Allen-Edmonds: Macneil Cordovan
When a company based on luxury and true quality can boast surviving the great depression of the 1930s it demands a certain level of respect. Shoe manufacturing and retail company Allen Edmonds did just that and continues to thrive since it’s beginnings in Belgium circa the early 1920s. No, not the Belgium in Europe, the company was established in Belgium, Wisconsin and now calls Port Washinton, Wisconsin home making it one of only two American companies left today that still makes it’s shoes domestically. If those stats alone aren’t enough for you, feast your eyes on these extended perforation wingtip shoes dubbed ‘MacNeil’. Available in Burgundy Shell Cordovan for $525 and Black Polished Cobbler for $325 their styles don’t come cheap but the material and craftsmanship don’t either. The label boasts 32 stores in 17 states but you can also grab a hold of the MacNeil’s on the company website. While you’re at it, take a look at the other shoes, belts, and accessories Allen Edmonds has to offer.
Rachel Comey Gellager Shoe
Once you’ve covered the basic bases in your footwear collection, a step toward something more offbeat is certainly in order. Rachel Comey’s creations have garnered a lot of internet ink of late, and rightfully so. Reinterpreting classic shoe shapes through surprising colorways and cross-breeding, Comey’s designs open the eye to a world beyond ordinary oxfords in only black or brown. Her Gellager Shoe in ultra-soft leather draws upon the ankle boot, the moccasin, and the tasseled loafer for its design resulting in a strikingly smart and refined new style that almost reads as a classic. Available online at FrancesMay.net.
Gram Spring/Summer 2010 Footwear
Gram have given us a sneak preview of their footwear lineup for next spring and summer. The Swedish label, founded in 2005 by designers Alexis Holm and Anna Stenvi, pays homage to the Swedish summer solstice (the solar celebration marking the greatest difference between day and night), with each of the four different lines offering their own interpretation of summer. Armed with a nice colour palette that borders on vivid to muted and materials such as suede and leather being incorporated, Gram have a footwear collection that excels in staying stylish and comfortable for the upcoming summer months.
Continue reading to see more styles from the Spring/Summer 2010 season.
Rachel Comey Burnside with Fringe Boots
A pair of boots by Rachel Comey that will have you ready for the harsh winters while keeping you in style at the same time. These burnside boots are heavy duty; layered leather, rubber outsoles with grip, and eight brass lace loops with ankle strap for security. What separates these from the Fed-Ex delivery man’s work boots? A removable tassel on the toe, which makes them suitable for shoveling snow or a nice night out around town. They’re available now at Gargyle.
The Generic Man – Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection
The Generic Man keeps things traditional as well as experimental with fabrics and colors in their 2009 autumn footwear collection. One of these alternative pieces is the Chuckman, an established classic, but returning in a variety of colorways. For a more traditional look, the collection also includes the patent black Tux model in a double overlay upper. Find this collection soon at Barneys US.
Weaver Moccasin Duckling Boots
The Duckling brown Weaver Moccasin boot is brought to Oipolloi by Japanese designer Hiroshi Takahashi’s High Bridge International company. Produced in Portugal, these shoes are rarely found outside of Japan. Based on the original, and most coveted Clarks Wallabee designs from the late 60’s (when they were still hand-made by Padmore & Barnes in Ireland) the attention to detail displayed throughout the Weaver Moccasin range is as you would expect from our Far Eastern friends. The shoes are genuine moccasin construction uppers, stitched to a doubled layered crepe sole. Available at OiPolloi
Viberg Fall/Winter Boots 2009
Viberg Boots was established circa the 1930’s and survived the Great Depression selling work boots! If that doesn’t say anything about the company then what does? Craftsmanship was the pride of the company and still is today. Each pair of boots in their Fall/Winter 2009 collection goes through a meticulous process before completion. The method has been the same way they made boots in the 30’s.
Band of Outsiders – Sperry Fall/Winter 2009 Footwear
These Chukka’s are for shoe aficionados only. Band of Outsiders has teamed up with Sperry to offer a limited edition collection of shoes for the Fall/Winter seasons. These definitely bring flare to the usually classic approach to Sperry shoes. The chukkas are made of either suede or leather (black) with a perfect toe stitch for highlight.
Like most Sperry’s, they have the non skid sole that give them the deck-shoe feel. Pinstripes flood the interior while the leather strap brings the shoe together on the outside. For accent they’ve added a heel strap, best used on the two toned blue & red editions. For a low profile, they offer the 3 Eye Boat shoe which is the low top cousin to the Chukka. To round out the set they’ve included a pair of crimson red Reconstructed Penny Loafers. Available now at Sperry Top-Sider online shop.
Band of Outsiders Chukka Boot
In another collaboration with deck shoe innovators Sperry, Band of Outsiders have released their latest pair of footwear: a shoe that has a chukka boot silhouette but with deck shoe details. Although the colour is classed as ‘cracked Champagne’, the grey suede shoes feature a rubber sole complete with white stitches, and are lined with striped cotton. The reasonably priced chukka/deck boots are available at French online retailer Tres Bien.
BePositive Footwear Collection – Fall/Winter 2009
A personal favourite brand of mine, BePositive showcase their newest footwear for the autumn/winter season. Unveiling several new designs for this latest collection, the Italian label continue to impress with a lineup featuring hiking boots, low deck shoes and loafers, and ankle boots, all available in different colours and material, including leather, suede, and velvet. BePositive’s latest high-fashion offerings are now available to purchase online at Japanese store Zozo Town.
Check out the rest of the collection after the jump.
