Herring Shoes Journal

This week sees the start of UEFA EURO 2024, otherwise known as the Euros, to light the touch paper for another exciting summer of sport. The football will overlap with the start of Wimbledon, which will dovetail nicely into the Olympics and then the Paralympics in Paris. Meanwhile, cricket will ramp up in the summer months following Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Henley Regatta, the British Grand Prix and The Open at Royal Troon. What a summer we have got ahead of us!

If you have tickets for any of these events, then enjoy! For many of us, we will have to be content with watching from home or gathering round a big screen in pubs or friends’ gardens. Sport at its best becomes a social occasion that brings people together with the shared aim of getting behind their nation’s athletes. It comes with high and lows, but that sense of community is a precious commodity.

Getting dressed up just to watch the match, race or event on the television is all part of it and what better way to support sport than to wear a pair of smart sneakers? If they are white, it seems the squeakier clean the better for that preppy freshness. However, more dad-style, athletic or hiking trainers that are not white (shock) are also a key fashion statement, so your choice has widened considerably.

For that sleek, pristine look, the Split sneaker has you covered or Loake’s Rush style blends white calf with sand suede for an on-trend two-tone option while the Linford is even more athletic looking. For a chunkier, trainer look, the Goodwood is one of our bestsellers and comes in white, tan, black and navy calf options.

For women, we have our new Angelina and Athena styles in super-white calf, although there is a cheeky bit of pony on the heel of the latter. For a slip-on  look that adds a bit of height, we have two cream/off-white-coloured platform styles in the Bolsena and the Lugano.

If white is a risky strategy for you as you like to wear your trainers or sneakers without fear of a scuff or two, our new Dunsfold blends navy calf and suede for a smart yet relaxed look while the Brendon has a navy grain finish. Loake’s Bannister range sports calf styles and suede versions for you to choose from.

Like the dad-style? Head to our sale where you will find plenty of colours to choose from in our Voyager and Horwich styles.

But what if you do have tickets for any of these events? Your footwear choice will need to be carefully selected. For example, if you are donning a morning suit for Royal Ascot, then you will need black Oxfords. For a genteel event, such as Wimbledon, Henley Regatta or the blazer-wearing seats for a test match, then you have a choice to make. May we suggest a two-tone spectator? The Henley would be perfect or the Henley II for a lighter shade or the Farnham for a blend of navy suede and chestnut calf.

Light-weight brogues could also work, such as the modern upgrade of Jack II with its white sole. However, loafers were very popular at all the summer sport events last year. We have so many styles to tempt you with but I am going to suggest the Pisa II and the Terni II as standout classics, while the Barcelona has the Olympic venue name vibe going for them!

If you love sport, then you will be looking forward to this summer. I am with you! Enjoy every minute and head our way if you are looking for new sports fan styles.