From Chelseas to Chukkas, these are the best new shoes from Crockett & Jones
The Northampton-based brand have put new spins on classic designs with their AW18 collection
Words: Jonathan Wells
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There are few surprises in the footwear world. From Oxfords to Chelsea Boots, most styles have remained unaltered for years — fit for purpose and never changed. So it’s to the credit of heritage shoemakers Crockett & Jones, masters of tradition and convention themselves, that their AW18 collection contains several real surprises.
From rugged monkstrap shoes to an off-road Chelsea boot, it’s a real range of styles for the upcoming season. So, to celebrate the diversity of the footwear on offer, we’ve found our five favourite pieces, and speculated on the best ways to wear them…
Your ever-reliable Derby shoes are made ready and rugged
Crockett & Jones Lanark and Eskdale
Let’s start with something solid. The Derby is one of the cornerstones that should lace up your footwear wardrobe, and no-one makes these reliable bucks quite like Crockett & Jones. This season, expect the Lanark III, available in dark brown burnished leather, suede and black cavalry calf, to keep things restrained, yet effortlessly elegant.
And the Derby train doesn’t stop there. The Eskdale II, introduced in dark brown wax calf leather, is a high-leg variant on the Derby boot. Dainite rubber soles with a storm welt give these added storm resistance and would go perfectly with a textured autumnal suit — a touch of ruggedness to a boardroom-ready look.
Your simple Chukka boots just got a shot of colour
Chiltern Boots in Earth Green Suede
Chiltern Boot Range
The Chukka boot has a storied history. Developed initially for the desert campaigns of World War II, they are dependable, simple and pair well with most casualwear. Crockett & Jones have upped their Chukka game this season, offering the signature Chiltern boot in earth green suede for the first time.
It’s a bold move, and not something we expected from the heritage shoemaker. But, in a season of earthy colours, we can’t think of anything better than a pair of classic Chukka boots in a new hue to pair with the similarly chic corduroys sweeping style circles.
Loafers are as versatile now as they were during summer
Crockett & Jones Cavendish Loafer range
Summer may have shuffled off, but the loafer still has a place in your everyday style. For daily use, Crockett & Jones have introduced their Boston penny loafer in a dark brown country grain leather to ensure it slips into the colder seasons with ease.
And, for those festive parties on the horizon, the brand’s Cavendish tasseled loafer is now available in dark brown pebble grain or, for a truly sophisticated, smooth black tie option — a sumptuous black calf suede. Tux up, slip these on, and you’ll be turning heads before you know it.
Bulk up a classic with a new ‘Black Edition’
The Chelsea XI Black Edition
The boots have cleated-soles
If you’ve not got a serious pair of Chelsea boots, then you’re doing it wrong. But it’s not all bad. If you haven’t yet picked up a pair of these classics, then you can make Crockett & Jones’ Chelsea XI your first.
One of the brand’s new Black Editions collection, these cleated-sole shoes are inspired by Japanese style. This over-sized sole is particularly striking, and the black scotch grain leather is incredible durable. Bundle up in your preferred big warm coat, and these will make for perfect winter walking companions.
These monkstraps are unlike any monkstraps you’ve ever worn
Another of the Black Editions, the Tay II
Another of Crockett & Jones Black Editions, the Tay II takes what you think of a double-monkstrap shoe and turns it on its head. Subverting the expectations of this elegant style, the brand have rendered the design in black rough-out suede and slapped on the same Vibram cleated sole as the Chelsea XI above.
What you get is a slick, refined shoe that is ready for anything. Yes, its upper wouldn’t look out of place in the City, but take them across fell and field and you won’t come unstuck, either. The best of both worlds, if ever we saw it.
Want to learn more about the Black Editions? We take a closer look at Crockett & Jones’ new range…
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