Grenson SS/11: suedes of summer

There's nothing like an English shoemaker to stoke the patriotic flames but sometimes they do tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to pushing the stylistic boundaries.

Not so Grenson, who have taken their considerable cobbler prowess and added a contemporary twist via the use of crepe and Vibram soles.

The spring / summer 2011 collection brings you a whole load of this, in the sort of soft summery shades and lightweight suedes which have you musing over warmer times.

Best of all, you can buy their shoes at their online store. 

Grenson Vibram Fred brogues: white lies beneath

And on the 60th day, Orange said: "let there be broadband," and peace came to the earth and there was much rejoicing.  Yes I am back in the loop. Expect to see a whole load of stuff I haven't until now had the technology to put up, starting with these, my Freds.

It took a bit of hunting to find them, online as it goes. I virtually travelled the length and breadth of the country through that fibreoptic cable until I finally popped up at It's In Your Jeans in the exotic seaside resort of Scarborough.

They arrived just in time for the festivities, adding a bit of cushioning from the ice. Soft as butter and that Vibram sole takes them to a whole new level as far as I am concerned.

I'd worn them a couple of times before this picture was taken. They were on my feet the minute they came out of the box.

Getting to the sole of the matter: Vibram

Yuketen Maine Guide Boot with Vibram sole

Out in Spitalfields with Boris last night, which culminated in my being privvy to a gathering of some the capital's career-casuals - those who have made a living out of an unhealthy obsession with hard-to-find mens' clothing. 

Boris called it "a riot of rigid denim and chunky knits," which summed things up nicely, although I would have to add Vibram soles to that description.

As Scouse Dave observed, Vibram soles are just about everywhere these days, attached to everything from calf-height hunting boots to hikers and brogues. It has become the preferred method of difusing the stiff leather shoe.

They were certainly the choice in the pub, which means the look will only gain momentum from here.

Can't say I'm averse to the look myself. I've long been a fan of the shoe with the trainer sole, so a sparkling white Vibram sole, while no doubt derided as sacrilege in certain shoe-making circles, does make a welcome update to a classic brogue, or as it happens, a Maine Guide Boot, to me.

Grenson

Viberg for Heritage Research

Fracap for Oki-Ni