Unlined, flexible and durable: Crockett & Jones’s ‘Harvard 2’ might be the shoe of the summer
This season, one of the label’s best-selling models sees revamps on both a construction and aesthetic level
Words: Josh Lee
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Summer, it is now widely accepted, has finally arrived in the UK, and with the harsh wave of heat and humidity, a man’s wardrobe has to adapt accordingly – notably, there will be a strong dependency on fine, breathable linens; the unfolding of wayfarers and clubmasters; and the reintroduction of tailored shorts into one’s daily ensemble.
Footwear, too, must change with the circumstances, and, when it comes to this hot-stepping department, the team at Gentleman’s Journal has been swapping out leather lace-ups for easygoing treads that are putting a spring back in our step for the brighter months ahead. Notably, we’ve leaned on, and recently covered, Crockett & Jones’s new Spring Summer 2023 offerings – ‘The Riviera Collection’ – a range that’s influenced, both in moniker and style, by the French Riviera and showcases a tight edit of soft, unstructured loafers instilled with a casual slant.
One of the notable highlights among the collection is the ‘Antibes’, which features a slimline profile, is dressed up with decorative tassels and, due to the fact it was made on the brand’s newest last (No.393), has a sleek toe shape and comfortable feel. The pennyloafer-style ‘Nice’, defined by its subtle penny slot, has a preppy edge; meanwhile the embellishment-free ‘Cannes’ is for those who have a penchant for pure, pared-down design.
However, our focus of today shifts towards another of Crockett & Jones’s summer creations, the ‘Harvard 2’, an unlined pennyloafer that might well be the best all-round hot-weather shoe we’ve slipped on in recent years.
For this season, the label sees further refinement and elevation of its coveted ‘Harvard’ model, which was originally celebrated for its ability to blend comfort with high design and has now seen revamps on both a construction and aesthetic level.
When it comes to the former, the new version has been crafted with the brand’s ‘City’ rubber sole, which is produced from 90 per cent rubber that comes courtesy of the Harborough Rubber Company, a leading moulder in the industry. The result is a featherweight, flexible build that underpins each step you take, yet is also comfortable, sturdy and long-lasting, making it a practical feature for slip-on styles that you’ll wear on both formal and off-duty occasions and, most appropriately now, while traversing new cityscapes during the hot summer months.
When it comes to the topic of style, there are two new colourways that add to the original dark-brown option. Going a touch brighter in shade is the snuff suede model, whose brown hue appears even more vivid on sunnier days; beautifully offsets contrasting-yet-complementary tones such as sky blues; and, like its counterparts, has been tanned to be water repellent, which comes in handy when walking around coastlines and docks. Then, padding out the offerings is the khaki suede model, whose lighter tinge perhaps not only best highlights the texture of the material from which it is made, but also pairs well with vibrant, radiant pieces, such as chinos in soft pink and pristine white t-shirts.
Easy to wear, easy to style, and made to hold up for summers to come, the ‘Harvard 2’ is likely the shoe we’ll be falling back on for all of our good-weather occasions this year and beyond.
Want more from Crockett & Jones? See our full review of The Riviera Collection…
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