Guides & Information

A walk through time Spectators, otherwise known as ‘correspondents’, ‘two-tones’ or ‘really nice shoes’, are an eye-catching and vibrant style favoured by vintage lovers and contemporary fashionistas alike. Typically made using two or more contrasting colours, they rarely go unnoticed, and the history of these shoes is about as colourful as their uppers. As is the case with a lot of cultural developments that are over 100 years old, the exact origins of the spectator shoe are hard to pin down. The most popular theory attributes the initial design to... Read More

Derby shoes can be seen everywhere and are an inclusion in the vast majority of people’s shoe collections, spanning across all formalities. Understanding the benefits of this particular style is of utmost importance for anyone looking to build a solid foundation of footwear. At Cheaney, we believe in expanding your arsenal of sartorial savvy. So with that said, let us fill you in on all things to do with these classic kicks with this: a guide to Derby shoes.  The Derby – A short, civic history The history of the... Read More

Learning to tie our shoes as children was a rite of passage: you threw away childish things and graduated to a world of opportunity as a ‘grown up’. That was the first day of the rest of your life. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, another lace-related challenge awaits you further down the line. If you receive a new pair from Cheaney or collect a well-loved pair that has been repaired in our factory, the shoes aren’t laced up. To provide them as such would genuinely involve employing a... Read More

A good pair of brogues is one of the most versatile styles available and can work across various formalities; understanding the nuances that can be found within this classic style will give you confidence in wearing them with an array of outfits. What are brogues? ‘Brogue’ refers simply to the perforated decorations that follow the stitching of a shoe or boot. Traditionally, these holes were a practical addition which allowed water to escape when walking through muddy terrain, though these days are purely aesthetic. Around the turn of the 18th... Read More

Suede shoes are stylish, soft, and tactile. A perfect summer shoe, but there are ways and means of wearing suede boots for winter, too. Most people would do well with a pair of suede shoes in their wardrobe, as they’re strikingly good looking and popular. As an alternative to calf leather boots and shoes, the suede shoe is a softer, more casual approach to some of the same designs that you’ll recognise as formal footwear. This makes a suede shoe or boot perfect for smart casual settings, evenings at a... Read More