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Here in Britain, we often use very different terminology for shoes than they do across the pond. This can make things a bit confusing when you’re reading about shoe style online, as American terms are often used instead of British ones.

Just to help keep everything shipshape in your mind, we’ve recreated a handy translation guide for British VS American shoe terms. 

Oxford VS Balmoral

In Britain, Oxfords are formal footwear with closed lacing. In the US, the terms ‘Oxford’ and ‘Balmoral’ are used fairly interchangeably...

Shoes pictured: Wingtip Oxfords Rain

Contrast wingtips are formal shoes with a big personality. They can also be known as two toned brogues and co-respondent shoes. 

Depending on your own preferences (or just your mood!) the contrast can vary from a subtle shift, like in the shoes pictured above, to very bold, such as black and white. Whatever colour combination you lean towards, we think contrast wingtips are a great way to add extra detail into your outfit.

If you’re looking for some new ideas about how...

Shoe pictured: the double monkstrap inca

Monkstrap shoes are dress shoes with an extra dose of personality. They make the perfect addition to a formal outfit for style conscious gentlemen. 

Of course, there’s no reason why monkstraps should be limited to only the dressiest of occasions. These beautifully cut shoes will fit right in with a whole range of curated outfits.

The Anatomy of Monkstrap Shoes

Monkstrap shoes are made from leather or suede. The upper is fastened by way of an integral strap and buckle. There is a lot of variation...

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How much do you know about the humble shoelace? Most of us use them every day, but these handy little laces tend to get overlooked. 

Here’s everything you need to know about shoelaces.

How long have shoelaces been used?

Shoelaces have played a key role in footwear since pretty much the very beginning. It’s difficult for archeologists to determine exactly how long human beings have been relying on shoelaces for, but examples have been found that date back as far as 3500BC.

What are shoelaces made of?

Traditionally shoelaces were...

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The process of traditional shoemaking involves a whole host of specialist tools and techniques. We’re making it our mission to introduce you to some of them. In this post we’re looking at a tool that plays a very key role in the shoemaking process: the leather cutting knife.

Leather is the main component in traditional shoemaking. Natural leather materials are used to create the upper parts of the shoe as well as the sole. Because of this, it’s vital for shoemakers to have a selection of...