winter boots – Herring Shoes Journal

Winter boots for the Southern Hemisphere

25 August 2021

The few glimpses of sunshine we have had in the UK recently means that it must still be summer…although there is some doubt. While we cheerfully moan about the weather, our friends in the South Hemisphere are currently in their winter with half an eye on spring.

We felt it was only fair to revisit winter boots for the many loyal customers we have overseas below the equator. A big ‘hello’ to you down there. You’ll be glad to know Herring have got some winter corkers up their sleeves (or should that be trouser leg?) for men, and yes, women too!

Ladies first, and I have to say I am excited about these to the point I am almost looking forward to winter. The Stephy brogue boots are my kind of thing. Chunky and super traditional, they are retro country-set with a twist that comes in the form of a beefy heel. These beauties are the result of an exclusive collaboration with Trickers using their super-soft, deeply grained muflone leather that has been dried in drums for softness and texture. Blended with a welted rubber sole, they look awesome! They are repairable too so pleasingly tick the sustainability box and should last you for years, with some care and attention. I suspect they will look better with age too.

If you cannot be bothered with laces, then I am also giddy about the Paula rubber-soled Chelsea boots. Potentially written off as a bit horsey, these Chelsea boots have some biker attitude, again care of their generous rubber sole. As well as looking just that little bit edgy, the rubber sole will be perfect for puddle survival in the winter months. I love these in black.

Both of the above are exclusive to Herring, so it is unlikely you will see them on anyone else’s feet.

Ok chaps, it’s your turn. What can we offer you this winter Down Under? Here are some of the new boots on the block. A bit like the Stephy, the Corsham is a brogue boot with a chunky Goodyear-welted rubber sole. Colour-wise, you can choose between cedar and cherry.

Next up is the Cromer. This one is a little bit special as it is made from cordovan crup, which is tanned carefully over a long period of time and hand-infused with natural oils to give the lustrous almost translucent look that is so prized, along with a long-life resilience that other leathers cannot match. This leather really is remarkable…it has its own built-in anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle solution! The Cromer has a country-style shape with a toe cap in burgundy or tan. In short, they are really handsome boots.

The Melksham is more weathered looking, due to their suede upper, and has a thin rubber sole to help our Southern Hemisphere friends skip into spring. Quite utilitarian looking, these appeal to me in an understated way. I like the eyelets and hook combination, which creates extra ankle height.

Lastly, check out the Mullion II Norwegian two-tone boots. This is a good-looking boot. Rubber heel, high ankle, eyelets and hooks, chunky stitching…rather debonair, if you will. They are country and city combined, so the Mullion II is versatile for winter.

I will come back with some shoe options too, but meanwhile, enjoy this bevvy of boots and remember that spring is just around the corner.

Herring Shoes

Fur-lined boots for non-frosty feet

7 January 2021

Jack Frost has been out and about this week with some parts of the country also seeing snow of late. But does that mean you have to throw your sense of style to the icy wind and dig out your moon boots à la the 1980s?

As ever, we never disrespect anyone’s fashion choice, but as one outing a day for physical exercise has again become a reality in the UK, it would be cheering to be able to step out in style without the discomfort of cold or painful toes. I am talking about fur-lined boots. Yes, you heard me right and don’t disregard them until you have tried them! You know the satisfaction of putting your feet into a pair of slippers and just going: “Ahhhhhhh”? Well, you can get them same feels from a pair of stylish boots.

If I am honest, fur-lined boots have always conjured up images of pensioners going to the shops with tartan trollies. Old folk are no fools (as we all know). They have been gadding about in cosy fur while we have been suffering for the sake of fashion.

Until now.

Herring has blended superior senior citizen nous with style to create a range of fur-lined boots and slippers (of course).

The very latest model is the Peebles two-tone rubber soled boot. I mean, just look at these bad boys. They are lush with a capital L! As the product description states, they are utilitarian yet luxurious with a blend of suede and leather, eyelets and lace hooks, and a Goodyear welted Vibram sole to boot.

I’d love these myself but my diminutive size four feet would not. But if you are a woman who wears size 6 or above, smaller sizes are on their way. I admit to being a tad jealous, as the Peebles comes in three great colours: khaki, burgundy and fox. They carry a price-tag of £450 but these boots are also welted so they can be repaired again and again to protect your worthwhile investment.

For a smarter look and a hark back to the days of Peaky Blinders, try the Tregony with its sheepskin lining. This means they are basically slippers that you can wear outside! They have a lightweight Dainite sole and a capped toe to complete their winter attributes. Again, these start at size six and come in black calf and brown grain.

My last choice is Loake’s Wolf rubber soled brogue boots. This style comes in black and tan…they are classic yet edgy. They ooze Britishness, are robust enough for a crisp morning walk, smart enough to be worn as work footwear and cool enough for the Zoom quiz on Saturday night.

Don’t let your feet get cold this winter. Embrace the fur-lined boot to feel more than just a tad snug and smug. #winning

Herring Shoes

Brogued boots by Jared Acquaro

2 June 2020

Now that we have gone over the construction and care basics. we can move onto the footwear.

Currently, in Melbourne, Australia, it is autumn/fall, so we are getting into “boot” weather. Boots have a few more details than shoe styles, so I thought I’d go over the Herring offering, showcasing the features and benefits. Thus, helping you buy better. In saying this, I will note not all the styles I own may be available to purchase, but below I will offer alternatives.

The first boot that I bought from Herring was the Burgh (sadly now out of stock). This is a very classic British style brogue boot, some may say this is an essential item for the colder months. The brogue boot can be traced back to Ireland and Scotland in the early 19th century. Unlike the modern-day brogue, instead of perforated holes and decorative patterns, the story was told that farmers drilled holes into their boots and shoes to drain water out during the wet season. The word “brogue” is Scottish for a tool that bores holes. This country-style boot became a staple across the British and European countryside, being made to handle the harshest cold and wet conditions.

Like most country-style boots, these run a little bigger than a shoe. This is to leave room for thicker socks, as a posse to thin dress style socks. Size-wise, I went for more fitted and dropped half a size from my regular, something I would advise for most boot styles if you wish to wear them more fitted.

I love wearing these boots in a more utilitarian style: jeans, fatigue pants, moleskin or a heavy cotton chino. The storm welting gives width to the boots, so sticking to a slightly tapered or regular/straight cut pant/trousers works best visually. If you go too skinny, then your foot proportion will be exaggerated. In other words, you’ll have “clown” shoes.

These are definitely capable of being matched in a suit, due to the soft chisel style toe, they are more elegant than bulky. I would suggest wearing brogue boots with winter fabrics such as flannel, tweed and corduroy. Blues, greys and earthy tones will give you the most versatility, as brown is a warm colour.

Boots are like a fine wine and only get better with age. They will soften and gain lots of character, so don’t be too precious with them. Quality boots will last and take a beating.

My top replacement for the Burgh would be the Langdale II and here is a list of other offerings from Herring that will also fit the bill perfectly well.

The Herring Langdale II are the perfect alternative to the Herring Burgh, which is currently out of stock.

Until then, buy smart, buy well.

Regards, Jared Acquaro

Herring Shoes

Beige features Herring shoes

14 September 2012

In the latest Beige magazine the Herring Burgh and the Wilson are featured in the lifestyle shoot.Â Both are handmade in Northampton using the finest leathers with the Goodyear welted construction. The Burgh is a rugged country boot and the Wilson is a sleek Chelsea boot. Whilst they are quite different both offer a world of possibility, versatile enough to be worn with a suit to jeans these are wardrobe must haves!

Browsing Tag: winter boots

Winter boots for the Southern Hemisphere

Fur-lined boots for non-frosty feet

Brogued boots by Jared Acquaro

Beige features Herring shoes