Russell & Bromley steps it up for the festive season
Whether it’s a casual workplace party or a big black tie bash, a Christmas outfit stands on stylish shoes. Here are six of the British brand’s best…
Words: Jonathan Wells
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’Tis the season for arch support, cleated soles and brogue detailing. Because Christmas — and every tinsel-trimmed event that comes wrapped up with the hectic festive season — is a trying time of year. All of that present-buying, partying and mulled wine can be hard on our heads, our wallets and, perhaps most miserably, our feet.
But, rather than steering clear of the celebrations, we’ve found a well-heeled workaround. Good, strong shoes will keep you feeling merry and mirthful this Christmas, and British brand Russell & Bromley has laced up and slipped on some of the very best. So, for every occasion — whether that be a casual workplace party or a big black tie bash — we’ve picked out six of the finest designs to save your festive season…
For your work party, the ’Farringdon’ Chelsea boots
First up, the fabled office party. Every year, workers from all desks and departments come together for a champagne and shot-fuelled evening out; leaving deadlines behind to enjoy some much needed downtime. You may begin with a dinner, you may head straight to the pub — but these knees-up almost always follow a normal day in the office.
And that means finding a pair of shoes that’ll step from work to play in subtle, serviceable style — and stride as confidently around the boardroom as they will the bar. In a festive shade of burnished burgundy, these ‘Farringdon’ Chelsea boots have been zhuzhed up with brogue detailing and angular elastic inserts. The best part? Standing on lightweight, commuter-friendly soles, they’ll walk you smartly back into the office once a new year kicks off.
For any sophisticated soirées, ‘Basilica’ smoking slippers
Of course, not every Christmas gathering or get-together takes place in public. Some of the most memorable soirées are intimate affairs; thrown behind closed doors for only a circle of your closest, most faithful friends and family. And it is in these such environments — free from judgement and safe among friends — that you can experiment with more elaborate outfit options.
Take the hard-to-define ‘Cocktail’ dress code, for example. Exuberant and opulent, Russell & Bromley’s ‘Basilica’ smoking slippers offer a fine foundation to an outfit draped in velvets, velours and satins. This particular pair — brushed with a geometric pattern, luxuriously lined with comfortable calfskin and set on lounge-ready soft leather soles — are ideal for the festive season, and will keep you kicking back in style until January eventually comes calling.
For a night on the town, ‘Dublin’ Chelsea boots
Sitting by a fire among friends is all well and good — but some Christmastime capers call for heavier duty boots. Because there’s nothing less uncomfortable than slogging across the city whilst wearing a pair of party shoes. Gladly, Russell & Bromley brings tidings of both comfort and joy to any would-be pub-crawlers or day-trippers this festive season, thanks to its new ‘Dublin’ Chelsea boot, fitted with a hardy crepe sole.
A raw rubber material created by rolling out latex in crinkled sheets, crepe is a soft, flexible creation ideal for sturdy shoe construction. These boots, versatile to the last, have even cast their crepe in a complementary brown colour (one that matches the boots’ grained leather uppers, elastic sides and pull tabs) to keep your feet in fine festive fettle from merry morning to spirited night.
For a black tie bash, try some ‘Keeble’ tassel loafers
Other events demand eveningwear. They request the pleasure of tuxedos and bow ties; pocket squares and polished dress watches. And these black tie bashes, frequently thrown throughout the festive season, also insist that your shoes step up to the strait-laced mark. Or perhaps they don’t. For, when we’re stepping out in a dinner jacket, we tend to leave our laces at home.
Instead, we go for loafers. Effortless and elegant, designs such as these slip-ons from Russell & Bromley are crafted from Bordeaux high-shine leather and fitted with rubber soles durable enough for dancing the night away. Their best feature, however, is those twin statement tassels on each shoe — a head-turning touch to add a pinch of playfulness to any formal festive get-up.
For Christmas shopping sprees, ‘Slipway’ sneakers
Every day can’t be Christmas Day; just as every day can’t be a party day. And, while these last weeks of the year may have their fair festive share of shindigs, some days must be spent preparing for December 25th itself. And that means Christmas shopping. It’s an ordeal everyone must endure — but it’s made a little less stressful if you step to the shops in the right shoes.
Russell & Bromley’s ‘Slipway’ design has the twin benefits of looking rather Christmassy (if Santa wore sneakers…) and being more cushioned and comfortable than stepping into a snow drift. Thanks to ultra-lightweight sneaker soles, a breathable biscuit lining and a padded ankle cuff, they’ll be the most sporty winter walkers you’ve ever slipped on. And, with that chic, sleek, laceless design, slipping them on couldn’t be easier either.
For a trip to the pub, ’Burlington’ Chelsea boots
Does anything feel more festive than a cosy pub; a mug of mulled wine, a roaring fire and old leather armchairs perfect for putting your feet up? The only way the whole seasonal scenario could get any snugger is if those feet you’re putting up were wearing ‘Burlington’ Chelsea boots — the most iconic take on the classic shoe style from Russell & Bromley.
They’re also brilliant boots to invest in for the longer term. Because, although their solid rubber roles and flexible elastic side panels make the ‘Burlington’ boots perfect for dodging carol singers this December, they will also stand you in good stead for the year to come — from the moment you chime in with ‘Auld Lang Syne’ by that snug pub fire.
Want more from the British brand? We ask; Which Russell & Bromley shoe style is right for you?
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