Explore the best shoes in Crockett & Jones’ range
The Northampton-based brand have been specialising in high-quality Goodyear-welted footwear since 1879 and, in turn, have created a style for every occasion
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Since 1879 Crockett & Jones has produced some of the world’s finest footwear from their factory in Northampton, the shoemaking capital of England. To this day, the business is owned and managed by the founding family, who emphasise quality and timeless style above all else.
Crockett & Jones shoes are exported to nearly 30 countries around the world alongside a retail network of 12 own brand stores. And, after more than 135 years, the shoes still retain the attention to detail, quality, comfort and durability that was the hallmark of their founders, Sir James Crockett and Charles Jones. Here are the best products in their current range.
The Hallam, an Oxford shoe with a straight toe cap, is Crockett & Jones’ most popular cap toe style from their Men’s Main Collection. Crafter from the finest calf or suede leather, this shoe is smart, simple, and available with either single leather soles or the brand’s new city rubber sole.
For something a little more exciting, the Lowndes, also in black calf is a double buckle monkstrap, also boasting the straight toe cap seen on the Hallam. Said to have been developed by an alpine monk in the 15th century, and worn throughout European monasteries, this style was popularised in the 1920s – and is seeing a strong resurgence of late.
Our final choice from the black calf collection is the Alex, perhaps the cleanest and smartest shoe we’ve ever set our eyes on and our feet in. A plain-fronted whole-cut shoe featuring single leather soles, this is no-nonsense footwear at its very best – and proves that less really is more.
To go for something incredibly striking, the Skull & Crossbones navy velvet house slipper is the shoe for you. With embroidery design made from soft velvet, satin quilted linings and hard leather soles, the real talking point is the skull motif – more stylised than morbid. But, if the look’s not for you, there are more options available – and even the option to design your own motif, be it your own image or family crest.
Shifting from the traditional blacks and navies to the slightly-more casual brown, the Chelsea V is our pick of the laceless boots. With 8 different designs of the boot offered by the shoemaker, we like this iteration for its hardy Dainite rubber sole, Goodyear welt and heavy, but stylish design. In a rugged, rough-out suede, these are perfect for the upcoming winter.
If you’re looking for something a little prettier, however, then head to Islay. Not the island, rather that boot that bears its name – a full brogue derby boot with wing tip design and bold punching detail. Made from the finest Scotch country grain leather, and weather resistant beyond compare, these are as reliable – and comfortable – as they look.
A happy medium between the two is the Tetbury. With a design as conservative as its name, this is a shoe that will quietly do its job for years without complaint. With both a sporting and a military heritage, the chukka – as this design is called – is clearly versatile, and with weatherproof antique suede, the Tetbury more than most.
The Boston is the classic penny loafer. From the brand’s main men’s collection, and made from the finest calf leather, these dark brown loafers are perfect for summer and autumn alike – something those high quality leather soles with open stitching, stained and wax protection will attest to.
Alternatively, for a spin on the classic and a little more flair, why not pick up a pair of Cavendish loafers? A style that has firmly established itself as the finest tassel loafer available today, the options are almost endless. Calf leather, suede or Cordovan on single leather soles – and in colours from tan to black – mean that these are the most versatile around.
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