trainers – Herring Shoes Journal

Shoes to wear with shorts

30 June 2022

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!

Ben Moon wears shorts and deck shoes on the beach — Ben Moon in our Fowey deck shoes

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?

Suede loafers to wear with shorts — Moccasins

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.

Man wearing shorts and holding suede loafers on the beach — Suede loafers

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.

Navy Voyager trainer with yellow detailing — Navy Voyager

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.

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

How will you be wearing your sporting colours this summer?

6 July 2021

Summer means sport and this year sees a bumper number of tournaments with the Euros, delayed from 2020, in full flow and the Olympics just two-and-a-half weeks away.

Apologies in advance if you are not an England fan. I will make this brief. For those of you that are, you will know that we play Denmark in the semi-final tomorrow night at Wembley. Unless you are lucky enough to have a ticket, you will no doubt be watching at home, on screens in gardens or in the pub. Even lacklustre football fans cannot help turning half an eye to the television when it gets to this stage. Why? Because sport makes us feel good.

The out-pouring of national pride and enthusiasm in supporting and celebrating the endeavours of our countrymen and women is uplifting. Australians will re-member the joy of 2000 Olympic Games and the British were full of pride in 2012. I’m sure, despite the delay and strained circumstances of this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese will get swept up in the euphoria of the event too, along with all the other the nations who send competitors.

Meanwhile, rugby fans will know that the British & Irish Lions have begun playing in South Africa – another once in every four years occasion – and the home nations have undertaken a series of international matches too.

The fact these three competitions have collided in one summer is due to COVID, which although frustrating last year, is rather wonderful for the sports fan in 2021. Meanwhile, Wimbledon and cricket is a constant in the summer with the addition of a new tournament this year called The Hundred. The Tour de France is wending its way through, well, France, The Open features at Royal St George’s in two weekends’ time and the Paralympics start at the end of August. It’s just brilliant!

So how will you be flying your colours and turning out for these events? This is where this blog came from after I saw a group of young men on their way to the pub to watch the football…all wearing pristine white trainers or sneakers. We can help with that!

In fact, our Sebastian sneaker has a choice of red, white or navy suede at the topof the heel, so can you choose how you display your national loyalty. These colours work for many countries across the world too!

If you prefer a trainer, than the Voyager in navy and white could be a good option or the Goodwood in white calf is a super smart classic too.

If you happen to get tickets to Wimbledon or the cricket, then a two-tone spectator must be the way to go. Named after the rowing regatta, the Henley would be perfect or the Henley II for a lighter shade or the Farnham for a bit of navy suede.

Light-weight brogues could also work, such as the Carnaby or Longford, and loafers will see you through all of the occasions above. I would suggest the Cannes or Ibstock for summer suede.

After 15 months of worry and waiting, it feels good to be able to celebrate something again and to be with family and friends. Sport brings people together in a truly unique way. If you are still home working and do not have any excuse to buy new shoes for the office, then why not treat yourself to a new pair of shoes to enjoy a truly packed summer of super sport…whoever you support.

Herring Shoes

Review: The Voyager trainer

29 June 2021

As a physio, I am on my feet all day, so comfortable shoes are a must-have. I was delighted to give the Voyager trainer, made by Norman Walsh Footwear for Herring Shoes, a whirl.

The first thing I have to say is that they definitely catch the eye. Lots of my patients have commented on them. The yellow leather detail against the black mesh and suede makes them standout and they go well with my black trousers.

They are also really springy, as they are well-cushioned, and I would suggest would suit a wearer with a neutral foot type.

They are quite narrow, which suits me, so if you have a slender foot shape, these will work for you.

What I really liked though was their retro look and feel, their British-ness and their history. As the leaflet will explain that comes with your Voyager trainers, Norman Walsh made the shoes worn by Sir Roger Bannister when he became the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes.

I also like that Norman Walsh Footwear made the first ever mountain running shoe and fell-running shoe. Sir Chris Bonington wore the latter as he trained for his first-ever successful ascent of Mount Kongur.

As a keen sportsman, the cricket, rugby league and marathon connections suit me too.

I am not sure I would wear these for running a marathon or even a mile in though. I would need more breathability, shorter laces, more grip and more of a rocker under my big toe. Anyway, they are too nice to run in! I would say these are more for everyday smart casual wear rather than running down their tread in the gym.

While I am wearing the black and yellow version, I am reliably informed that the Voyager is also available in green and brown, navy and gold, black and grey, mustard and white, green and orange (see below), and navy and white, so plenty of choice.

Norman Walsh Footwear is celebrating 60 years since the brand was founded this year. It’s nice to be wearing a bit of British sporting heritage on my feet and my patients clearly approve!

Herring Shoes

Sneakers v trainers – what’s the difference?

12 May 2021

Both these shoe styles are rubber soled and give you a bit of bounce, but to me, they are very different…or so I thought! This article has evolved as I have written it. Just as I think I have hit on the perfect definition; a curve ball knocks me off course. See what you think.

What I do know, is that historically, sneakers were the originals. They were first made in the US in the late 1800s by Keds and were designed to be shoes worn in stealthy moments…essentially, you could walk quietly in them! On the other side of the pond, the Brits were referring to these as plimsolls. Both had a rubber sole and an upper made of canvass. They were worn for outdoor activities and sports.

In the early 20th century, they were in huge demand with 1917 seeing the launch of Converse All-Stars. These sneakers featured on the feet of the US basketball team in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin while four-times gold medal winner, Jesse Owens, wore a track shoe designed by Adolf Dassler, who went on to establish Adidas.

Here is where I think sneakers and trainers started to take a difference path or track. After the Second World War, sneakers became casual footwear while the trainer developed into a high-tech shoe designed to enhance your sporting performance.

Where the lines began to blur is when trainers were also worn as casual footwear to suit personal preference or as a fashion statement. Anyone wear Nike Air Jordans or British Knights in the 1980s? These types of shoes have come full circle I think, with modern Nike Air 1s, for instance, now being regarded as sneakers, along with Vans and other similar brands, and are never far away from the feet of most teenagers.

But is the distinction between leisure/fashion or sports use enough?

I think shape also comes into play. Sneakers usually have a rounded toe and flatter sole. The sole on sneakers is a cup-sole. It has a solid base piece and cushioning on top. Trainer soles pitch up at the front, have a heel and sport all number of cleat styles while the tech in between the bottom of the sole and the inside of the upper is a category all of its own, recently ramped up by Nike’s addition of a carbon plate to their latest running shoes.

This is the bit where I confuse myself. Leaving the tech aside, I would still consider some styles of leisure shoes to be trainers. The shape of Herring’s Goodwood shouts trainers, but they are leather and are too good to run through puddles! The Voyage style is also a trainer as it has a cleated sole, heel and an up-turned toe.

On the sneakers front, I would confidently offer up the Strike II, the Sebastian or the Harvard. While the Tokyo messes with my mind a little. I would put the black and printed linen in the sneaker pile and the grey and lime ones in the trainer pot!

Meanwhile, some manufacturers still call their training shoes ‘sneakers’ and Herring calls all these types of shoes ‘trainers’. There really should be rules for this kind of thing!

But there are no rules. There is no need for categories, just good shoes and a wealth of styles that means smart leisure shoes are now accepted in more formal settings. Check out the Floyds, the Goodwoods and the Silverstone IIs – these would not look out of place in the boardroom!

In summary, I still think sneakers are for leisure and trainers are for sport…unless they look like a trainer. Brilliant! I hope that clears that up.

Browsing Tag: trainers

Shoes to wear with shorts

Shoes for spectating sport

Shoes to wear with jeans

How will you be wearing your sporting colours this summer?

Review: The Voyager trainer

Sneakers v trainers – what’s the difference?