or a light-weight tan or navy leather. I am saying no socks because I am a bit old-school, but I reckon there are plenty of men who could style out a white or pastel shade of ankle sock!
My top pick for loafers would be the Banks in a neural shade of taupe, (also available in red and bottle green), plus our Cannes style, with crepe soles in a choice of sand, tobacco and navy, or the Ibstock. For a tasselled alternative, try the Sagres loafer. This lining-less design is very soft and lightweight, so feels great against bare feet. Any of these will be the perfect footwear with tailored shorts and a shirt to make a smart statement in the summer sun without having to feel like you’re melting.
Trainers
I am not talking about your old squash shoes or runners here! Trainers for casual wear have come on in leaps and bounds and can look very smart. I love the trainers made for us by Walsh. They have a good eye for lifestyle trainers and the Horwich and Voyager are really standout. We have introduced a burgundy colourway this season, but I like the navy Voyager with the yellow detailing and the grey and teal Horwich. These would work well with shorts and T-shirt or a polo shirt. Top tip: They go down to a size 5, so women can wear these too, but you will need to find them in the men’s section on our website.
Despite the current chilly weather, writing this journal entry has made me feel more summer-y already! Whether you are holidaying in the UK or abroad this summer, I wish you all the best and already know you are going to rock whatever footwear you wear with your shorts.