by As we gear up for the fall season, the fashion statement to make right now is bold footwear.
Just ask Daniel Craig. The 56-year-old actor has been sporting a pair of eye-catching shoes as part of a recent mid-life style makeover, swapping out the sharp 007 suit for a more fashion-forward art professor look. He’s made chunky Western boots, and high-visibility patent loafers worn with shaggy knits and colorful tinted specs. It’s topped with a grown-up blonde fringe, complete with a Gen Z-approved center parting.
Craig attended Paris Fashion Week with his wife Rachel Weisz, wearing a pair of tobacco-brown suede work boots from Loewe (he’s currently the face of the brand). They looked more like a forklift truck than ready for a front line—but thanks to their three-figure price tag, they probably weren’t anywhere near a construction site.
At a party in New York earlier this week, Craig showed off his most experimental shoe – and best dress code yet; a pair of tan flats with a fuzzy texture that almost resembled slippers. They were, in fact, Chelsea boots (Loewe Campo style, £925, loewe.com) with a brushed upper and exaggerated round toe. While not a typical A-list event shoe, the casual pull-on shoe would certainly keep Craig comfortable as he walks the red carpet.
Craig isn’t the only one in charge of talking shoes. From lug-soled loafers to mesh trainers, this season’s catwalks went big on statement footwear with a relaxed mood.
Having been a hit over the summer months, the reign of the uber-comfortable slipper-style mule shows no sign of waning, despite the ankle-chilling weather. At John Lewis, sales of Birkenstocks are up 40 percent year-on-year, with the Boston Clog slip-on a best seller. For added style, check out the brand’s weed watch (£160, birkenstock.com), the breathable and temperature-regulating lambskin lining negating the need for socks. Pair them with casual chinos and a chunky sweater for a weekend pub roast.
For men wearing mules, a word of warning: beware the temptation of Crocs. Although it is defianty trendy and undeniably comfortable (you can even find fuzzy-lined styles for winter), they tend to make everyone who wears them look silly. A 40-something friend wore a pair to the park at the weekend and the effect was more cringe than cool. Much wiser to leave them to children and those who work in hospitals.
In fact, for those who prefer a more classic aesthetic there are many shoes that deliver both comfort and style this season.
Before you buy anything, however, the trick is to make sure you make the right fabric choice: “avoid hard, high-gloss leathers that create big, sharp creases in the upper when you walk”, says Tim Little, CEO and creative director at Grenson. .
While thicker tires seem to provide more cushioning, there is little to suggest that the comfort factor actually comes down to the softness of the tires.
Grenson’s NL 1 trainers (£150) were designed with this in mind, made with flexible rubber soles, extra padding between the upper and liner and a foam footbed. For something smarter, the Archie leather brogues (£345, grenson.com) have a lightweight wedge for all-day comfort – and a little lift.
On the high street, Clarks’ smart casual lace-up by Brantin (£75, clarks.com) comes with the brand’s Extreme Comfort foam footbed. M&S Airflex technology offers flexible support and shock absorption. Slim black leather Derby shoes (£65, marksandspencer.com) would make for a comfortable commute.
Speaking of office-friendly shoes, loafers are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. At Mr Porter there has been a 128 per cent increase in searches for the style over the past six months. The way to wear them this autumn is with a twist, from pep-up tassel embellishments for smart moves to more edgy trends that give your outfit a modern look. Launching on October 11, the John Lewis burgundy chunky loafers are expected to be the retailer’s shoe of the season.
Burgundy chunk loaves, £99, John Lewis (from 11 October)
If you prefer to stick to traditional styles, try updating this season’s suede, remembering to protect them from the weather with a quality suede protector before wearing for the first time. Russell and Bromley’s Fior snaffle loafer has a moccasin construction that makes them softer and easier to slip on. “I’m wearing jeans for a casual look – or with wide-leg pants to dress it up in the evening”, says the brand’s well-dressed creative director, Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw.
Fior snaffle loaves, £245, Russell and Bromley
Don’t feel like you’re in the dark either. Fall’s dark neutrals can feel like a style update that’s still easy to wear. “When I need to smarten up, my go-to shoes are Church’s gray penny, which goes with most things,” says Dan May, stylist and founder of men’s label SMR Days.
When the temperature drops, you’ll see a comfortable boot through the worst of winter. Although Craig has made a case for the stompy work boot, a more refined but less robust style is the Chukka. Barbour’s Redhead chukka boots (£105, johnlewis.com) pair just as stylishly with off-duty denim in the countryside as they do with a smart shirt and trousers for city wear.
For fashion staples, the shoe shape to wear now, like Craig’s, is the Chelsea. Mr. Porter saw a 151 percent increase in searches for the heritage style last month. Although, the Burlington Chelsea boot is the best seller of Russell and Bromley and is available in both suede and leather. The chocolate suede would complement a casual button-down and cords, while the black leather is a perfect partner for a sharp blazer for dinner. Plus, the rubber sole means no slipping on wet pavements – or marble restaurant floors.
Burlington Chelsea boots, £225, Russell and Bromley
If your leather boots are a little stiff, Little has a trick for wearing them: “Give a loop in your hands before you first wear them. Place one hand under the toe and pull the toe up as far as it will go. This releases the tension in the individual stitches and makes the shoe more flexible.”
Of course, the ultimate choice for comfort is trainers. Thanks to changing dress codes, they can now be worn outside the sports court as well. The chunky ‘dad’ trainer is the current style (see Bottega Veneta Orbit and Nike Pegasus). However, a subtle tennis style not only gives casual outfits a sharper look, it also avoids the risk of looking harsh.
“Every man should own a pair of white Stan Smiths because they are comfortable, practical and easy to clean” says May. For true ageless style, he recommends Common Projects (£340, mrporter.com) – which, although expensive, stand the test of time. They are also my husband’s favorite trainer (he wears the same pair all year round). When you don’t have the budget of a Hollywood actor, that’s exactly the kind of lasting power you want from your shoes.
