Style -- 5 days ago
The best shoes for stepping into Christmas this year
Whether for yourself or for a loved one, these are the lace-ups, boots, loafers, and trainers to gift over the festive season.
- Words: Gentleman's Journal
Christmas, at its best, is a time of quiet indulgence, of small luxuries gifted with care and gratefully received. Few gifts embody this sentiment quite like a truly well-made pair of shoes. Leather softens, suede deepens, soles mould to pace and posture; footwear is a present that grows better with age, and that stays with its wearer through commutes, celebrations, and all manner of seasonal pursuits. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of lace-ups, loafers, boots and sneakers, each pair crafted by heritage shoemakers who understand that elegance begins from the ground up.
Lace-Ups
The lace-up remains the cornerstone of any gentleman’s wardrobe; the polished punctuation mark that sharpens a suit or elevates an evening outfit. Church’s Consul R 2.0 leads the way: a refined, quietly authoritative Oxford with that unmistakable Northampton pedigree. Alongside it, Crockett & Jones’ Connaught 2 offers a sleeker last and a timeless toe shape, the kind of understated silhouette that flatters every tailored combination. And for the purist, the Berkeley from Edward Green blends artisanal craftsmanship with a soft-spoken confidence, its punched-cap design and immaculate finishing making it the connoisseur’s choice. Together, they form a trio that guarantees poise from boardroom to black tie.
Boots
Winter calls for something sturdier, footwear built for sleet-slick pavements, country escapes and the rhythm of festive travel. Cheaney’s Godfrey D Chelsea Boot is a handsome all-rounder, with clean lines that slip as easily beneath denim as they do flannel trousers. For something a little more rugged, Tod’s Winter Gommino Desert Boots reinterpret the brand’s signature comfort through a cold-weather lens, bringing soft suede and dependable grip to long December walks. And for sheer elegance, Santoni’s Dark Brown Suede Chelsea Boot delivers richness of tone and a sculpted shape that feels unmistakably Italian. It’s a boot roster that considers every winter scenario, and dresses it impeccably.
Loafers
There’s a certain nonchalance to loafers, an insouciant continental ease that feels especially welcome when festivities call for style without effort. Start with Sebago’s Classic Dan Leather Loafer, a preppy staple whose glossy vamp and penny strap remain unchanged for good reason. Then there’s Crockett & Jones’ Cavendish in Dark Brown Suede, with its signature tassels adding a flourish that’s both playful and impeccably refined. Finally, Russell & Bromley’s Maltby Moccasin Loafer offers supple comfort and a relaxed profile, making it the perfect partner for long family lunches or fireside evenings. A gentleman could wear nothing else throughout December and miss nothing.
Sneakers
Modern wardrobes demand a sneaker that respects both comfort and design - something crisp enough for the office yet relaxed enough for off-duty days. Allbirds’ Canvas Piper brings sustainability and feather-light construction into the fold, ideal for those who value ease without compromising ethics. Meanwhile, DUKE + DEXTER’s Plus Duke Vintage Grey + White Sneaker channels retro cues through sharp British sensibilities, resulting in a pair that looks equally at home with tailoring or weekend layers. And for luxury dressed down, Church’s Largs Sneaker offers the house’s precise craftsmanship in a sportier silhouette, the perfect blend of heritage and modernity. Each pair promises mile-eating comfort with a sartorial edge.
Footwear, after all, is far more than a festive afterthought; it’s the quiet foundation of personal style and a gift that speaks to craft, character and consideration.
Whether it’s the polished certainty of lace-ups, the winter-ready fortitude of boots, the relaxed sophistication of loafers or the contemporary ease of sneakers, the right pair will be worn and cherished long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away. This Christmas, give something that doesn’t just sit under the tree, give something that carries someone confidently into the year ahead.
Want to buy more? Check out our gift guide for the style-conscious man in your life
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