Summer is truly here! With so many great choices for summer shoes, it’s hard to pick a favourite. To help, here’s what the ArdMoor Team are wearing on their feet this summer.
Jo – Orca Bay Bahamas Deck Shoes
As the summer weather continues to deliver most of the UK bright sunshine and high temperatures I decided it was time to put my collection of Orca bay boots to one side for a few months and buy my first pair of Orca Bay leather boat shoes.
The Orca Bay Bahamas caught my eye when I first saw them, but having slightly wider feet I worried that I might not suit them. To my surprise and delight, when I tried on a pair in my size just in time for heading south for the weekend they fitted like a glove.
The Indigo Bahamas are hand-stitched using soft-yet-durable premium leather and are available in a choice of colour combinations – including the Indigo and Hawaii which are both machine washable. They are made in a moccasin style with raw hide laces making them comfortable and adjustable across the width.
The Indigo Bahamas are made from salt-resistant leather which can be washed in the machine – very handy for travelling and taking on holidays. Since I put the Bahamas on I have been so pleased with them they look great with shorts, skinny jeans as well as my limited collection of summer skirts.
After a whistle stop tour to Ascot crossing London on tubes trains, dog walking and of course shopping, my feet emerged from the Bahamas looking and feeling as good as new which is a first for me… so if you are looking for an all-round versatile deck shoe for the summer holidays I can’t recommend these enough. Think I might treat myself to the Sand colour too!
Sally – Orca Bay Sorrenta Loafers
Having purchased the Sorrento Women’s Loafer shoe three years ago it has certainly been put to the test throughout the seasons. Made from luxurious premium suede, the Sorrento is super comfortable and moulds to your foot shape over time.
The loafers have a full leather insole for great comfort and durability and support the foot over varying terrain. Hand-stitched in a moccasin style, the smart wrap around suede is sleek and comfortable, ideal for lighter weight summer wear and sports smart colour contrast stitching that is eye catching.
With a black out, sturdy rubber sole that has withstood three years of wear-and-tear and is extremely protective underfoot plus a smart steel bar placed across the front of the shoe to finish, this has been a great buy, extremely long lasting and always practical and versatile.
Wear with skirts, shorts or trousers across the seasons, a multi-use shoe for women.
Gordon – Ariat Fuse Trainers
With the temperatures holding (fingers crossed) and with my summer holiday in mind, these were purchased as an out-and-out summer shoe. Ariat being a new brand to us, I was curious to give them a try. As I went on a cycling holiday in the south of France, I was after something that was lightweight, yet strong enough whilst not looking out of place in town.
The mesh uppers are perfect for current conditions, allowing air to circulate and keeping your feet nice and cool, even when active. There is a contoured footbed (removable if not to your liking), which did help keep the soles feeling fresh when on the bike or during a spot of gentile Alpine climbing. The shock-absorbent midsole is also a good addition.
As someone who struggles finding comfortable shoes, mainly due to the shape of my feet, I’ve been most impressed by these. The look is contemporary and stylish enough for casual wear, whilst still being fit for country use. Originally intended as simply a holiday shoe, the recent temperatures have led to the odd use in the office.
Abie – Orca Bay Ladies Creek Deck Shoes
Since joining the ArdMoor team, my first purchase has been a pair of Orca Bay Creek Deck Shoes. I wanted a well-made pair of shoes which I could wear in a smart casual office as well as for weekends and this is my first pair of Orca Bay shoes. Since they’ve arrived I’ve been so impressed by the Creeks that I’ve worn them almost every day for work and play, summer parties, into ArdMoor and even the Highland Show.
They were the perfect choice for a day at the Highland Show. When I was having a mad dash from the horse area, around the rings and shopping at stands my feet felt supported and comfortable, even in the heat. I chose the Sand shade, as I loved the light tan colour and since they’re made with full grain leather any scrapes or scratches have rubbed off without leaving a mark. The metal eyelets are also rustproof which has meant that they’re absolutely fine after being caught in an absolute downpour of rain.
I’m headed to the North of Scotland for a few days, and I’ll be wearing these on my holiday. They look great with anything, and the insole moulds to your feet over time so I know they’ll only get comfier the more I wear them. Even though I have quite narrow feet, I don’t feel my heels walking out the back of the shoes at all. I’ve already been singing their praises to my friends and would recommend the Creeks for anyone looking for a pair of summer shoes. It does mean I’m already excited to add a pair of Orca Bay boots to my collection in the autumn as well.
Ash – Blundstone 585
With the recent hot weather too warm for my trusty walking boots, my 585s have become my everyday wear. Waterproof leather and a steel shank means they’re sturdy enough for walking long distances, they’re light enough that I don’t get hot feet in the summer, and yet they dress up well enough that they don’t look out of place in formal settings.
Being so versatile they are particularly good for weekends away – easy to slip off and on when passing through airport security, and with one pair of boots I can handle a walk through the forest or go out to dinner. Or indeed get married – I wore these for my beach wedding on the Isle of Harris earlier this year. I’m tempted to pick up a pair of sheepskin-lined 584s for the winter.
One thing to note with Blundstone’s is that their sizing is somewhat particular – their full sizes come up true but their half sizes also include extra width, so if you are particularly wide of foot you’ll want to pick up the nearest a half size. Similarly, if you usually wear a half size but you have narrow or regular feet, you may want to round to the nearest full size instead.