Aside from their obvious practical uses, boat shoes are having something of a moment in 2024 – in fact, the leather lace-ups have been popping up everywhere from street style to runways.
Everyone from Alexa Chung to fashion influencers Lucy Williams, Blanca Miró Scrimieri and Pernille Teisbaek have taken the deck shoe to dry land, and the likes of Miu Miu and J.W. Anderson are adding a fashion twist to the classic moccasin style.
The traditional silhouette dates back to 1930s America, but British brands have certainly made their statement in the space – and one of which is the Devonshire-based Chatham, whose deck loafers are popular for both seafaring and country folk.
Happily, the brand is faithfully British when it comes to leather sourcing, and this year’s winter collection includes styles made from premium leather and British calf suede – courtesy of heritage Leeds-based tannery Charles F. Stead.
“Our sourcing process is very important,” managing director Philip Marsh tells Choose Real Leather. “We ensure our leathers are sourced from British-born and based suppliers whose values and product quality align with the Chatham brand – and are also approved by the Leather Working Group.”
Of the new styles – which are LWG gold-rated – Philip tells us they draw inspiration “from our nautical roots and love of the great outdoors,” utilising the traditional loafer silhouettes the brand is known for, as well as durable boots and hiking shoes.
Though at present, Chatham’s use of LWG gold-rated leather is reserved for its premium G2 collection, Philip shares that he has further hopes for the future. “Chatham can always improve – it is our job and responsibility to do so. We work closely with all our tanneries and suppliers to ensure that not only traceability but sustainability is front of mind.
“But I do feel it’s important that the consumer also drives this – there is a lot of footwear in the market that doesn’t use sustainable leathers and ultimately this is unfortunately down to price,” he says. “Our plan, in the next two years, is to only be using sustainable leathers throughout the whole Chatham collection, not just our premium G2 collection.”
Judging by the fashion set’s move towards deck shoes in 2024 – no doubt thanks to the low-key luxury aesthetic that continues to dominate – Chatham may be about to welcome a whole new wave of customers, though undoubtedly it will stick to its proud country values. Stand-out styles from its latest collection include the G2 ‘Kayak’ women’s boat shoes, made in a walnut leather that would just equally as chic with a pair of oversized jeans as full yachting attire. Then there’s the men’s ‘Whitstable’ deck loafer, with smart contrast stitching and suede lacing.
We’re calling it – boat shoes are about to take the city by storm, and Chatham is at the forefront.
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