Dunhill shoes, crafted in one of the most technically skilled workshops in Northamptonshire, England, are a rare find, combining traditional craftsmanship with the innovative design of a luxury brand. Even seasoned connoisseurs of classic shoes will be impressed by their appearance. Take a good look.

► View the "ISETAN Leather Fair 2024" special page

We spoke with Matsuo, editor-in-chief of 'THE RAKE JAPAN' and 'LAST'.

Kentaro Matsuo
Editor-in-Chief of THE RAKE JAPAN
LAST Editor-in-Chief

Born in 1965. Joined the MEN'S EX editorial department in 1992 and spearheaded the classic Italian fashion boom alongside Masakatsu Ochiai. After serving as editor-in-chief of the magazine, he became editor-in-chief of THE RAKE JAPAN. Starting this year, he also serves as editor-in-chief of LAST.

What is the appeal of Dunhill shoes?

"These are Chelsea boots, also known as side-gore boots, that I had made a few years ago. What I appreciate most about these boots is the superb craftsmanship in every detail. The upper is made from a single piece of fabric, a truly luxurious construction. The design features a slightly rounded toe, giving it a classic yet modern feel. The heel cup is snug, but the skillful use of interlining and last construction ensures a very comfortable fit. The instep isn't too aggressive, so it feels like the boots are molded to my feet, making them comfortable to wear for long periods without getting tired. It's rare to find boots with this level of craftsmanship. When I asked during an interview which workshop in England they were made in, I was told they were actually manufactured in a workshop founded by the former head of bespoke shoes at Edward Green, which made perfect sense to me. Dunhill shoes, with their traditional yet elegant feel, are also incredibly versatile. I've paired them with a suit today, but they also look great with jeans."

Derby split toe

Right: Dress U-tip shoes embodying the beauty of tailoring.

These dress U-tip shoes, crafted from hatch grain calf leather, feature eye-catching skin stitching. The distinctive V-shaped wingtip creates a sleek silhouette. Meanwhile, the double sole adds a substantial feel. They skillfully combine British robustness with modern sophistication.

Left: Glamorous, bespoke-like design.

The shoe on the right is made of a different material and color. Using smooth leather, the last features a slightly elongated, smart round toe, giving it a look that matches suits despite being an open-laced shoe. The waist is beautifully tapered, giving it a glamorous feel reminiscent of bespoke shoes.

Chelsea boots & Oxford cap toe shoes

Right: Smart yet comfortable even for wide feet

The design is authentic and unpretentious, yet it exudes outstanding elegance thanks to its high quality. The waist is fitted, while there's ample room around the ball joint (the width between the base of the big toe and little toe), ensuring a comfortable fit.

Left: A simple design that makes the most of the quality of the materials.

These Chelsea boots are made from box calf leather. The single-piece construction beautifully showcases the fine texture and luxurious feel of the leather. The well-balanced, slim round toe makes them suitable for everything from suits to jeans.

Tassel loafers

The brogue-inspired perforations add a playful touch.

These tassel loafers are a versatile choice for both casual and formal occasions. Instead of moccasin stitching, they feature U-shaped perforations inspired by brogues, adding a subtle twist. The narrow opening and relatively large onion-shaped heel cup are also distinctive features, making them a good fit for Japanese feet.

During the ISETAN Leather Fair 2024, you can order without any extra charge!

Dunhill shoes can be custom-made to your liking, with your choice of upper and sole. While there is usually an extra charge for this, during the Leather Fair, the extra charges for custom orders are waived, except for metal initials, metal toe tips, and exotic leathers. This is definitely worth checking out.

ISETAN Leather Fair 2024 will be held.

The "Shoe Fair," which has been held six times in the past and has been well-received, has been scaled up last year and is now called the "Leather Fair." This time, in response to requests from leather enthusiasts, the event will feature not only shoes, but also bags and leather accessories. We will introduce a wide variety of leather items, from products that prioritize "high quality" to items that focus on custom orders, trends, cost performance, and vintage, as well as maintenance services.

Text: ISETAN MEN'S net

＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

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