Is there anything better than a pair of impeccable gentleman’s shoes? To a menswear purveyor like me, shoes are works of art - the smell of the leather, the craftsmanship of the stitching, the flawless broguing and the shine of the finish. Buy a pair of Charles Tyrwhitt shoes and you’ll notice that quality is inherent in every detail. Here’s my guide to our range of shoes and the most popular items in our collection. The majority of our shoes are available in a wider G fit as well, meaning that – as with our shirts – you can always find the perfect size for you.
Classic black and brown shoes
Only the finest ingredients go into our classic shoe range to ensure every pair you buy will stand the test of time. Here’s my guide to the most popular Charles Tyrwhitt classic shoes.
The Oxford shoe
A pair of smart Oxford shoes is a snappy must-have for every gent. Originating in Scotland and Ireland, the Oxford was historically a relatively plain formal shoe, but now can be found stepping out at the most formal of occasions. A pair of classic Oxford shoes is perfect for business events, wedding receptions and swanky evening dos. Couple the Oxford with a dark toned suit or smart black trousers and a crisp white formal shirt for a timelessly classic look.
The Derby shoe
Initially popularised in the nineteenth century, the Derby shoe was originally open-toed but for the last century has been far more similar to the more common Oxford. The distinguishing feature of the Derby, in contrast to the Oxford, is that the laced facings are unstitched at the bottom. It’s a little less formal than the Oxford but will still work a treat at classy restaurants, boardrooms and members’ clubs alike. Wear with a smart tailored suit or corduroy trousers and a sweater.
The brogue shoe
Starting its life in the highlands of Scotland and in Ireland, this heavy leather shoe was traditionally seen as a country shoe, patterned with punch holes, or broguing, to allow good drainage in the boglands. They're also known as 'wingtips' in America due to the distinctive 'w' pattern of the brogueing on the toe. Team with a dark fabric suit or jeans and a chunky knitted jumper.
Premium calf leather shoes
Our calf leather shoes really are outstanding examples of craftsmanship. They are impeccably made with the finest materials by some of the most skilled craftsman in the world and are Goodyear welted (which means they have a tough strip of leather stitched between the shoe upper and the insole) for extra strength. Famed for shoe-making perfection, our Northamptonshire factories have been producing beautiful shoes for over 125 years. There is history and passion within every pair.
The monk shoe
Monk shoes usually have no lacing and are instead closed by a buckle and a strap. It is a relatively formal shoe that is a notch up from the loafer and is popular in leather or suede. It is perhaps not smart enough for a wedding or for a funeral, but can be suitable for a business meeting or night out at the theatre.
The co-respondent shoe
A quirkier style of shoe for the dashing man-about-town that became popular in the jazz age. The true origins of the co-respondent are believed to derive from the days when the only permitted reason for divorce was if a partner was unfaithful (bear with me here). When a couple agreed a divorce was on the cards, a pair of unusually patterned or colourful shoes was left outside a hotel room where the man was engaging in extra marital relations. A housemaid would be set up to see the shoes and catch the husband in flagrante with another woman. The name ‘co-respondent’ refers to the third party or lover in the resultant divorce case.
Casual shoes and boots
A gent needs as many pairs of casual shoes and boots as he does formal shoes for weekends and holidays. You’ll find a range of classic shoes and boots in the Charles Tyrwhitt collection, including a number of more quirky additions for the new season. These are our most popular casual shoes.
The loafer shoe
Originating in Norway in the 1930s, this moccasin-style slip-on was soon adopted by visiting American tourists and championed by the US magazine Esquire before being originally produced for the US markets under the name 'weejuns' (as, in 'Norwegians'). Our loafers are exceptionally comfortable and are perfect for summer business meetings, golf games and garden parties.
The boat or deck shoe
The first boat shoe was invented in 1935 by a Mr Paul Sperry when he discovered his dog’s ability to run easily on ice and he went about understanding why. The ingenious fellow subsequently invented a shoe for sailors with siping (thin slits cut into rubber) cut into the sole to prevent slipping on boat decks, an unfortunate accident that could have had nasty consequences whilst at sea. Today’s boat shoes feature soft rubber soles in white or brown. They are arguably more casual than loafers and are therefore ideal for the weekend or holiday.
The Chelsea boot
Worn for horse-riding in Victorian times and sometimes known as jodhpur boots, this ankle-high boot with elastic sliding witnessed a rebirth in the 1960s British mod scene. They are perfect for an autumn stroll or evening out. Wear with denim jeans, cords and a chunky knit jumper or polo neck.
