A Suitable City Shoe

Photo: John Lobb

Until the 1940s, spats, boxcloth or linen shoe covers that extended up the lower part of the leg, were worn over black oxfords as part of the ensemble that comprised formal day wear. Spats were colored white, tan, black or, best of all, gray, giving the wearer the look of a fabric-topped shoe or boot. Sadly, spats were a bother to wear.

Photo: John Lobb

Spat wearing began to decline nearly a century ago when formal day wear itself began to be replaced with lounge suits, but the look of spats has never died out entirely. A few very elegant men commission two-tone boots or shoes that provide the look of spats without the bother. That's the origin of the cloth topped button boot as well as the suede and calf galosh oxford like the bespoke versions from John Lobb Ltd. in the photos.

Today I am happy to announce a collaboration between A Suitable Wardrobe and shoemaker Gaziano & Girling that brings back the sophisticated look of the two tone galosh, without the expense of bespoke shoes. Brilliantly executed in gray suede and black calf on G&G's traditional round last, I call it A Suitable City Shoe.

The City Shoe will cost $1,000 (£500) without shoe trees, plus shipping. Delivery will be approximately five months after order and any man who might like to obtain a pair should contact me by email. I'll have more information and photos next week.