Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer season at least when it comes to beach rentals and white shoes. If you haven’t yet gotten around to it now’s the time to get yours.

Church’s Consul White Deerskin 173 Last

Alden White Suede Blucher’s Flex Welt Soles Leydon Last

Alden White Suede Chukka’s Flex Welt Soles Leydon Last

Seems like we’re over the hump and safely into spring, if your struggling with footwear options we’d like to offer a few suggestions. Casual doesn’t have to look sloppy in fact a smart casual shoe is an excellent choice for a dress down workday. Suede chukkas or a cordovan loafer for instance with slacks and a blazer is classic, sporty and appropriate. And a pair of deck shoes with shorts or khakis is an excellent alternative to sneakers or flip-flops. There are a lot of options out there so don’t be surprised when you see work boots with cargo shorts.

Church’s Sahara 3 Navy Castoro Suede Plantation Crepe Soles

Alden 1491 White Suede Flex Welt Soles

Quoddy Deck Chukka Khaki Calico Suede

Carréducker Winker Grey Raver Tweed

Leffot Ivy Loafer Dark Cognac Unlined Shell Cordovan

Leffot Ivy Loafer Natural Unlined Shell Cordovan

Church’s Kaber Brown Nevada Calf

Church’s Consul White Deerskin

Alden Dover White Suede Flex Welt Soles

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots Rust

Wolverine Addison 1000 Mile Boots Tan – Coming Soon

Sebago 1946 Limited Edition Docksides

Quoddy Maliseet Brown Chromexcel Brick Camp Sole

Sebago 1946 Limited Edition Docksides

Quoddy Maliseet Peanut Grizzly Leather

Our newest Church’s model is actually quite old. It’s an archival style we asked Church’s to remake for us and is available exclusively at Leffot. This shoe is quite unique and has loads of style, it’s a loafer, monk strap, kiltie and brogue all in one the only thing it’s missing is laces and a zipper.

Church’s Kaber 002 Last in Brown Nevada Calf – $675 In Stock

The Consul has been a staple in Church’s collection for years. They say you can’t teach an old dog a new trick but we say it’s the old dog that truly appreciates the new trick. These Consul’s look totally fresh in white deerskin with natural sole and heel edges. Not only are they super chic they’re super soft besides. And yes we stock the old dogs too.

Church’s Consul 173 Last White Deerskin – In Stock

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…