Two new entry level shoe ranges have seen the light of day this summer, with British online retailer Herring launching the Classic Elite line and J. FitzPatrick Footwear introducing their JF Line. Both with RRP at about €260 (the latter with a current pre-sale discount) and good looking Spanish-made Goodyear welted shoes.

 

The other week Herring Shoes, who is one of the largest online retailers of quality shoes in Europe, introduced a new line to expand their range of shoes under their own label. They have already quite a wide scale of offerings, from cheap Asian-made Goodyear welted shoes at €150 passed  British-made welted lower-end stuff with open channel stitching etc., up to midrange Goodyear welted shoes made in Northampton with closed channels, bevelled waist etc. With the Classic Elite line they have, through the slightly cheaper production costs in Spain, been able to add closed channel stitched leather soles and a bit improved specs compared to the British-made stuff in the price range of €260. The models and the design are still quintessentially British though. Seven models as start, all in several different leather choices, where the wholecut stands out a bit since it’s not that common in this price range.

Nice looking penny loafer with the quite neat sole finish for the price.

Nice looking penny loafer with the quite neat sole finish for the price.

Herring Classic Elite black wholecut.

Herring Classic Elite black wholecut.

A slightly more special model, austerity adelaide wingtip in tan. Pictures: Herring Shoes

A slightly more special model, austerity adelaide wingtip in tan. Pictures: Herring Shoes

J. FitzPatrick Footwear, the now US-based brand of Justin “The Shoe Snob” FitzPatrick, have previously only offered midrange welted footwear with mainly more bold and progressive designs. Now they are introducing the JF Line, with more classic models in a lower price range, at about €250. Until they arrive in stock in August they are however offered at a discount so down at only €170, and especially for European customers this can be the time to jump in since pre-sale orders will ship from Spain instead of the US so no customs or VAT will be added. The shoes are manufactured in the same factory in Almansa as the more expensive models, and are Goodyear welted with a thin half rubber sole and leather board heel stiffeners, and a bunch of nice looking models and make-ups are offered (also here wholecuts, though with medallion this time).

One of my favourites from the new range, an apron derby.

One of my favourites from the new range, an apron derby.

Pretty cool suede shade on these semi brogues.

Pretty cool suede shade on these semi brogues.

Wholecut loafer with medallion, where you also can see the half rubber soles used for all models of the JF Line. Pictures: J. FitzPatrick (also top image)

Wholecut loafer with medallion, where you also can see the half rubber soles used for all models (except the country boots) of the JF Line. Pictures: J. FitzPatrick (also top image)