Every man needs these three pairs of boots
Cheaney, the Northamptonshire-based footwear brand, is a master maker of boots.
Words: Zak Maoui
In association with:
There's an abundance of choice out there when it comes to buying boots. Brands aren't making it easy for you. They're putting out option after option and it's hard to settle on what are the right ones to buy, both in terms of style and functionality. Are they all good? No. That being said, we've done a bit of digging, and found which three boots really do deserve a place in your wardrobe.
Cheaney Shoes, the Northamptonshire-based shoemaker, knows what's good. The brand has been making shoes since 1886. And boots have sat front and centre of its seasonal drops. The factory was kept extremely busy in the First World War, producing about 2500 pairs per week of stitched and screwed boots and shoes. And that expertise, while not for use in combat, has carried on in the creation of today's footwear. The boots that Cheaney puts out today are the sort of things that are built to last. And that they do.
First up on our hit list of boots to own is Cheaney's Pennine II C Veldtschoen Derby boot. It's cut from a super sturdy dark brown pull up grain leather, and feature durable Goodyear welted commando rubber soles. They're a signature in the brand's portfolio, and are based on the Veldtschoen style. A Veldtschoen shoe contains all the same components of a Goodyear Welted Shoe, but the leather upper is turned out and stitched above the welt, rather than the leather upper being wrapped underneath and stitched beneath the welt. In turn it's just as durable and actually pretty darn water-resistant. Ideal for walks in the Highlands as much as a stroll down Regent Street, these miltary-esque boots should sit front and centre of any guy's footwear arsenal.
Cheaney's Barnes III B Chelsea Boot is a must for any guy looking for an all-rounder. Originally designed as a boot for horse-riding, Chelsea boots aren't hard to find these days, and most brands do them for everyday wear.
But Cheaney's are fully leather lined with full leather insoles, meaning they're some of the best ones out there. The 12508 has become a Cheaney signature shoe since it was introduced in 2009, and it now acts as the foundation for a variety of styles, including the Barnes III B boot. It comes with a Brit Grip rubber sole, which means premium resistance on slippery surfaces and pavements alike.
And Cheaney's signature Cheslea boot also comes wrapped in a snuff Repello oiled suede, which is super durable, water-resistant and ready to stand up against the elements.
The suede iteration are a pair of boots that do the job, whether that's heading to the office or attending a swanky dinner party. You can dress them up with a suit, or pair them with relaxed fit slacks and a tee. They're the sort of boot that once you own, you'll never look back.
There's a reason that Cheaney has been going since 1886, and it's down to shoes like these. No gimmicks, no trends. Just timeless, wearable shoes that deserve a place in your wardrobe. But despite its deep heritage and its instant access to over 135 years of crafting expertise, the label is refreshing and modern, as exemplified by its boots offering.
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