Hotter Shoes: Cooler Shoes?

Hotter Shoes manufacture here in England and thereby justifiably deserve our attention. Earlier this year I travelled to their factory to see the shoes being made and their autumn/winter collection. Set up in 1959, Hotter made over 2.2 million pairs of shoes last year which puts them in the league of major British manufacturers, providing employment and skills in and around their Lancashire base.

Wearing Hotter Garner boots from AW18

As shown in my images below, the shoe manufacturing process is technologically advanced, with a pair being made every 20 seconds. The shoe uppers are steamed to help them as they're eased onto lasts. A robot 'roughing machine' then scores a computer-controlled line around the upper to prepare it for the application of the soles. This process happens on a circular machine which injects polyurethane into moulds to add the soles to the uppers. The shoes are then trimmed, finished and checked before being packed for despatch.

The green lasts onto which the uppers are attached before the soles

Focusing on comfort rather than style is never going to endear a brand to the sartorialists and style aficionados. However, I'm getting to the age when I welcome a blend of style and comfort. I've been wearing a selection of their shoes and comfortable they certainly are. Many of them are also stylish, but not being branded with expensive logos and fashion names are not going to grab the attention of the slaves to fashion. I've been wearing a pair of black Garner boots which, with their square toe and comfortable uppers, add a touch of style to a formal or casual look. I also wear a pair of their walking shoes for walking my dog Harry (no longer made, but similar can be found here and which are water resistant and comfortable).

I suggest you inspect their range for yourself: don't listen to the fashionistas and make up your own mind as stylish and comfortable shoes are certainly to be found at Hotter.

I was a guest at the Hotter factory and have been sent a couple of pairs of shoes to review.