THE JOURNAL
3 MINUTE READ
Seven Essential Suede Shoes To Rely On This Spring
Words by Emma Pradella
Photography by Mr Daniel Benson
Styling by Ms Sophie Watson
2 April 2024
There’s something cathartic about updating your footwear at the turn of a new season. New shoes have the transformative power of reinvigorating your existing wardrobe, especially those made for more clement climates, such as suede loafers, lighter sneakers or driving shoes. That linen suit you bought last year? It’ll be the highlight of any summer wedding. The jeans you wear day in, day out will feel like a new pair with fresh kicks. Why suede, you ask? The supple material is inherently lighter and cooler than leather. Once the spring showers have passed, it’s also a great way to add a subtle touch of texture to any outfit. Below are seven spring suede shoes that you can rely on throughout this season.
01. The Manolo Blahnik loafers
Spring is a great time to swap your leather loafers in favour of something a little lighter, such as Manolo Blahnik’s suede pair. They’re designed with collapsible heels, so you can wear them backless when the occasion calls for a more relaxed look (and it’s OK to go sockless).
02. The Officine Creative clogs
We can all agree that clogs are some of the most comfortable shoes around. Their cosy vibe will make you quite literally feel like you’ve left the house in slippers, but without compromising on style. Take these Officine Creative Agora pair – the supple suede construction and refined chocolate brown colourway mean you can wear them with anything from shorts to relaxed tailoring.
03. The ZEGNA Chelsea boots
Few shoes are more timeless than classic Chelsea boots, so now’s the right time to invest in a pair that feels a tad more seasonally appropriate than wintery leather or shearling-lined styles. ZEGNA’s Torino pair is designed with the same refinement as the brand’s tailoring, but made for whatever adventure spring and summer will throw at you – they have built-in pull tabs and rubberised panels along the soles that provide plenty of grip.
04. The Common Projects sneakers
Common Projects’ Achilles sneakers are some of the brand’s best-selling styles, and for good reason. They’re timeless and versatile, and the streamlined silhouette allows you to wear them with casual and formal outfits alike. This suede grey version feels particularly right for spring – a smart investment for weekend getaways.
05. The Mr P. monk-strap shoes
If you’re in the market for something a little more put-together – or are just looking to refresh your office getup – consider Mr P.’s Olie suede monk-strap shoes. The Vibram commando soles give them a contemporary, relaxed feel.
06. The Tod’s driving shoes
If the saying “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” is anything to go by, then you have all the reason to invest in a pair of Tod’s Gommino driving shoes this spring. The silhouette was first introduced 45 years ago – and since issued in a variety of materials and colourways – and it’s as popular today as it was back then.
07. The J.M. Weston Derby shoes
Ever since its establishment in 1891, J.M. Weston has been dedicated to superb craftsmanship and a unique, ancestral tanning process, of which these Golf Derby shoes are a great example. They’ve been made in France using brown suede from its own local tannery, based in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, and Goodyear-welted soles that can be replaced once they’re worn out.
