Footwear Picks by the Staff

Hello lovely readers!

We thought we would share with you today what our staff wear on their feet to work to keep comfortable (and warm in some cases, cough cough, me).

Starting with our lovely manageress who chose these Josef Seibel Tamara boots to wear to work

"I hate wearing socks with boots so in the winter I wanted something with a warm lining to keep my feet toasty. Made with a thick crepe sole and tough leather uppers means wearing them all day at work is not a problem - I'm still just as comfortable at closing time as I am in the morning. I love the biker boot styling to these they go perfectly with my skinny trousers."

Moving onto our Assistant Buyer who loves her Josef Seibel Sandra boots.

" I really suffer with the cold so the plush lining in these immediately

 drew me to them. They have a thick sole with good tread which is important as I walk quite a way to work every day. I love the versatility of these boots, I wear them up for work and folded over at the weekends with skinny jeans and my parka. Having narrow feet the lacing on these boots is perfect; the colour is great-they will easily take me into next season and the burnished toe adds character and interest."

Next our Senior Sales Assistant chose Clarks Orinoco Club Chelsea style boot

"Being on my feet all day I need comfortable footwear, these have Clark's soft cushioned insole with extra padding under the heel and forefoot. I was originally attracted to these because of the style I like the thick chunky non slip sole for winter but they are light enough to wear in the spring too."

Our newest staff member adores these Gabor Brogue Boots

"The detailing on these are gorgeous, I love the brogue trend and the light colour of these really brings out the punching detail. The comfort of Gabor is unlike any brand I've ever tried, they are nice and generous in the foot and padded underneath the foot. They look really smart so I can wear them on an evening out as well as to work and not worry about having painful feet!".



We don't all always wear the shoes we stock to work but we find it really helps to sell the product if people can see it being worn in front of them. We have a great mixture of comfort and fashion shoes and boots so there is something for people of all tastes. 





The Chelsea Boot. Classic in Style, Classic in Reputation.

The Chelsea boot probably evokes memories for some of the sixties and the Beatles however, although incredibly popular as they were then the Chelsea boot actually originates from the Victorians. 

J.Sparkes-Hall was the first to design a boot of this kind using vulcanised rubber and twin elastic panels. In 1851 he filed for a patent claiming that Queen Victoria walks in boots such as these daily "and thus gives the strongest proof of the value she attaches to the invention”. These elastic sided ankle boots eventually came to be called Chelsea boots.(Cited from: The Chelsea Boots Guide — Gentleman's Gazette) 

Since then the Chelsea boot has seen some slight alterations (high heels, brogue detailing to the toe, mixtures in materials) however they remain as popular today as they did then.

Feast your eyes on our Chelsea boot collection and decide which to put on your Christmas list!

Anatomic Gel Cordosa £120 

Waxy leather vintage looking uppers with contrasting coloured elastic panels and trimming. Anatomic Gel's footwear are lined with a gel and sheepskin lining cushioning each step and increasing flexibility of the shoe. Looks great with jeans and a shirt/jumper combo.

Anatomic Gel Gustavo £115

Waxed leather uppers with brogue detailing to the toe and around the elastic panels. Leather tab on rear to help with getting into the book. Made with gel and sheepskin lining for extra comfort and flexibility. Perfect with chinos and a chunky knit.

Anatomic Gel Natal £120

Classic leather styling with twin elastic panels and matching leather tabs. Made with Anatomic Gel's supremely comfortable gel and sheepskin lining making traipsing round the shops for the perfect Christmas present much for comfortable! A universally suitable boot perfect for smart or casual wear. 

Steptronic Bassett £120

Also available in black this rich leather Chelsea boot matches style with fashion nicely in this smart looking ensemble. Made with Steptronic's unique gel and sheepskin lining ensuring dinner with friends after a long day at work is always a yes! Brogue detailing takes this boot to another level. Simply divine with trousers, a shirt and trench coat.

Timberland 5033A £120

Finishing off with a rugged oiled leather pull on by Timberland made with a removable anti-fatigue sole unit for increased comfort. Thick rugged soles make this perfect for weekend walking while the styling embodies Timberland to the letter. Casual with lashings of personality. 

What do you think of Chelsea boots? How do you style yours?

Pedro Miralles - Beautifully Crafted Spanish Footwear

Pedro Miralles began as a small family run company in the 1950's gradually expanding to foreign markets from the 70's on-wards. Pedro Miralles remains a family run company to this day; constantly striving to reach new customers all over the world and discover better manufacturing methods to enable them to increase their collections yearly. 

We began stocking Pedro Miralles three years ago and have now created a relationship with the brand and a firm position within our store. Below is our current Autumn Winter 2013 Pedro Miralles fashion collection.

(Please note: Pedro Miralles products tend to come up slightly narrower on the foot.)

Pedro Miralles 5425 - available in navy or berry both key colours this season and both colours that work well with any existing colour palette. 

Built with a crepe effect wedge and contrasting laces to really make the colour stand of the suede pop. 

Great for every day or an evening out - the red looks stunning with grey and the blue simply perfect with jeans and a blouse. 

Mix the berry wedges with a bit of orange to really spice things up or keep it cool and tonal with khaki's and jewel green. 

Wear the navy with your baby pink coat (if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one!) or a traditional style parka for an every day look. 

Pedro Miralles 7181 - a buttery soft leather knee high boot with a full inside zip and chunky heel is a must in all wardrobes. 

Burgundy is the new black due to its versatility and constant autumnal feel - the colour matches so well with everything and the rich deep tone lifts dull wintry spirits. 

If black is your thing or you just need to replace your old faithfuls look no further - the slim fit on this boot adds shape and elegance to every outfit. 

These boots style themselves; simple yet classic - add these to your footwear collection and you won't be sorry! 

Pedro Miralles 7429 - this simple yet classic shoe is the epitome of Pedro Miralles; classic styling, rich colours, beautiful materials with a twist. 

This fantastic take on an every day loafer adds comfort and fun to any wardrobe. 

Tassel and gold eyelet detail hint at the well loved moccasin styling with the bib front, elongated shape and patent block heel make it a high contender in the fashion stakes. 

Looks perfect with just about any outfit. 

Pedro Miralles 7305 - a stunning version of the popular riding boot style with gold buckle embellishment and gold detailing to the heel.

Made with rich, beautifully supple leather uppers and a durable rubber sole unit with Pedro Miralles emblem.

These stylish boots work just as well with daytime dresses, cardigans and scarfs as they do with skinnies and sequined top for the evening. 

The gold detailing brings another element to the boot allowing for a perfect match with statement jewellery or a simple classic watch. 

Comfort, style and glamour all in one riding boot - who would've thought?!  

Here is our metal toe cap story (more about this here). At Hoads we love having a family of shoes that we can merchandise together in-store for maximum impact. 

The Pedro Miralles 7440 ankle boot, navy and black 7426 pumps and 7451 black court shoe once again take classic styling and add a splash of interest here in the case of gold toe cap with Pedro Miralles family shield engraved into it. 

Toe caps are hugely on trend at the moment especially metallic ones - they add interest opulence without becoming garish or looking too overdone.

 Here is just some of our beautiful Pedro Miralles collection, the rest can be viewed in-store or on our website here. 

Have you fallen in love with Pedro like we have? Stay tuned for their Spring/Summer collection (if you can think that far ahead, its too cold to even contemplate toes being on show!). 

A Toe Cap Story

(Image sourced from google images)

The toe cap style has been around for quite some time now - originating from Chanel with their gorgeous quilted balled pumps with contrasting toe cap. This season has seen them being revived with metallics and new toe shapes. Whether you go for sky scraper heels with a pointed toe, flat pumps or an ankle boot there is a way to work the trend for all ages and wardrobes. 

Here is our toe cap story....

Pedro Miralles 7426 Black £95

Pedro Miralles 7426 Navy £95

Pedro Miralles 7440 Black £110

Pedro Miralles 7451 Black £95

Cefalu Modern Black, Wine and Grey £69

Cefalu Mollyn Taupe £69

Cefalu Zaput Navy, Purple and Black £79

Gabor 74.106 Black & Grey £85

Gabor 75.353 Black £79.99 

Gabor 76.471 Black £65

What do you think of the toe cap trend? Have you given it a try?

On Trend....Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots came back on to the catwalks in spring 2012 and have continued to a be hit through into winter 2013 (spoiler alert: keep yours for spring 2014 too!).

Now I imagine some of you are picturing checked shirts, ripped shorts and a cowboy hat a la Daisy Duke but cowboy boots can be a great addition to your wardrobe whatever your style. The chunky heel makes them comfortable to wear all day, the detail on a particular pair of boots could easily take them from day to evening wear with a pair of skinnies and a smart top. There are hundreds of ways to wear your cowboy boots and they're comfy too!

Here is our selection of Cowboy inspired boots, let us know what you think.

Clarks Moonlit Cool, £69.99 - all the cowboy feel without making too much of a statement; note the turned up toe, burnished detailing and thick heel.

Clarks Midnight Mist, £79.99 - zip detailing and tonal snake print to the back vamp up this cowboy boot and make it perfect for evening wear too - perfect with jeans or tea dresses - chunky cardigans and a big scarf for day time.

Josef Seibel Toni 01, £89.99 - sticking with the neutral colour and chunky heel but adding more of a country feel with buckle and stud detail across the instep (adjustable too!). 

Cara London Sabrina, £99 - taking inspiration from the cowboy trend but creating a more dressy boot with a higher heel and lacing detail - all of the fashion with none of the risk!

Josef Seibel Toni 07, £79.99 - taking the fashion stakes up a notch by adding colour, stitching detail and snake effect paneling however keeping to the tonal blue makes the boot incredibly versatile. 

Have you dipped into the cowboy trend? How do you style yours? We'd love to know!

Keep Warm This Winter with Hoads

Being that it is now our second Winter with clothing we thought we would put together a little look book for you using our clothing - perhaps early gift ideas too?

The MUSTO Cape Down coat is showerproof and filled with duck down for super insulation, made in one of this seasons top colours ticking both the boxes of function and fashion. 

 The Rugged styling of the Timberland and Barbour lace up ankle boots makes this the perfect look for everyday. Both Timberland and Barbour offer comfort and support in their thick soled leather boots so whether you are popping to town or walking the dog your feet will be comfortable all day. 


MUSTO's Plymouth Knit in hemp is a universally netural colour matching well with jeans or burgundy chinos or even over smart trousers and a shirt for a bit of extra warmth on the way to an event. Knitwear is key this season so what better way to stay warm while looking the part?






The Dubarry Lavery boots in warm walnut are Gore-Tex lined making them 100% waterproof and breathable - no matter what weather you get caught in your feet will stay dry and cosy! The quilted Barbour boot as an alternative is weather resistant with the waxed upper - buckle detailing on both boots give a more casual feel and nod at the biker boot trend. Add a Dubarry faux fur cuff boot liner for extra warmth on those cold mornings watching the children (or partner!) playing sport or walking the dog in bitter temperatures. 

Be pretty in pink this season and continue the spring trend of pastels through to the autumn - MUSTO's Pennie roll neck mixes comfort and warmth while remaining on trend with the placement cable detailing. Finish off the look with a lightweight Gore-Tex Dubarry jacket - the classic mac style with a country feel. 

All of these items are available to buy in-store or online www.hoadshoes.co.uk. 

SOREL Winter Boots

Last year was our first year stocking SOREL winter boots and it was one of the best decisions we made (not just because it was one of the coldest winters on record!).

"Founded in 1962, SOREL brings the spirit and heritage of expertly crafted boots to the modern world of fashion where they inspire a new generation of doers, builders, and creators."

For those of you that only know SOREL for the photograph of David Beckham and son Brooklyn wearing them in the snow last year here is a brief overview of the company.

SOREL footwear was launched by A.R. Kaufman, whose family business started making boots under various brand names in 1907 in Kitchener Ontario.  Their SOREL boots were the most popular and successful of their collection. The name SOREL was used to invoke images of ruggedness and cold protection as SOREL was a big WWII and post war-time shipbuilder and steel town. In 2000 SOREL became a division of the Columbia Sportswear Company and continues to exist under the same brand name to this day. (sourced from http://www.vieux-sorel.com/sorel-boot-en.php)

"SOREL combines felt, wool, premium leathers, and flawless construction with people who aren’t afraid to get their boots dirty." www.sorelfootwear.co.uk 

Here at Hoads we stock two of their most popular boots Tofino and Caribou in a couple of colours.

The Caribou boot sold as both a men's and women's product has a handcrafted vulcanized rubber shell that is seam-sealed for complete waterproofness. The boots are lined with a removable 9mm ThermoPlus™ felt Inner Boot that traps heat next to your foot - easily washable and helps to keep the boot fresh after wear. Underfoot, a thick rubber midsole insulates the boot from the cold ground, while the Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole provides extra grip. Now this boot is rated to minus 40 degrees which although we will not experience in the UK (oh please please let us not experience that level of cold!) the assurance that your feet will definitely not feel the cold is undoubtedly there.

Tofino is just a women's product and we stock two designs of it; the quilted upper and the nylon upper.

The Sorel Tofino boot with the quilted upper (style number NL2029 pictured below) is made of waterproof waxed canvas with a durable leather shell topped with a fab faux fur collar. Inside, a Sherpa Pile lining keeps your feet warm and comfortable and a molded rubber outsole allows for excellent traction.

The other Tofino Sorel (style number NL2013 pictured below, left) boot has a tough, nylon upper and PU coated leather shell that features a waterproof breathable membrane construction so feet stay dry and comfortable. Inside, 100 grams of insulation join forces with

a cozy fleece lining to create a cocoon of warmth around your feet. Made with a removable, molded EVA footbed and molded rubber outsole making the boot incredibly comfortable for those snow days with the kids!

Aside from all of the technology these boots are exactly what you look for in a winter boot - hard wearing, comfortable, supportive, warm and waterproof. SOREL boots get a big thumbs up from Hoads, what about you? Will you be wearing them this winter or sticking to your wellingtons?

Our Barbour Winter Collection

A new and exciting brand we are adding to our collection this year is Barbour - the Barbour story began in 1894 in the Market Place in South Shields. Still keeping it in the family now the 5th generation family owned business remains in the North East. Although Barbour sources products from around the globe, their classic wax jackets are still manufactured by hand in the factory in Simonside.

“Nevertheless, in whichever area the company now operates, it remains true to its core values as a family business which espouses the unique values of the British Countryside and brings the qualities of wit, grit and glamour to its beautifully functional clothing.” (http://www.barbour.com/barbour-history)

 

Barbour have always been known for their shooting and lifestyle attire however in 2011 they collaborated with Grenson Shoes to create their first footwear collection along with a selection of boots produced from a further collaboration with Rockport. Now their footwear collections are almost becoming as popular as their clothing and we thought what better time to jump on the Barbour band wagon than at the very early stages; therefore we bring to you our collection of Barbour’s Autumn Winter footwear offerings…

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