Church’s AW21 collection goes under the hammer
From a squared-off spin on the Chelsea boot to a new pair of military-inspired shoes, we choose our top lots from the shoemaker’s latest range
Words: Jonathan Wells
It’s little wonder Church’s chose an auction house as the setting of its latest launch. The places are stuffed with style; brimming with treasures and trinkets from years, decades — even centuries gone by.
So, for Church’s — the footwear brand founded in 17th century Northampton by craftsman Anthony Church — the shoe most certainly fits. The brand’s styles have history stitched into their soles, refining timeless designs such as the Desert boot and putting modern twists on old shoes, like the ‘Shannon T’ take on the classic derby.
Below, we’ve laced up six of our favourite new offerings from Church’s AW21 collection — starting with a newly brogued, squared-off spin on the Chelsea Boot, and bidding through the lots to a bold new knee-high military style…
The Derby shoes are stepping up their game
Shannon T
Glenfield
We’ve long admired Church’s Shannon T shoes in patent leather — a chunky-yet-sophisticated take on a suave style. This year, we’ll be seeing a lot more of the design — as the shoes step away from the high-shine of patent, and towards a subtler leather. But don’t worry, the defined structure and lightweight tread soles remain.
Also stomping, thick-soled, into the moccasin category are the brand’s new Glenfield style. Steeped in tradition, the Glenfield design combines classic styling with contemporary twists like glossy leather and logo embossing on the side. Pair that with the chunky, walk-anywhere sole and you’ve got quite the pair of kicks.
The Amberley boot has found its true colours
Amberley
Another of Church’s enduring styles, the ever-cool Amberley Chelsea boot is also back. And the design retains the diamond rubber sole, leather heel, superior calf leather cotton pull-on tab and Goodyear construction that has always made it great.
So what’s new? This year, for AW21, the Amberley has been subtly updated. That toe, if you look closely, is slightly more rounded than it has been in the past — and the elastic panels on the shoes’ side can now be bought in a more showy contrasting colour.
The Gillingham is a bold, brogued boot
Gillingham
While on the subject of the inimitable Chelsea boot, let’s slip on something else that’s new for 2021. The Gillingham takes its toe in a different design direction to the Amberley above — squaring it off for a more topical, on-trend look.
These boots are also buffed to a high shine, and come with the option of Church’s iconic brogue detailing on the toe — for an added touch of idiosyncratic style.
The brand's practical boots have a stylish spin
Ryder
Gray
But the boots don’t end there. Far from it. Inspired by the practical, the utilitarian — and even the military — Church’s AW21 collection is ready to deal with any inclement weather or uneven terrain. Case in point; the new Gray boot — high on the leg and comfortable on the feet.
The brand’s renowned Ryder desert boot has even been given a new lease of life. Reworked in sumptuously polished binder leather for the new season, the Ryder design maintains its ability to sway between smart and casual dress with elegant, effortless ease.
The Fairstead is a greatest hits of Church’s design
Fairstead
And, finally, to the Fairstead. Futureproof shoes for the sartorially savvy, this fresh design for AW21 combines everything that is great about Church’s modern footwear.
A reliable Derby style? Check. Some luxurious brogue detailing? Of course. A modern, squared-off toe? You bet. Available in stores and online from July 2021, these may be the shoes of the moment — but you’ll be lacing them up for years to come.
Want more from Church’s? The heritage brand sponsored our list of 2020 Tastemakers…
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