THE JOURNAL
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Hot Goth Summer: Five Black Shoes To Wear Now
Words by Mr Jim Merrett
31 May 2022
Summer and goths make for strange bedfellows. Why stretch out in the sun on a pool lounger when you could be writing poetry under a tree in a cemetery? But as the gym goth trend proved, there’s more to this subculture than weekends in Whitby sipping cider and black and listening to The Sisters of Mercy. When it comes to footwear, the SS22 season offers an array of murdered-out options for every social occasion, making this one #HotGothSummer to remember. Just don’t forget the SPF.
01.
The black Bottega Veneta rubber sandal
Call it reverse Fordism, but Bottega Veneta’s current raison d’être seems to be to corner the market in bright colours. And, sure, while you could run with – well, maybe not run with – its signature clog in orange, green or two sophisticated shades of brown, maybe black is where it’s at. Especially suited to the pool, this is also a seriously comfy shoe, so think of it as your any-event go-to. A little black number for your feet, if you like.
02.
The iconic Dr. Martens Derby revisited
Originally marketed toward postal and factory workers, the legendary Dr. Martens Derby found its calling as the footwear of punks, grungers and, obviously, goths. It’s a hard-working, not to mention hard-wearing, shoe, and once you break them in, they’ll see you through most scrapes. This edition, made in collaboration with Japanese streetwear label Neighborhood, comes pre-splattered with paint. A work of art, perhaps.
03.
The all-black, all-terrain Salomon trail-running sneaker
The cult-favourite footwear of creative directors right now is surprisingly practical. Salomon has carved out a niche for itself valuing function over form, but the Gorpcore movement has turned this on its head. Which is something that won’t happen to you on the fells with a pair of these grippy sneakers on.
04.
The talk-of-the-town Raf Simons Chelsea boot
Once described by a fellow comedian as a “Gothic George Best”, Bake-Off co-host Mr Noel Fielding is perhaps the most stylish goth alive, which is why we can see him in these Raf Simons creations. A sleek silhouette with exposed stitching and a logo-embosses moulded heel, these will keep you on your toes.
05.
The shearling-lined JW Anderson crypt creeper
Made from a supple black calf leather, with a moulded footbed as well as that fluffy lining, these standout slip-ons will keep your tootsies cosy all-year around. An Ivy League mainstay given a Mr Bram Stoker reboot – these backless loafers are your summer soiree ally. Worried that your feet haven’t seen much sun? They will add character to even the most uncouth of hooves.
