A glorious weekend of mild weather is in store and I can’t help feeling spring is close at hand. I don’t want to jinx it but it has been a brutal winter. Time to kick off the heavy boots and slip into something more comfortable, such as a pair of unlined suede chukka boots.

The Sahara 3 by Church’s is Goodyear welted on natural plantation crepe soles, which makes them extremely comfortable and stylish.

Sahara 3 in Mud Castoro Suede  – $385

Sahara 3 in Maracca Castoro Suede  – $385

Church’s is one of the largest if not “the” largest shoe manufacturer in Northampton, England. Founded in 1873 by Thomas Church and his three sons, there has been a family member involved in the business since then, until last year that is when Prada became the sole owner.

In spite of the change of ownership the shoes are still made in the same factory that Church’s has been in since 1957. Far more than the ownership it is the employees that breath life into a company and its products. I enjoyed this video because it captures the sincerity and professionalism of the men and women that produce these very solid English shoes.

Big snow in the Big Apple don’t you worry we have boots for any kind of foot including a foot of snow.

Church’s; McFarlane

Wolverine; 1000 Mile Boots

Rider Boot Co; Hobo Boot

Alden; 405 “Indy Boot”

Edward Green; Galway

The Westbury monk strap by Church’s is one of their classic styles. When our client D.G. requested these two pair we knew there was going to be a twist. That’s because he had previously ordered a pair of Grafton’s made up as a spectator, which was very unique.

I like it when customers have shoes made up that are one of a kind. I admire those that can envision a pair in a way that is singular and special, these two fit that bill.

Westbury Black Polished Binder/Black Patent, Dainite Soles – MTO*

Westbury Burgundy Polished Binder/Tabacco Grain, Dainite Soles – MTO*

*MTO footwear is not part of our stock lines, they are Made To Order.

Dreamland Orchestra founder and director Michael Arenella was on a mission when he paid us a visit a couple of months ago. The mission was to find a pair of white wingtips to wear with his highly stylized, custom tailored 20’s era ensembles. We considered several Church’s models including the Chetwynd and Burwood, but neither was quite right.

I brought out my black and white Sidford’s and whammo that was it. Michael is a very exacting and dandy dresser, I think this pair should fit quite nicely in his wardrobe.

Church’s Sidford in White Nevada Calf with Natural Sole and Heel Edges – MTO

Spectator requests have been on the rise, and several will arrive soon, which we’ll post. We have a make up order in for the Longwing in Black & White, which is bound to be an instant classic.

Fall is in the air and wing tips are on my mind, apparently I’m not alone. There’s been a sudden spike in the number of clients looking for classic full brogues with double soles. I wear a couple of these models; I find them to be both versatile and classic. Here’s the line up.

Church’s Grafton Sandalwood Polished Binder, 173 Last

Church’s Grafton R Brown Nevada Calf, Dainite Soles, 173 Last

Alden Longwing Color 8 Shell Cordovan, Barrie Last

Church’s Grafton Black Polished Binder, 173 Last

Alden Longwing Ravello Shell Cordovan, Barrie Last; Sold Out

FYI: We are considering a longwing make up for spring 2010. Tan suede, Barrie last on single flex welt soles with natural edges. Feedback welcome…

Our newest boot is the Alfreton Chelsea by Church’s. A new style for us and for Church’s, the Alfreton is made on the 105 last in black polished binder with diamond rubber soles. The combination of highly polished calf plus a raised and rounder toe box makes this Chelsea boot a more contemporary version of the classic Amberley.

These are also excellent boots to wear in damp weather as well since polished binder repels dampness and the diamond rubber soles will keep the bottom of your feet dry.

Church’s Alfreton 105 Last in Black Polished Binder and Diamond Rubber Soles

When I first saw a sample of this shoe I thought, “Wow this is a really “dumb” shoe.” In the “shoe business” a shoe of this sort is referred to that way. It’s not a negative connotation in fact I meant it as a complement. It’s basic, simple, a bit old fashioned, even orthopedic and yet it has a certain style and coolness to it.

Mama used to say, “Simple is as simple does”. So why mess with it? The Adwell by Church’s is not just a new model it’s a departure from the traditional English shoes we’re used to. “Old” is the new “New”.

Adwell in Ebony Bright Calf, with flat black laces and oblique toe box on 135 last

This week we’re featuring our new stompers by Church’s. Sorry these are not boots for wimps, the upper is black pull up calf (full grain calf skin) on heavy lug soles and braided cord shoe laces. A must have for lovers of brogues; there’s plenty here to go around.

Church’s McFarlane Boots in Black Pull Up Calf $645

We received a brand new boot by Church’s today. The McFarlane is the first of our new fall boots to arrive. They some how remind me of Dr. Martens meet Tricker’s. These boots are black pull up calf (full grain) on storm welted double rubber lug soles. They have bumped out wing toes for roomy comfort, and are heavily brogued. These boots are great for lots of walking in good weather or bad, these are serious sh_t kickers.

Church’s McFarlane Boot 133 Last, Black Pull Up Calf $645

I posted this new box in plaid. I was expecting the usual dark brown box and I actually did a double take when we opened the carton. Does anyone know what plaid this is?