A decently strong showing from Crockett & Jones for their new AW21 collection. Nothing really earth-shattering, but I think C&J has properly gauged the response to dress shoe (or in this case boot) trends as a result of Covid, and it's reflected in a number of models that are likely to become popular.
You can see the whole collection here, but I'll pull out some of the most notable models below.
My favourite of the new collection - I expect to be picking up a pair of these before Christmas. I love the little dovetail seam at the base of the shaft, very evocative of the Edward Green Galway (also coming in a new roughout suede / waxed flesh makeup this winter, though the Grizedale is rather more wallet-friendly).
The roughout suede is supremely versatile - I have a pair of black roughout Coniston boots from C&J, and it's a leather that's pretty immune to bad weather and ages very interestingly. If this model is successful, I wonder if we will see bi-material versions to push the Galway comparison even further?
The answer to "what if Crockett & Jones made a motorcycle boot?" Well, it's obviously still a dress boot, just with some slightly more robust trappings. The top buckle is also found in Edward Green's Kentmere, although with Edward Green's design the strap is a bit large and overpowering - with the Aldershot the buckle strap is a bit narrower and better proportioned.
Beyond that the design is the same as last year's brown Scotch grain and roughout suede model. A good design I think, though some may find the mish-mash of elements a bit of a Frankenstein's monster.
The Islay is the archetypal brogue boot in its existing dark brown Scotch grain. They are the pair that I've probably had the most compliments on when wearing.
While the black Scotch grain doesn't bring much new to the party, the oiled teak side leather is an interesting option and quite unusual for the maker, looking like a slightly sleeker iteration on a pair of Tricker's. These new colourways are on a chunkier cleated sole compared to the dark brown's slimmer Dainite sole.
The only new shoe design from this season - I have a lot of love for the chunky monkstrap aesthetic. It's a good play on a shoe style that would normally be very sleek and dressy.
It does exist in a strange place outfit-wise though - the chunkiness can only really slide with a pretty casual or workwear type look, but black cavalry calf is a fairly formal looking material at a glance. So maybe not a versatile shoe, but an interesting one nonetheless.