To walk through the boutique doors of luxury shoemaker Crockett & Jones is to enter a world of savoir-faire and design excellence. The essence of heritage and charm is felt in every aspect – from the welcoming staff to the unmistakable waft of rich leather and the softly lit polished wood displays – yet the brand has its finger firmly on the pulse, striving to ensure its styles stay classic while modern technical elements keep them ahead of the curve.

Retaining its position as the premier manufacturer of modern-day classic footwear, Crockett & Jones knows that in today’s world of comfort, softness and flexibility are at the forefront of function and design. As a developmental leader in its field, the shoemaker is forever introducing new leathers, lasts and soles, and as our lifestyles err towards the less formal, the classic English style that defines Crockett & Jones’s recognisable and iconic shoes across the globe remains steadfast.

Taking cues directly from customer demand and our increasingly busy lifestyles – from boardroom meetings to weekend hikes – the Crockett & Jones autumn/winter 2024 collection is no exception to these design codes. This can be seen via the introduction of a new last, 394. Offering an asymmetric, characterful forepart not seen from the house before, Last 394 encompasses a playful silhouette that exudes timeless design.

Inspired by the great British countryside, the latest collection does more than move off the beaten track with the use of this last, by introducing a new material to the season: hatch grain hide. Originating from Portuguese or Spanish bulls, this leather has a tight, compact fibre structure for durability and longevity. Tanned using a process commonly known as “veg re-tan”, the material takes on an aged character over time while maintaining incredible durability. The hatch grain sits alongside the ever reliable rough-out suede – an extremely hardwearing wax-impregnated suede that is fully waterproof and tough yet supple, to increase comfort over time.

The iconic design of the Islay Derby boot has been reimagined in green rough-out suede (£555), its recognisable high-leg design, speed hooks and bold broguing reflecting its status as a boot that has stood the test of time. Daniel Craig even wore the Islay in 2012’s Skyfall for his scenes in the Scottish Highlands – fitting, given the autumn/winter campaign used the stunning backdrop of Ayrshire to showcase its designs, venturing to the summit of the Isle of Arran, Goatfell, to demonstrate their metal.

Elsewhere in Crockett & Jones autumn/winter 2024, using the innovative 365 last, is a trio of supple, lightweight, low-cut boots. Each style has been designed using rugged waterproof suede and making use of Crockett & Jones’s light-as-air rubber sole. The new Chelsea boot, Elgin, retains the simplicity of Crockett & Jones’s trademark English design in a dark brown suede (£510). A casual option for lovers of the Islay, it’s supremely comfortable and waterproof, perfect for a long weekend stroll in the Highlands, the Lakes or wherever your very well-cared-for feet take you. The Kelso, a lace-up Derby boot, is also in dark brown suede (£525) and features the comfortable broad round toe shape, alongside the Chepstow three-eyelet Chukka, available in two suede colourways.

Elsewhere, a handful of Crockett & Jones’s familiar and well-loved styles have also been reintroduced in the new modern leathers for the most comfortable wear yet – from the Denver Derby shoe in dark brown hatch grain with a cleated rubber sole (£565), to the smart full brogue Cardigan style in walnut hatch grain (£510), which develops a patina over time that adds a real air of character and distinction.

In short, it’s fair to say Crockett & Jones has successfully navigated the balance of retaining its iconic English heritage with its unmistakeable designs while being plugged in to the modern day demands of its discerning customer. And that’s no mean feat.

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