HARD SOLE ESSENTIALS

Facing sneaker fatigue? Then a good pair of hard bottom shoes are a must. Sophisticated, versatile and timeless, the appeal of a leather shoe is undeniable, whatever form they may take. From a classic zip ankle boot or hiking shoe to a loafer, the hard bottom shoe combines a traditional approach to mens footwear with a clean-cut aesthetic for wearability and a premium outlook.

A modern-day icon, the Camion Boot from Swedish purveyors of relaxed cool Our Legacy blends sartorial sophistication with a now classic design. Square toed for touch of aesthetic separation from traditional styles, these side zipped ankle boots are crafted from premium Italian calf leather and outfitted with a USA-made Vibram outsole. Effortlessly cool and pairable with anything from tracksuit bottoms and jeans to suiting, the Camion Boot comes in a variety of colourways from the classic black to olive green, brown and more.

Founded in 1908 and made at a factory in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans, Paraboot’s footwear is an embodiment of hardwearing and timeless French design. The Michael shoe is an emblem of the brand’s dedication to creating footwear that is rugged but sophisticated, crafted from deer leather and kitted out with a leather lining and rubber sole for comfort. Signed off with the brand’s signature branded tab in a deep green hue, Paraboot take pride in their lauded craftsmanship and status as one of the most reliable shoes in the game.

A family-owned company that operates in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy south of the border with Switzerland, Diemme was founded by brothers Dennis and Maico Signor back in 1992. Centred around the rich heritage of craftsmanship in Italy, the brand focusses on creating footwear for the city that draws inspiration from historic mountaineering styles. The Cornaro Low Hiking shoe is no exception, with metal hardware delivering the brand’s signature outdoor appeal and a plush suede leather upper introducing a twist of luxury. Rubber tank soles provide comfort and durability, too, ensuring that your pair of Diemme’s will go the distance whatever you put them through.

Opting for a more luxurious take on hard bottom footwear, Jacquemus’ Leather Loafer shoe in black leather compounds traditional sartorial appeal with the French brand’s trademark chic sensibility. A square heel subtly distorts convention, while hand-sewn topstitching embeds a deep appreciation of craft into these loafers. At home on the French Riviera or as a part of your daily footwear rotation, Simon Porte Jacquemus’ eponymous label modernises a classic with a distinctive sense of quiet charm and luxury.

Returning to Italy, it would be difficult to celebrate the joys of the hard bottom shoe without spotlighting a pair of hiking shoes from Fracap. Long a staple at END., the M121 Commando Sole Low Hiking shoe from the Lecce-based brand is an icon of modern footwear design. First established in 1908, Fracap have been producing quality hiking boots for over a century. Kitted out with a calf leather upper and lining, a rubber commando sole courtesy of Vibram and a natural calf leather handstitched gaurdolo, this pair of shoes beautifully celebrate the union of outdoor ruggedness with a city edge.