FASHION: Gladstone Ankle Boot from Chatham Footwear

The footwear from Chatham has for a couple of years been expanding my horizons. First they got me wearing brown boots rather than black biker boots 24-7. After that they moved on and had me donning loafers onto my feet, something I had sworn I would never do! Both pieces of footwear were exceptionally comfortable, have been long lasting and mean I now frequently vary from wearing a wardrobe that looks like it has been chosen by a fourteen year old goth. So when I was asked if I would like to try the Gladstone Ankle Boot from the Chatham Made in Britain range I of course said yes. 

That was now nearly six months ago, I'm sure these arrived in November and slipped onto my feet they were. No breaking them in (stupid me)!

This is what Chatham say about the Gladstone Ankle Boot over at their website here:

'Gladstone Ankle Boot in Dark Brown/Navy. Hand stitched perfectly. Gladstone is the first high ankle boot in our Made In Britain collection. We've spared no expense making a comfortable, durable, stylish boot that is equally versatile as it is gorgeous. The new rugged sole unit incorporates a memory foam channel that will change the way you look at footwear.' 

As you can see from the images above, the boots are a comfy fit and go brilliantly with darker blue jeans. Personally I like these boots to knock around in during the day either at work or when out and about on errands. With the boot on I find it really noticeable how light they are on my feet in comparison to my biker boots - this makes walking much easier and the sole has something of a spring in the step.

Around the ankle the boot does provide a great level of support.

These boots cost £149. I've been wearing them a lot and as you can see from the pictures, they don't scuff or get damaged very easily and I can see them lasting for years and years. The stitching is solid and these boots give off an air of quality you rarely see nowadays. Like my biker boots, these are now firm favourites for when I want to mix up my wardrobe and my footwear.

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Chatham Escape Suede Moccasin Loafers

Summer is nearly here and finding the right kind of footwear to go with shorts or a nice light pair of linen trousers is something of a bane. I already have a nice air of deck shoes from Diesel but when I was asked by those lovely folk over at Chatham Footwear if I would like to pick a pair from their new range I jumped at the chance. I’m something of a fan of their footwear and if anything, working with the brand in the past they managed to alter my slant on foot fashion and convinced me that I didn’t always have to wear thick and chunky biker boots, and yes, I now do wear different colour boots. You can see what I thought of their boots here, but today I’m going to be showing off my Chatham Escape Suede Moccasin Loafers with an ultra-comfortable padded in sock, durable moccasin style and lightweight sole.

The Escape show is available in a range of colours from cobalt, grey, navy blue and brown leather and cost £69. Not massively expensive and when you look at the other new shoes in the range or similar types of footwear from other brands I consider them to be reasonably priced. As I’ve already said, I’ve had footwear from Chatham before and they are still going strong nearly two years later. Quality and comfort are two words that immediately spring to mind when I think of the brand.

The Escape to be blunt is bloody brilliant - I opted for a navy blue pair and it’s like slipping on a second skin over your foot. The sole is thick and cushions every footstep. As someone who suffers from horrific back pain that cushion when walking takes some of the pressure off my lower back and unlike the shoes I wear for work, I don’t find myself struggling when off on a walk.

The grip is on the bottom of the shoe is solid and even better, if you are a driver they have a small grip on the heel to provide a decent grip for when driving. Nice touch, nice touch.

So, here they are….

Other shoes in the range include (pictured left to right):

Echo - £59

Echo is an elegant loafer boasting a premium leather upper with a contrast leather collar. For extra comfort, Echo is layered with padding underfoot and mounted on a studded sole unit for stability. Available in a range of bright, summer colourways, Echo offers the perfect combination of style and comfort.

Step - £59

Step joins Chatham’s women’s range, this stylish premium nubuck leather ‘deck trainer’, is designed on Chatham’s tri-density sole unit. Available in Tan, Dark Blue and Dark Grey with a contrasting lining and outsole.

Recoil - £69

Recoil is a classic ‘deck trainer’, combining cutting edge technology, tri-density comfort technology and 3mm memory foam to offer maximum comfort and spring. Recoil is available in Brown or Navy.

If these last as long as my last pair of boots from Chatham I would consider them to be excellent value for money. At just under £70 these are a stylish shoe that make a perfect choice for the summer. They appear to be well made (I have been pulling and examining the seams and stitching). Personally I really the way they look and feel and that readers is all I could wish for.

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New Rock Itali Biker Boots

Well, it’s World Goth Day and as someone who loves all things dark, warped and generally off beat I thought it would be a perfect time to show off my New Rock 7605 ITALI Biker Boots. It was either that or plumb the depths and actually review some guyliner. While my new footwear is just a few weeks old I’ve actually been wearing this brand and style of biker boot for well over ten years after venturing into the New Rock shop on Camden High Street and picking up a pair for £110 in 2005!

So, what do New Rock say about themselves? 

‘New Rock boots, shoes and accessories are the ultimate statement in alternative footwear and clothing. New Rock are famous for both their originality of product design and the quality of the product it supplies.’ 

Personally it was the buckle design on the side of the boot that drew me to these originally and as soon as I picked them up and tried them on I knew they were for me. There is so much room inside the boot that they don’t tend to rub about the ankle or further up the leg. I did find that my foot would move around slightly inside the boot and I’d suggest some decent insoles to combat this.

The sole is just over an inch thick and has a cushioned feel when you walk, and walk taller! 

I wore my first pair into oblivion - they came with a ten year guarantee from the shop and they lasted for the full ten years before they gave up the ghost and the sole split. Now, even with a slight split (which became bigger) they still remained a decent pair of knockout boots, I just couldn’t wear them to the office any longer. 

There is a collage of the boots after over ten tears of near daily wear below just to show you how they hold up.

These boots regularly sell for around £170 but you can, as I did pick them up for just over £100. When you consider the sheer amount of wear, tear and abuse these boots endure on my feet and how long they last for it works out at less than £10 a year for a cracking pair of alternative footwear. New Rock have an extensive range of alternative boots and if I was so inclined I’d have no hesitation in recommending their quality. For me however, the fact that I have gone out and bought exactly the same style and make of boot should tell you everything about how I feel about the brand. Top notch New Rock, top notch.

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Every man should have a good selection of shoes

If you had asked me ten years ago how many pairs of shoes I needed the answer would be two – a pair for wear with my work suits and another pair for wearing with jeans. Oh how things have changed. I’m now rapidly rivalling the other half in the shoes stakes at home and it’s safe to say (I think) that most men would say that they become a little bonded to their favourite shoes. I have been known to shell out hundreds of pounds every year on buying footwear, a shudder at some of the monstrosities that I've had on my feet over the years! Does anyone remember LA Gear?!? 

(silence and tumbleweed)

With this in mind, and given the evolution of my shoe tastes (in a non-fetish way) there are certain styles of footwear that every man must have.  

Dress shoes

Oxfords

When I say dress shoes, the first thing that comes to my mind is Oxfords. They are mostly divided into balmorals and bluchers depending on the lacing systems (sounds complicated doesn’t it). Balmorals comparatively have simple looks. I personally advise everyone to have a pair of balmorals that can be worn with formals.

Slip-ons

Slip-ons are less formal compared to Oxfords. Some people wear them with suits, while others prefer to have it with sports jacket and trousers. There are a number of slip-ons available in the market and most of them are categorized as casual footwear.

Personally speaking, I wouldn’t advise slip on shoes for formal wear. My first boss gave me tips – never employ someone wearing slip on shoes or who wears a shirt that has a pocket on the front! He was, shall we say, slightly old school.

Casual wear

Saddle shoe

It is a type of Oxford shoe with a layer of leather on the top. The shoe is mostly considered as a casual wear.

Deck shoes

Perfect for summer, this babies go well with canvas trousers and shorts.

Canvas shoes

Who doesn’t have a pair of trainers (Translation: sneakers)? You can find a wide variety of trainers in different colours and styles. I have two pairs now that rarely see the light of day – but always good to have a pair or two for when I finally get back into the gym. I’ve never been one for wearing these with jeans or when going out, I think it just looks strange for a man to be out and about wearing trainers.

Loafers

Slip-on loafers come with heavy rubber soles and has the upper part made of leather. They are available in a number of colours and styles. In case you are looking for something between dress shoes and canvas shoes, loafers can be your best bet.

Sandals

Never do socks and sandals – it’s the law. If they were good enough for old JC then they are good enough for me. Bizarrely I have three pairs of sandals and are the oldest form of footwear. They provide a good grip to the sole of your feet while allowing enough air to pass on the upper part of the feet. Great for summer and even better when walking across red hot sand!

Athletic footwear

A number of athletic boots like tennis shoes, basketball shoes and running shoes are available in the market. You can’t go wrong with a pair in black but looking at the cost of some nowadays I actually start to think the world has gone mad! 

Boots

Work boots

Any person who works 14 hours a day at a construction site definitely understands the importance of work boots – I don’t work on a construction site, but I do love a good pair of boots – I’ve got five pairs now. It’s good to invest in set of solid boots so that you can use them for a long time.

A good quality boot can get back on the road with some repairs. I paid £120 for my last pair of biker boots circa 2006 and they only fell apart on me late last year. You can’t grumble at that return when you consider that when picking up a cheaper pair in December last year I thought I was getting a bargain until they literally fell off my feet some nine weeks later. Not good!

Hiking boots

There is no way on god’s green earth that you would ever get me into a pair of hiking boots – I see people wearing them and immediately think Geography teacher! Well worth it if you enjoy the outdoor life but seriously, why do people need to wear them when traveling on public transport in London?

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How many pairs of shoes do you think are too many for a man? Is the answer there are never enough?

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Winter Footwear Trends For 15/16

Sling the sandals back in the loft where they belong, winter is well and truly here. You might have already stocked up on this season’s key pieces: the elegant checked shirts, the cozy shearling coats, the effortlessly cool roll-necks, the smart straight-legged trousers. Tie your on-trend ensemble together with the right shoe - this winter, we’ve got you covered.

Trainers
For fitness fans or a casual day, trainers are never not in fashion. Keep them just right for everyday with some skate shoes, perfect with jeans and a jumper when you’re out and about. Alternatively, for a more smart/casual vibe, retro styles are coming back, inspired by the Adidas Originals Stan Smiths, with leather or suede completing the 1970s throwback feel. Retro trainers work equally well with joggers as they do with a smart tailored suit, while keeping you comfy.

Brogues
This season is all about androgynous silhouettes, which means that brogues are back in style. Clunky slip-ons are out, so opt instead for a smooth, streamlined leather with laces. Don’t be afraid to play with colour - earthy tones are in, so accessorize a monochrome black or grey outfit with burgundy or even rich blue brogues to offset your look. Different colours can allow perforated leather designs to really stand out, giving an otherwise plain combo some edge, or stick to a simple black to showcase snazzy socks.

Chelsea Boots
With the vintage throwback characterising the season, a pair of 1960s inspired Chelsea Boots are just the thing to bring an outfit together. They work best with skinny jeans or chinos and look effortlessly cool - opt for black leather to match every outfit, or unleash your wild side. Play with different textures like suede, snakeskin, or even velvet to add a subtle contrast to an outfit. Fancy yourself more of an Indiana Jones than a Beatle? Choose a rich mahogany shade that’s timeless and goes with any outfit - just remember to match your belt.

Hiking Boots
The ultimate shoe for rainy days, snowy days, or general wintery walks, hiking boots are making a big comeback this year. Gone or the clunky tourist styles, as designers attempt to cash in on more luxurious styles. Match them to a shearling jacket for snuggly feet on a cold day, or choose a classic military style with longer laces and a mottled leather upper for effortless styling choices, whether you’re in or out of the wilderness.

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TK Maxx Haul

After my birthday dinner last month the other half and I went for a wander when I realised I had to attend BBQ of the century for a friends birthday the week after, and with nothing to wear we dashed into TK Maxx to see if they had a garish (it was an Hawaiian theme) shirt I could buy for considerably less than I was prepared to pay (hey, I’m being honest, but I’m not paying £50 for a shirt I’ll never wear again).

What’s that I hear you say?!? “tight wad”, hell yes….

So, with the intention of buying an horrific monstrosity of a shirt I ended up spending £75 and coming away with something of a haul, an entire outfit (sans pants and socks), and a pretty decent looking one if I do say so myself.

And here are the pictures, taken during a trip to feed the ducks at Groveland’s Park in Enfield. 

The shirt is from Guide London. I have a few shirts from these people and usually I can pay up to £70 for one. It cost £25, and I rather quite like the uniformed flower pattern. Now, not Hawaiian, but it looks as though I’ve tried and put in a modicum of effort.

The cargo shorts are by French Connection and again I have other shorts like these from FCUK and they set me back upwards of £50 a pair, so paying £20 for these made me smile.

The shoes, well they are from Diesel. I tend to avoid their stuff rather irrationally because I think all of their aftershaves smell like grandpa (about six weeks after he died). Their stuff is usually massively overpriced and of low quality but I think these little numbers may be swaying my opinion. £30, you can’t argue with that.

Really pleased with my outfit and my TK Maxx haul - I would highly recommend a rummage through their racks of clothes, there are some real bargains to be had. Oh, and no PR samples, no sponsorship, I really do love this place to find hidden gems that don’t cost the Earth.

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ASOS Buckle Boots in Leather

The time came, the biggest, heaviest boots I‘ve ever owned finally succumbed to the ravages of time and after nearly ten years of loyal service the sole on one of my New Rock boots (purchased from a great little shop in on Camden High Street, Camden Town) split. I had considered some form of Viking burial (I’ve been watching Vikings too much recently) on the pond in the local park but assumed I’d probably be prosecuted for some form of environmental crime. 

Instead, they were tossed unceremoniously into the bin and the search for a new pair commenced. Step forward the missus with a voucher to use at ASOS and boom, I was onto the Internet faster than a rat up a drainpipe. 

I rather quite like the ASOS website and could spend a fortune on shoes and jeans (I ventured into a pair of skinny jeans recently from ASOS and love them). After casting my eyes over their offering for men I plumped for the ASOS Buckle Boots in Leather. Originally priced at £55, but reduced in their sale to just £35. 

Yes, £35 for a pair of boots…..that’s a quarter of the price of my last pair.

And here they are…….

ASBO the cat likes the boots....

Well made, I find these boots really comfortable and despite having wide feet they are easy to get on and off. You might think that a strange comment to make, but just a few years ago I spent £100 on a pair of boots for work and they ripped as I struggled to get my feet out. 

The zip up the side fastens up the boot rather than a conventional Chelsea boot style but this for me is much better as the boot then closes around the ankle making them great for wearing with suit trousers, skinny or tapered jeans.

I’m happy with my boots and at £35 I just can’t find fault. They also look cool to in my opinion, especially when worn with these jeans here (known as my bondage jeans by friends).

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