Watling Oxford Shoe

Navy blue oxfords are a perennial favourite here at Carréducker. They have that formality of a black oxford but the colour gives a hint of playfulness and intrigue. Are they blue? This is often one’s initial reaction. Well, this pair certainly is

They are for one of our oldest customers. He placed the order in 2013 and we got to the fitting stage, but then he disappeared for a few years. He recently got back in touch saying he was getting married and could we get them finished. Obviously we said yes and the Watling is the result

A super simple plain oxford with a straight cap and double rows of stitching. With that colour, no more adornment is necessary! We chose a very soft calf leather as he has sensitive feet and a sore little toe.

The leather lends itself to a good shine so we concentrated on the toe area for maximum impact.

The customer chose to have trees too but he will break them in first and then return them to us to make the trees. This is actually the best way to do it as the last maker can get a better fit for the trees.

When he came to collect them, he commented on the way your foot slips into a pair of bespoke shoes with a characteristic “whoosh”. So satisfying!

UPPERS: navy Italian Softee; straight cap; counter; blind eyelets; five lace holes

LINING: straw calf

MAKING: hand lasted; hand welted; 1/4″ sole; machine stitched sole; solid blue finish throughout; high shine on the cap; sticker sole

If you like these navy blue oxfords, you might like these which are similar but in black