Men's Style Tips: Six shoe brands for summer

There are so many great shoe styles out there, from returning classics to sleek new designs, your footwear choice has never been wider. We bring you great socks, but what’s a great sock when you don’t have the footwear to boot?

We’ve compiled 6 top shoe brands and styles for summer, and shared some expert style tips from the brains behind the brands – so you can keep your shoe style on top form.

MARCUS-DE

Marcus-De Miguel Grey Suede

Marcus-De are committed to their craftsmanship in creating quality products, from iconic styles to reinterpreted classics. The Miguel Grey Suede is a modern twist on the traditional leather brogue – a great smart Summer shoe. The suede upper and lighter sole brings a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic brogue.

LSC Pairing: Marcus-De Miguel Grey Suede x LSC Marl Blue

Origin of Derby Brogue

The Derby Brogue features the same perforation and rivets as a traditional brogue, with open lacing where the eyelets are attached to the top of the vamp.

Behind Marcus-De

Marcus-De shoes are handcrafted in Northampton – the centre of luxury English shoemaking.

Miguel, Founder of Marcus-De:

“For me, Summer is about keeping it simple in terms of the styles you wear. Relaxed luxury is what it’s all about. It doesn’t mean that you have to wear only bright colours because it’s Summer, Black, Navy and Grey are fantastic regardless of the season and they look great with a tan”

GOODWIN SMITH

Goodwin Smith Harwood Tan

The Harwood Tan brogue by Goodwin Smith is a great all-rounder for your summer wardrobe; smart enough for work events with trousers, but also great with jeans and chinos for relaxed weekends in the pub or attending those boozy Summer BBQs. The Harwood Tan has a unique, distressed appearance and looks great with a blue sock.

LSC Pairing: GS Harwood Tan x LSC Arts Club Navy

Origin of the ‘Brogue’

The ‘brogue’ was originally a shoe for gents in the countryside, with the perforated holes and rivets functionally designed to let water out. They are now a classic British style we see across many of the major footwear labels, and the epitome of smart shoes.

Behind Goodwin Smith

Jack, Brand Manager at Goodwin Smith:

“If you want to make a real impact with your socks/shoe combos this summer try a cropped trouser. The beauty of wearing these is that when you’re walking down Chelsea high street, strutting your stuff, your socks will be on constant show, naturally, with each stride you take… But be careful they aren’t too short, make sure you get the correct length for your leg size. No one want’s to be rocking ¾ lengths, it’s 2017 after all”

COMMON PROJECTS

Common Projects Original Achilles Low

Common Projects launched their iconic low-top trainer back in 2004, and have since gained cult status thanks to their superior quality (Napa leather – the real good stuff) and minimalist design. The Common Projects Original Achilles are the perfect city-smart trainer for any look. It’s one of the most versatile and sustainable pieces of footwear we can recommend for your year-round wardrobe.

For Summer, you can’t go far wrong with their crisp white trainer and a colourful pair of LSC socks – think Curious Orange. Tip; their Italian made, so we recommend taking a size smaller!

LSC Pairing: Common Projects Original Achilles Low White x LSC Simply Sartorial Curious Orange

Origin of the ‘Trainer’

The first trainers were created in the 1800s, and sported heavy, leather plimsolls. Far removed from the ‘trainers’ we think of today, where boundaries between ‘looks’ and ‘sporting performance’ are somewhat blurred.

Behind Common Projects

Common Projects were collaboratively designed by Flavio Girolami and Prathan Poopat who allegedly first established their brand because they ‘couldn’t find any trainers they liked.’

Launched Achilles Low back in 2004 – and quickly gained recognition and have been seen on the likes of Kanye West and Jay Z.

SONS OF LONDON

SONS OF LONDON CAP TOE OXFORD

Summer wedding? The Cap Toe Oxford by Sons of London is a go-to smart shoe for a special occasion. These British designers handcraft their shoes from finest Italian calfskin or rich suede, and their quality craftsmanship is apparent.

Blues and light tones are popular choices for summer wedding suits, so the Brown Suede Oxford is a great pairing. Add some character to your style with a pop of colour in your tie, pocket square and socks.

LSC Pairing: Sons of London Cap Toe Oxford x LSC Soho Stripe Carnaby

Origin of the ‘Oxford’

Oxfords originate from Scotland and Ireland, occasionally called ‘Balmorals’ after Balmoral Castle but later labelled ‘Oxfords’ after Oxford University.

Behind Sons of London

We love Sons of London’s beliefs of “Affordable, high fashion shoes for the modern man.”

DUKE + DEXTER

Duke + Dexter Tassel Collection

At LSC, we are firm believers in standing out for all the right reasons – and these rich suede Tobacco Tassel Loafers by Duke + Dexter tick all the boxes. Duke + Dexter footwear is handmade in England, and feature English Suede and Italian Leather lining. Their fringed cord Tassel Collection shows real character, great with chinos or jeans.

LSC Pairing: Duke + Dexter Tobacco Tassel x LSC Arts Club Royal

Origin of the ‘Loafer’

The skip-on loafer was first brought to Britain in 1847 when Raymond Lewis Wildsmith developed a casual ‘house shoe’ for King George VI. They are now an iconic style of shoe, with vast versatility.

Behind Duke + Dexter

Launched 2014 – British born footwear label who believe in and appreciate modern, functional and spirited apparel.

Designed in London and handcrafted in England.

Christopher Hopkins, Marketing Director of Duke + Dexter:

“Tobacco Tassel is the perfect summer shoe, pair with anything from chinos to shorts for an added touch of sophistication.”

CROCKETT AND JONES

Crockett and Jones Ashdown Country Calf Grain

One of Crockett and Jones’ mainline collection, the Ashdown is a sophisticated classic manufactured from the finest country grain leather. A great shoe to add to your wardrobe for work, occasion wear and important events. Stay smart but add some flair with a patterned sock and coloured shirt. LSC HQ also took a shine to the ‘Boston’ penny loafer style.

LSC Pairing: Crockett and Jones Ashdown Dark Brown x LSC Arts Club Bordeaux

Origin of the ‘Derby’

A classic style, adapted from the brogue but with far more minimal, to almost no, detailing. The Derby is traditionally crafted with only a few pieces of leather and is far more formal than the brogue.

Behind Crockett and Jones

Made in Britain – Founded 1879

They take up to 8 weeks to manufacture as they are individually crafted.

Crockett and Jones received a Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales in 2017 – very impressive.

How To Take Care Of Your Shoes

Dave Pickard, LSC Co-Founder: “When it comes to shoes it makes sense to invest in ones that last. I think men are generally less interested in fast fashion, and more interested in quality goods. Good shoes fit better, can last a long time and are a real investment for your wardrobe.”

All the footwear brands we’ve highlighted share the same values of quality and craftsmanship that we pride ourselves in here at London Sock Co. Their products are built to last. Give them the care they deserve and they will last the distance.

Here are some top shoe care tips from the shoe experts themselves:

• Store them properly – keep them in shape by using a shoe tree, it absorbs any moisture and prevents creasing.
• Always use a shoehorn – always!
• Choose weather-dependent fabrics – don’t risk your favourite Suede loafers in the rain
• If your shoes do get wet, let them dry naturally away from sources of direct heat.
• Polish regularly – wax your leather to keep your shoes supple and maintain shine.
• And polish properly – always use a clean, soft brush and remove the laces before you get started.
• Allow your shoes to rest by never wearing them two days in a row – you should give your shoes at least 24 hours between wear, letting the leather recover.