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Trust Us, These 5 Timeless Shoes Will Never Go Out Of Style - Ever

Fast footwear is a thing of the past – or at least it should be. Instead, let’s say hello to a pair of long-lasting shoes that are an investment for years to come.

I’m just going to come out and say it: Church’s is my new obsession. A heritage shoe brand that has been around since 1873, I am kicking myself (wearing Church’s of course) for not finding them sooner. I’ve wasted so much time, money and thousands of steps walking in poor quality shoes, when I could have had these luxury leather wonders all along. But since I’m in the habit of being forthright, I’m also going to tell you straight up that they’re expensive – a pair will cost upwards of £600 – but I’m also going to scream from any rooftop, ledge or remotely high surface why they’re worth every single pound of their pricetag. 

To set the scene, I’ve been consistently disappointed with the quality of footwear for pretty much as long as I can remember – winter boots being a particular sticking point. No matter how much I’ve loved a pair of Chelsea boots over the years, they’ve always let me down in no time at all: wet toes, worn leather, uncomfortable soles. Not to sound like my parents, but they just don’t make them like they used to. Only, with Church’s, they do. Not only do they create footwear that you’ll want to wear on repeat, but the heritage behind this brand is really something that makes it possible. Quintessentially British, this English footwear manufacturer hand-crafts all of their shoes out of the highest-quality leather right here in the UK – their Northampton factory to be exact. They’ve been doing it this way for over 100 years, so trust me when I say that they know what they’re doing.

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Their secret? They use a unique process – the Goodyear Welt method – synonymous with quality handmade English shoes, and something that Church’s pride themselves on. This meticulous construction process involves sewing a welt (strip of leather) between the upper and insole and then into the sole. This will prolong the life of a shoe by preventing water penetration and allowing for repeated resoling – meaning your shoes or boots could last for decades. They also offer a repair service, where they give your shoes a full look over, sort out any scuffs, resole if needed, while making sure everything is ship-shape-and-shiny (literally), before packaging them up and sending them back to you – repaired, renewed and with a new lease of life. Suffice to say, you won’t get any of that with high-street footwear – instead you’re probably used to worn down soles, holes by the toe and scuffed fake leather, and when you realise just how awful they look, you chuck them away.

But don’t go thinking with all this sensibility, that you’ll have to forgo style. Everything is a bonafide classic – enduring styles that will never date from a cult-classic pair of chelsea boots to a contemporary mary jane, or a perfectly polished flat loafer. Each one as beautifully made as the last.

Scroll on to discover five classic styles most worthy of your investment.

The Classic Derby

The Shannon has been a Church’s staple since 1970, which makes it a real investment piece. Elegant and androgynous, this sleek derby is crafted from a single piece of leather and is completely free of marks and flaws. Wear with mini or mid-length skirts, with peter pan collar blouses and calf-length coats.

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The Contemporary Classic

A classic Chelsea silhouette crafted from a glossy tobacco-tone leather (an effect achieved by hand-applying exclusive waxes for mirror-esque shine), the iconic shape takes on new form with traditional brogue perforations for an added layer of sophistication. Wear with jeans tucked into the ankle, or a cropped tailored trousers to show them off properly.

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The Sophisticated Boot

It's an understated design with nowhere to hide, so the quality of the finish is everything. But it's minimalism is what makes it, and more importantly, won't date it. Inspired by combat styling, this lace-up derby boot sits on a prominent lightweight rubber St Moritz sole, adding traction for a confident stride. Crafted from natural Rois calf leather, its practical and seriously elegant.

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The Fabulous Flat

Low shoes are underrated, but I for one am a big fan of the humble flat. With a silhouette that echoes that of the traditional Victorian house slipper, Church’s Nina adds heritage to any ensemble that you pair them with. When worn with a straight legged jean, with turned up hems, you’ll create a chic off-duty look; or team with a shift dress in the evening for a more refined and classic finish.

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The Statement Maker

The glossy Lana brogue is elevated from everyday item to statement piece thanks to the bright red hue and traditional brogue perforations. With a double monk strap for an old school sensibility, this shoe has a feminine silhouette that looks at home when worn with cropped trousers and ruffled blouses.

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