Jones the Bootmakers - Cheaney Fenchurch shoes made in England

Jones the Bootmaker was established in 1857 and has a firm presence on our high streets around the UK. Their strength is the wide range of men's shoes that they sell, from lower-priced to shoes hand-made in Northampton, England like these calf-leather Joseph Cheaney & Sons Fenchurch Oxfords with brogue punched detail, worn here with a blue pinstripe suit.

They have a Goodyear-welted leather sole and a slim, elegant shape that goes well with a formal or semi-formal style. Like all Cheaney shoes, these are very comfortable and will provide a shoe for life if properly looked after. 

The selection of styles at Jones the Bootmaker appeals to men of all ages and it's hard to go into one of their stores without finding something that suits. If you can't get to one of their shops, visit their website to find what you need. 

Click to find the Cheaney Fenchurch shoes here.

Joseph Cheaney & Sons new London Flagship Store

Joseph Cheaney & Sons have been making shoes in Northamptonshire in England since 1886. In 1966 the company was taken over by Church & Co and is now controlled by Jonathan and William Church who bought Cheaney from Church & Co (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prada). Shoemaking heritage runs deep in Cheaney.

William Church recently showed me Cheaney's new flagship outlet in Jermyn Street, London. It avoids being yet another traditional shoe shop by building in elements of the Cheaney factory in Northampton in utilitarian wall coverings, shelving, old lasts and by including displays showing how shoes are constructed and a model of the factory itself. The impression on entering is of a bright and welcoming space; a celebration of the quality English shoe.

William Church

There is a wide selection of shoes on display, with something for everyone, from robust Veldtschoen-constructed country shoes, to tweed brogues, loafers and city shoes. All are beautifully-made and displayed, many given a mirror-finish polish in the shop to show them in their full glory.

To see more about the shop and to browse the range of men's and women's shoes, click here to visit the website. The Joseph Cheaney & Sons shop is at 21b Jermyn Street, London.

Images Joseph Cheaney & Sons and Grey Fox Blog.

Cheaney Cairngorm - Veldtschoen construction shoes

Our largely urban lifestyle has sidelined the need for robust, waterproof and truly comfortable footwear. Pavements are not muddy, rock-strewn hillsides and there is little call for shoes that can be worn on both. We tend to separate our urban and country lives, buying stylish shoes for work and walking boots or wellies for the country.

Cheaney Cairngrom

As a result shoes constructed to be sturdy, comfortable all day and weatherproof are overlooked. This is a a shame, because Veldtschoen construction shoes will last a lifetime and that chunky appearance is just the bee's knees. Their construction is slightly different from Goodyear-welted shoes, as they are assembled and stitched to keep out water. Their round-toed appearance enhances this waterproof quality and, to my eyes, gives them a slightly military, retro and highly-stylish look.

Cheaney Pennine boot

This robust and traditional style endears them to real shoe enthusiasts, who snap up used Veldtschoen construction shoes for high prices on internet sales sites. Clearly there is a hardcore demand for them, making them something of an investment. Joseph Cheaney & Sons have recognised this demand by making (in Northampton, England) a handful of Veldtschoen construction models, shoes and boots, four of which are illustrated here. I've tried the Cairngorm brogues, pictured here. 

Cheaney Mallory boot

The first impression on putting them on is of great comfort, a result of the soft but robust grain leather and of the slightly rounded shape, more foot-friendly than more pointed designs. The tongue is stitched into the shoe along its length, to prevent water seeping in round the laces. The Itshide Commando sole does its job on soft or hard ground.

Cheaney Cairngorm

If you're looking for a strong and supremely comfortable shoe with an interesting history and construction, try these beautifully-made shoes, fine examples of the best of English shoe manufacture.

Terrific with tweed, peerless with denim, sublime with chinos, shocking with shorts; a pair of these, properly maintained, will last a lifetime, making them a bargain. For more information see Joseph Cheaney & Sons' website, where you'll find a selection of shoes that'll turn you into a male Imelda Marcos if you don't exercise extreme self-restraint.

Cheaney Stour