Here at The Hand, we strongly believe that comfort reigns supreme when it comes to winter footwear. So, for this FW21 season, we’ve curated a range of boots and shoes from our favourite shoemakers that are not just only in keeping with that, but also guaranteed to enrich your day-to-day lifestyle and wardrobe.
What we reach for in the morning should always reflect the changes in season and its demands. After all, winter can be harsh, and therefore what we wear on our feet should be well-equipped to tackle whatever is thrown at us – from icy pavements to grey-scale snow that can dampen the spirit. The changes aren’t radical, we should add. As simply put, leather soled shoes should be replaced with ones that are all-terrain-conquering, such as Dainites and Commandos, and pliable leathers and soft suedes should be brought in to cradle your feet and provide you with all-day comfort.
From Edward Green this season we want to cast your attention to the Cranleigh boot, as it’s perfect for smart casual winter styling. Made from a dark brown London Grain leather, which is tanned in France and has a soft and waxy handle and subtle texture, it’s housed on a Dainite sole which is attached to the upper with a storm welt thus making it highly practical in fowl weather. If you’re after something a bit more versatile and smarter, the Banbury chukka boot ticks all the boxes. It’s crafted from damson Utah leather, which is one of Edward Green’s signature materials that’s renowned for its grained texture and waxy finish, and has a thin rubber sole which gives it a more elegant look.
When it comes to durable rubber soles, no shoemaker is more synonymous with that than Norman Vilalta from Barcelona. Norman has garnered a reputation for harmonising delicate uppers with sturdy Vibram soles, with the case in point being the U-Tip Derby in burgundy. The leather has a heat-warming texture, meanwhile the soles are as light as a feather whilst also being exceptionally durable. We’ve talked about Norman a great deal recently, and if you’ve missed it you can discover what Dennis’ Top 3 styles are and learn about the 1202 Heritage Collection by following the links.
With everything that’s gone on in the last year or so, the art of dressing up is in the midst of a renaissance (which we’re all for). There are some changes to the status quo, though, particularly when it comes to business attire. Oxford shoes will always have their time and place, but single-monk straps, like the Savile from Gaziano & Girling, are certainly on-trend. It’s quite an alternative shoe in some ways thanks to the refined use of a buckle, and therefore lends it a bit of an attitude (which is always a welcomed addition to business tailoring).
Last but by no means least, we have the Field boot from Carlos Santos Handgrade, which is available in either dark brown grained leather and taupe suede. Not only is it attractively priced, but it’s also very traditional, which is exactly how a Field boot should be in our opinion. With a storm welt to prevent water from seeping in, the hand-sewn uppers are housed on a gripping Dainite sole. The shaft is also unlined, which means that it’s incredibly comfortable from the moment you put them on – isn’t it great when you don’t have the painful experience of breaking in new shoes? Due to the very conservative brown tone, it’s incredibly versatile and will look great when paired with grey flannel trousers and washed denim jeans. The Taupe version, on the other hand, will look amazing with ecru denim. Finally, there’s also Carlos Santos Hangrade’s Chelsea boots – available in mid-brown suede and black calf – which are an absolute classic. Crafted on a boot last using traditional techniques and processes, they’re elegant and wonderfully simple.
All in all, we hope this brief overview will conjure up some inspiration for you. And, as ever, we’re more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Many of the styles mentioned can be customised via our MTO system, too.