My favourite classic, heritage-style shoes for winter in the city
Two great footwear brands to know if you’re into the heritage workwear look. (Plus a reminder of one you probably know already.)
I love the classic Paraboot Michael shoe, but at £315 it’s an investment purchase. More affordable is another French brand, Klemen, whose unisex workwear shoes were originally made for firefighters and the military. That should give you an idea of their utilitarian credentials.
The Padror Derby is the one to go for, unchanged in style since the eighties. This women’s style comes in a number of neutral shades and the price is pretty impressive at €140. I’d wear the caramel Padror Derby (below) with cropped white jeans and Freight alpaca socks. If you’re into leather sandals, these Dimori P sandals with their sturdy soles are very appealing too (below).
Also worth checking out is Chapter 2, a UK-based brand with shoes made to order in Italy. These are the kind of shoes that get better with age as the leather acquires a patina. Even the soles are ravishing. Founders Fay & Tom Murphy have designed shoes in the past for Paul Smith and Dries van Noten, which comes through in these classic-with-a-bygone-twist designs. It’s a small-scale operation, which is reflected in the price. These Jackdaw boots (below and top, inspired by vintage boxing boots) sell for £350 here.
Finally, a quick shoutout for my faithful Red Wings (press gift), still going strong in inclement weather after four years without a refurb. I love that they’re the exact same design as the men’s version; that’s not always the case with heritage-style shoes. They take a while to break in but otherwise they’re like walking on clouds. Buy them here. (Note: those are the brand new version below…)
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Chapter 2; 2 x Kleman; 2 x Chapter 2; Red Wing
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28 January, 2020 @ 1:05 pm
I love workwear Heritage shoes. I have a pair of work boots from J. Crew that I’ve worn for 35 years, purchased back in the day when they made very few things. Love all the shoes you’ve shown, but particularly the Derby shoe!
28 January, 2020 @ 4:01 pm
Thanks Kathy, I think that’s my fave too!