Herring: The only shoes you need this summer
Words: Charlie Thomas
A good pair of shoes have the ability to completely transform an outfit. They are the first thing that people notice after all, apart from your dashing charm and impenetrable wit, of course. The trouble is, many men overlook leather, suede and welted soles in place of cheaper, fashion-focussed designs that are affordable but lack both style and substance. There are some saviours though, one of which being Herring Shoes, a family-run business that stock and produce some of the finest footwear around.
The English are known for their shoes. The town of Northampton has been the location for our finest shoemakers for centuries, their factories lining the town thanks to the numerous local oak forests (for tanning of the leather), the proximity to the River Nene (to help with manufacturing) as well as being relatively close to London, meaning leather hides could be obtained easily from the best butchers in town. A number of shoemakers descended on the town in the mid to late 19th century, and many remain today, producing shoes in the same manner they did all those years ago.
Whilst Herring are relatively new in the age-old world of shoemaking, their impression has already been a lasting one. Founded in 1966 by Richard Herring, his eponymous brand acted as a bastion of English shoemaking, stocking brands ranging from, Barker, Church’s, Cheaney and Loake for what eventually became a global audience. Today, Herring proudly sell all these brands and more from a well-designed website and in person at their Kingsbridge shop in Devon, but that’s not all they do.
Herring actually boast their own range of footwear, ranging from loafers to brogues and anything in between. Produced in collaboration with Alfred Sargent, Barkers, Cheaney and Loake, it is a vast selection and quality is, of course, never overlooked. Herring’s large customer base has allowed it to garner plenty of feedback over the years and this is very much reflected in their range, which often features unique quirks and interesting details that other brands can’t get away with. A highlight is Herring’s two-tone tweed brogues, which perfectly marry a contemporary aesthetic (oversized perforations) with an old school sensibility (namely, tweed).
Dartmoor Brogue, £285
For the summertime though, Herring offer an enviable selection of sophisticated loafers. Constructed from the finest leathers and available in a range of colours, styles and price points – you simply don’t need to shop anywhere else. First off there’s the James loafer…
James Loafer, £295
Sitting at the top end of Herring’s price bracket, the ‘James’ loafer boasts an elegant shape and beautiful ‘espresso’ calf leather finish. Constructed on the brand’s 109 last, it comes to a subtle point at the toe for a sleek appearance that will combine well with your summer suiting or a sharp pair of tapered chinos on the weekend.
Lucca Loafer, £115
The ‘Lucca’ is part of the Continental collection, which comprises shoe designs popular outside of the UK. These loafer’s Italian influence is clear in the low vamp and thin sole, but it’s the rich burgundy colour that makes them stand out. An oft-underused colour, burgundy or oxblood as it is sometimes referred to, is ideal for a smart upgrade to your summer gear. A classic penny loafer at its core, these are somewhat of a gentleman’s essential.
Ascot II Loafer, £195
There are few shoe styles that work so well in both formal and casual occasions as the tasseled loafer. At once elegant and laid-back, they are somewhat continental in style yet they originated in the USA, with Alden claiming to produce the first pairs in the early 1950s. Herring have nailed the design of their signature pair though, which boast full leather construction and a Goodyear welted sole. They’re made in England too, naturally.
In direct sunlight, the ‘Pecan’ calf leather comes up as more of a tan, compared to the deeper brown as shown on the brand’s website. This is a good thing in our eyes though, as the rich shade radiates beautifully from the shoe, and of course, it will only get better with time and wear, the patina developing like a fine Bordeaux.
The Ascot II’s feature a 360º straight lacing system, which allows the twin tassels to hang nonchalantly out front. The piping around the edge of the shoe is finished in a darker shade offering an interesting contrast, and the precise stitching around the toe is another hint that a craftsman has lent his hand to them.
The stacked leather soles are sewn by hand directly to the insole and upper of the shoe in what is known as a Goodyear welt. This is one of the techniques that’s been used by shoemakers for generations – it gives increased water resistance and the ability for the shoe to be repaired time and time again, so they quite literally could last a lifetime.
As you can see, the colour changes subtly depending on the light, which is one of the characteristics of top quality leather. Here the shoes are paired with navy chinos, but they’ll wear equally well with a suit or jeans, such is their versatility. In short, they’re the only shoes you need this summer.
For more information on Herring shoes, click here.
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