These are the six pairs of suede shoes you should own
Versatile, stylish and autumn appropriate, we’ve found half a dozen of the best rough leather shoes money can buy
Words: Jonathan Wells
Ah, suede. We feel sorry for you. As leather’s roughed-up brother, suede really does get a tough time of things. It’s terrified of rain, vulnerable to stains and not the easiest to make look stylish. But, while much-maligned by many, we love to lace up a pair of suede shoes.
Why? It’s simple; suede is the underdog. It’s rarer to see than leather, hardier than you may think and the ideal style to complement your autumnal wardrobe. So, from a perfect pair of loafers to a humble pair of desert boots, here are the six pairs you should own.
For a suitably sophisticated pair of slip ons...
Named for Edward, the Duke of Windsor, the first pair we’d suggest you add to your suede capsule collection bear the mark of heritage shoemaker Edward Green. The epitome of a classic penny loafer, these Dukes walk on a flexible rubber sole — one that shares the same profile, bevel and welt of the brand’s signature leather sole.
In colour, we’d opt for a slightly stranger mushroom shade of suede. Edward Green always selects the finest Italian materials, using only unsplit skins to ensure its loafers retain their shape and structure. And, thanks to an unlined construction, you can wear them well into next spring.
Next up, invest in a pair of desert boots...
So you’ve got your slip-ons sorted. Next up comes your basic lace-ups. From Drake’s, these Clifford desert boots are the ideal smart casual option; versatile kicks on sturdy crepe soles. With statement stitching around the toe and two simple eyelets, these are tremendously useful shoes — and will look especially good paired with a casual suit.
Then add a little statement style to your suede collection...
A little off-piste for our third suede suggestion, these Devon boots from New & Lingwood are eye-catching, hard-wearing and sport a nifty buckle for added design interest. This is suede at its most elegant — proving that it is possible to dress up the material of chukka boots and casual loafers.
The shoes have a Goodyear welt construction, are deceivingly durable and will keep your fashionable contemporaries on their toes — a well-heeled, well-uppered and well-buckled option that puts a new spin on suede.
Now bring the cool with a pair of Chelsea boots...
Sported by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the Chelsea boot soon became an icon of the 1960s. Arguably one of the most recognisable footwear styles, we’re fond of a suede version — one of the coolest items of menswear you’re ever likely to own.
Edward Green’s take on the design, the Camden boot, is the epitome of modern, understated style; staying true to its rock ‘n’ roll roots while being crafted to a meticulously high standard.
Another Chukka never hurts...
Founded in the heart of England’s most famous shoemaking town, Northampton, we’d expect nothing more than suede sublimity from Crockett & Jones. And the brand’s Chiltern snuff suede Chukka boots are pretty close to perfection. Made from fine, soft suede and set on Dainite rubber soles, these are stylish, versatile, and durable.
And, finally, slip on a smart pair of loafers...
With as much precision as the Changing of the Guard, Church’s Kingsley loafers have been crafted with an incredible attention to detail. You’ll even find the minutiae of the shoe’s details handwritten inside the upper.
Reworked on one of the shoemaker’s traditional lasts, the Kingsley loafers boast finishes such as classic tassels, skip lacing and a slim, elongated toe. The svelte shape, high apron and plush superbuck push them to the formal side, but these could just as easily be dressed down for a winning casual Friday look.
Want some hardier boots? We’ve rounded up the best for Autumn here…
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