10 shoes to beat the autumn and winter weather
Puddles. Frost. Rain. Are you shoes up to the challenge?
Autumn and winter can be unforgiving on your footwear. From icy patches to sudden downpours – not to mention the general, all-pervading cold – the weather will throw everything it takes at your shoes. So take the plunge and invest in the best to see you through these sartorially-difficult months, and ensure you make it to spring with a spring in your step.
Grenson has been a bastion of classic English style since it was founded in 1866, and there are few designs more iconic than the wingtip brogues. This burnished-leather version comes in a new, sleek shape and lightweight construction that creates an elegant profile. Perfect for autumn styling.
Edward Green’s ‘Camden’ Chelsea boots are as versatile as they are distinctive. They’ve been handmade from the spiffy cross-grain leather in the brand’s Northampton workshop, using time-honoured traditions and the utmost attention to detail. They’ll also admirably handle anything you throw at them.
These ‘Jarman’ boots showcase Paul Smith’s dedication to thoughtful craftsmanship. They’ve been made in Italy from supple leather that’s dip-dyed a rich chocolate colour and set on supportive rubber soles; don’t miss the embossed feather motif on each – it’s an AW17 signature.
Bootmaker Mr John Lobb first set up shop in 1866. Given the brand’s lengthy record of quality craftsmanship and durable construction, we know this ‘Grove’ chukka style will prove a lasting investment. They’ve been made in the UK from thick full-grain leather and have sturdy rubber lug soles for excellent traction.
Church’s is steeped in cobbling heritage, and holds the prestigious Queen’s Award to Industry in recognition of its impeccable footwear. Made in England from premium leather, these Oxford brogues have been treated with the brand’s polished binder, which creates an impressive lustre. This handsome pair is Goodyear welted on sturdy hide soles, ensuring you’ll be striding though the city in them for years to come.
Originally created by Mr Alessandro Berluti in 1895, this lace-up Oxford design has been reinterpreted over the generations while still remaining true to the seamless whole-cut technique. As with all shoes from the company, this distinguished version comes in a distinctive last that accounts for the volume of the foot, not merely size. Perfect for autumn colour styling.
Designed to make a snappy statement, these monk-strap shoes have been expertly crafted in Italy from O’Keeffe’s ‘Para Shine’ leather – a premium, naturally treated hide that is hand-polished after stitching. They’re finished with traditional toecaps and have Goodyear-welted soles for reliable life-long wear.
Crafted from high-quality fabrics, sneakers have now transcended the track and landed on the runway. Lanvin’s covetable version is rendered in soft suede with glossy patent toecaps and matte-leather trims. Flex your sartorial muscle and wear this pair to a party or a creative office.
The Swindon, a single buckle monk strap shoe with a plain front, is made on one of famed shoemaker Crockett & Jones’ iconic lasts – last 337. As such, you can count on these shoes in the toughest of conditions – something the leather soles and finest calf leather only adds to.
Summer may be over, but don’t put your loafers away just yet. This pair, by Crockett & Jones, sees a penny loafer made from the finest calf leather – or suede, although we’d advise against this in rain season. Instead opt for a brown leather, and the city rubber soles for ultimate resilience.
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