Herring Shoes Journal

We called it last week with our Guide to Loafers…the spring/summer season is finally upon us! So, we thought we would showcase one of our all-time classics in the deck shoe world, the Salcombe. Named after the South Hams boating mecca that neighbours our headquarters in Kingsbridge, this has been a mainstay in our casual collection for many years.

Like any of our shoes, there is some serious craftsmanship at work in the background. This style is made for us by deck shoe specialists in the city of Guimarães in Portugal.

A&R Pontes is at the heart of a renowned industrial cluster that comprises footwear, clothing and home textiles. Established in 1999, the company comes from a family business dedicated to the art of shoe manufacturing since 1945. They balance the value of a shoemaking tradition and craftsmanship that has been passed on from generation to generation, but with a forward-thinking attitude. They are our kind of people!

Although based on a moccasin, the deck shoe we know today originates from 1935 when the first one was designed by Paul Sperry (we sell Sperry deck shoes too). There are two theories as to what his thought-process was:

1. He loved boats and wanted a nautical-style moccasin. He also cut grooves into the bottoms of the sole to create more grip.
2. He noticed his dog did not slip on ice and upon studying his dog’s paws, he saw the significance of grooves and cut grooves into the soles of his own shoe.

However Mr Sperry developed his shoe invention, the deck shoe was then taken on by the US Navy with their own design, leading to global popularity.

The cleated non-marking rubber sole is clearly a necessity for staying upright in wilder weathers on boats and ships. Deck shoes are also slip-on to make them easy to take on and off. The porthole style eyelets usually feature a 360-degree leather lacing system to ensure they fit securely. The aprons are top stitched often using contrasting thread.

The Salcombe is a little different. While we have retained the lacing feature around the collar, we have done away with it at the front. Instead, we have added a penny loafer-style saddle. Less fuss but still very much a deck shoe with a non-marking rubber sole. One of reviewers on our website commented: “Very comfortable and so happy no laces.” We seemed to have made one customer happy at least!

In truth, we know we have made many of our customers happy as the Salcombe is a very popular footwear choice in the warmer months. The blended deck shoe-loafer style makes them the ideal shoe choice as you leap to shore from your boat in search of the nearest local restaurant for lunch. If you have not got a boat, they work well as a weekend shoe. They are the ultimate in smart-casual and look great with a shorts, chinos or jeans with a polo shirt or casual shirt.