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Just been on holiday and took the DJ afterglows with me to wear in the evenings and see how they faired.
The shoes were really good and didnt get hot like trainers do. Before i have had to loosen or take of my trainers in the evening at dinner. With these it wasn’t the case, which i am really chuffed about.
Also it was nice to wear something that no one else had on.
In terms of the look they have done well, the suede is looking a little raggard but i did wear them on the beach several times. So sand got into them, but tonce dry the sand came out nice. Strangley some of the suede has gone wilder, meaning if you look in the video the main part of the shoe is made up of two parts. One side is as new the other less so.
Would i recommend this shoe for the summer?, yes i would it has been really good and i will be getting another pair for next year
One of the things I have always wanted to do is put as many of the shoes that we sell through their passes. With summer looming and some incredibly warm here in the UK, I decided let’s try out the Afterglows
Based on the Clark’s trekker. The shoe is leather upper, with the stitching going through the middle of the shoe, which extends up the tongue. On this shoe, the sole crepe sole is replaced with a more trainer based rubber sole.
The leather upper is corded and so not plain suede. The cord lines does make the shoe look a little less wide. Some desert boots and shoes like this suffer from being wide at the front and clown looking. I think dj have done a great job of getting the shoe looking slimmer, but retaining the classic look.
On first inspection I like the interplay between the normal leather and suede. The two leather compliment well and the stitching is also compliments well to them.
Wearing wise, I have had them on for five solid days and worn them at the office, on several dog walks, and out at a gig. So each time it has never been less than 7 hours each time.
In terms of wear the shoes have buffed up a little in suede, making it look a little rough in texture, but only a bit. The suede has stretched just like desert boots do. I must say the shoes are extremely comfortable and even in the hot weather we have had in the UK my feet have been noticeably cooler than trainers and desert boots.
These shoes are becoming a fav of mine for day to day already. Looking good with jeans at work, is a requirement for me most days. Smart but casual is most days for me. I am not convinced that they would work with a suit or even trousers, I think they are just to causal. The really look to me as something an indie mod or Stone roses fan is going to love.
Anyways enjoy the videos and the pictures and if you think you want to try something different to a desert boot, then I would seriously ink about giving these a go.
Crockett & Jones – MOD or just very nice shoes ?
Why am i doing a blog on these shoes ?
Well i look at alot of shoes, some we hope to sell on the site and some because i just like the craftsmanship that’s gone into them. Peterborough where i live is not far away from Northampton and alot of the Old School shoe makers are from that area. Many have gone because of recession or not moved with the time etc. But some are still around and Crockett & Jones make some lovely shoes.
Now i dont want some big debate whether they are MOD are not. Certainly there are many in their range which are not, but there are some little jems in there to. Below i have gathered just a few examples i like.
The following is borrowed from their site but i think it sums up a traditional English company.
“Although the production process has evolved since the early days of shoe-making, with the introduction of better machinery and ‘health & safety’, much of the factory looks as it did when it was first built. The manufacture of high quality shoes remains very labour-intensive, requiring a highly skilled workforce to carry out more than 200 separate operations during an 8 week period. Goodyear-Welted construction gives the shoes an exceptional degree of strength, durability and comfort in wear. This method originated by hand-makers centuries ago.
As a 5th generation family managed business, Crockett & Jones is committed to maintaining the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship, quality and service which have been appreciated by their customers for more than 130 years.”
“The Crockett & Jones Men’s range consists of 3 handmade collections; the Hand Grade Collection (our finest calf shoes), the Main Collection (a selection of styles in a variety of different materials and sole types) and the Shell Cordovan Collection (a range of styles made from Genuine Shell Cordovan leather). “
Now in English that means they don’t come cheap, what that means is you are going to get some very well made shoes which look really good and going to last a long time if looked after well.
Enjoy the pictures.
Woven Chukka Boot
Cranford 3 Charcoal Suede & Wine Elastic
Cranford, a chelsea boot with plain front made from the finest calf leather or suede and lightweight rubber soles with contrasting coloured ‘V’ shaped elastics. From the Men’s Main Collection.
Granada Tan Golf Grain
Granada, a stylish unlined loafer with a hand pulled-up apron. Made from a comfortable, fine grain leather with single leather soles for the Main Collection.
Poole Dark Brown Calf Suede
Poole, a round toe penny loafer with raised apron front. Made from soft suede and single rubber soles for the Men’s Main Collection.
Back With Mods went very well. The event was very well organised with plenty to do over the weekend. Santa Pod has been holding events to my knowledge since the 1970’s, certainly my step dad went up in his allegro years ago.
Anyways we decided to do a stall there and take the shoes to the people as they say. We met lots of people with loads of questions. It was good to meet people that had been on the website and get feedback “face to face”. We had nice comments like “nice to see all the shoes in the flesh” and “how much are the loake royals?”
I will mention one thing, some people have said about the name of the event and whether it was Mod or just a cash in? Me i thought it was very well organised and there was plenty to do. For people with Kids it allowed them to have a weekend away without babysitters etc. They put on several top names and had many tents with different types of music. They obviously put in a lot of work to make it a good event. For a weekend pass of £35 you would have to be very mean spirited to think other wise.
Anyways cheerful stuff
We ran a giveaway over the weekend. The winner “Steve” from tamworth got a text from me today, within the space of a minute he was on the phone with his address and was a very happy Bunny. His Ikon Desert Boots will be with him tomorrow.
The event itself had lots of bands, The Selecter, Neville Staples and one of my favs The Chords UK. One thing i liked is they gave the main stage to little know young bands during the day.
The Ham Yardies tent was popular over the weekend and i liked the fact they stuck to the Real Mod 60’s sounds. Showing that people actually like a variety of sounds to choose from.
Here a few of pictures from the event. 
One of our happy customers in her new Tassel Loafers
This guy ( i think gary or chris ! ) came to the stall and said, “i need some better shoes for dancing in.”
i asked “you in the Ham Yardies tent last night then?”
He replied “yep and tonight i need some better shoes to dance in”.
See you next year.
Recently there have been some discussions going on, over whether or not tassel loafers are MOD!
Now this got me thinking, and it can be argued that some Tassel Loafers are perhaps more Smart Skin or even Suedehead, but I recall seeing plenty of people that call themselves MODS wearing them as well. I would also argue some smart skins I know, are more fussy about their clothes than some Council Estate Mods I also know .
Interestingly the guy that does the deliveries for Modshoes was a Mod in the sixties and had a pair of Loake Brightons. But that was then and not now.
So if Tassel Loafers are not MOD, like some people on the net would have you think, surely it would follow that if you went to a mod club, you wouldn’t see any, would you?
So, armed with my camera, I went to the Jelly Roll Club in Peterborough, where I live. Jelly Roll’s music policy is very firmly RnB, Soul, and 60s Ska. I would say the clientele there are a cross section of people, about 65% mod, some scooterist types, and the rest are people into the music, but not the fashion as such.
There are a number that constantly make the effort to look smart, and yes there are defo some strutting in their peacock suits. And why not? It is the weekend, no work tomorrow and it is the chance to hang out with your mates and listen to some cool music, and if you fancy, a boogie.
Now being the owner of a Shoe website I am constantly checking out the shoes.
First picture is Mick, who has not loafers, but some Oliver Stone Brogues. Massive British beat fan and a great collection of Yardbirds records.
Next up is my mate Terry Grant. Yep loafers, no tassels, but I know Terry has several pairs at home. Terry is a mod legend, has impeccable taste and can wear any colour better than most I know. Yes his shirt is cerise pink, and yes it has pink cuff links! When not dazzling people with his dancing, he has been known to DJ and sings in garage band, Substation 66 and the Sonic Buzz.
On being asked are Tassel Loafers mod? Terry spoke for an hour before saying YES!!
Next up are the youngest people to be featured, and MODS new breed, Aaron and Warren. Two lads discovering the wonderful world of mod. Warren has smart Oxford style shoes, but young Aaron on the left has Tassel Loafers!
Next up are Darrin Clark and the club’s main guy, Mister Julian Roberts. Darrin is wearing Dune Weavers and Julian, well I forgot to ask, sorry. Both guys are top lads and always very smart.
Another pair of Tassel loafers, and these belong to Paul Bromley. I like the oxblood, red sock and sand colour. Paul and his lovely wife Suzie have been into Soul Music forever. They both travel over the UK to various events. Anyways on his feet, Loake Brighton Tassel Loafers in Oxblood.
Next up is London Steve, and guess what he doesn’t even live in London , he lives in Kent. On his feet, Delicious Junction rudeboy loafers in oxblood. Steve is a cool guy and loves a boogie to Northern Soul and 60’s Ska. The lady with him, is my wife, Nicky.
The next collection of guys is Gary, Martin and Paul. Gary is the fella on the left, he did tell me the make of the shoes, but I had one too many whiskies by then. Gary always looks great and has been into the mod thing forever. Martin and Paul I believe are both wearing Bass Weejuns, they will correct me no doubt when they read this. I know Martin and Paul have Tassel Loafers, Paul’s being Bass Weejuns.
So, you may be thinking, what’s your point Andy? Well to me MOD doesn’t, as such, have a rule book. Meaning there are certain styles which are classic MOD, and some that just look MOD when they are all put together as an outfit. All the people above enjoy being part of a scene and looking their best.
Some MODS favour the dandy look, some the suit, some a quality button down etc, or knit wear etc. Meaning that their look looks good and right to them. So if that means the Rudeboy Loafers is what they want, then happy daze.
So still you are asking Andy, what you trying to get at? Well we had someone on Facebook saying that some of the shoes we sell aren’t MOD! And implying that we should not even call ourselves modshoes at all!
Now I am made of tougher stuff than to let one person annoy me. But what aggrieved me was, imagine you are a young lad getting into the scene and you have some smart arse saying , thats not mod! And you have just saved up for it, or you actually think it looks smart, because it is, why should some bully who thinks they are right be allowed to belittle you?
Facebook is a great thing because it allows people who are into similar things to hang out and be friends , when in real life you stand little or no chance of ever meeting. But it also allows narrow minded idiots a place to preach. My advice is to follow the great man.
We call this website MODshoes , because that’s what most of our audience align themselves with, and our tag line is “Smart Shoes for Smart People”.
So did this article prove for once and for all that Tassel loafers of various styles are MOD? Yes I think it did!
Loafers
Scorchers May Version – Black Tassel Loafers with Box Tops – Ska Skinhead Suedehead 60s-70s Style
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Loafers
Scorchers May Version – Oxblood Tassel Loafers with Box Tops – Ska Skinhead Suedehead 60s-70s Style
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jan2023Loafers
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jan2023Loafers
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Black Loafers
£136.00
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Latest Restocks
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Black Loafers
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Wide Fitting Shoes
We often get asked which of our shoes are more suitable for the wider foot. There are a few pairs which are more suited to the wider foot, and our research has found the following;.
Much of the MOD style is a narrow fit ,so someone looking for a ‘wide fitting shoe’ doesn’t have loads to choose from, but below we have put together a little list from our range.
A little bit of advice first
1. A lace up shoe is always going to be more accommodating
2. Suede stretches, Desert boots an obvious example
3. Get some shoe stretcher, and stretch the shoes when you are not wearing.
4. Good leather , with regular polishing, which absorbs the wax makes the leather moist and more likely to stretch.
5. And if needed go up a size.
6. Buy from someone that allows for returns !
The Widest Loafer & Widest shoe we sell.
The Rudeboy loafer is based on the 70’s/80’s tassel loafer. Very reminiscent of the Frank Wright. The shoe has a wide fit and suits those that need a bit more room. These shoes do stretch as well, with about 10 hours wear. Everyone that I have spoken to about them say that they feel nice from the word go.
If you could only have one pair of shoes for a wider foot , it is these. Available in Oxblood, Black and Brown. As well as the ACE loafer variation which has no feathers.
The Widest Brogue
The Loake Royal Brogue is a wide fitting shoe. Combined with Derby lacing this makes it more comfortable and ultimately adjustable to the foot. Loake do offer some shoes in different fittings. I would say that it is going to take a few wears to wear in. My advice is to get a shoe stretcher to help stretch the shoe when not wearing. These also keep the shoe in good shape in the box.
Black Brogues
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Brogues
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The Widest Desert Boot
My views on this are that soft suede stretches very well and accommodates the foot within just a few wears. We stock two types both of which are very similar. I would say the Delicious Junction are just that little bit wider.
Hope the above has helped out a little. If you have any experience of other shoe makes, please do let us know, as the point to the modshoes website is to gather as much info as possible.
I must have looked at The Who in pictures a thousand times. They are one of the most photographed bands of the 60’s, loads and loads of reasons for this being far beyond this article. What this does mean though is that there are a good number of shots of their feet, some of which are in colour.
So let’s start near the beginning, pre- Who and pre-High Numbers, The Detours are just another London band.
Fashion-wise they are not jumping out. I couldn’t find any good pictures of the feet!
It took Pete Meaden and some money from xxxxx to get messers Townshend, Daltrey, Entwistle and Moon into some decent gear. It is common knowledge that Daltrey was to be the face and the others the numbers, hence the smart looking two tone shoes for him. Interestingly, Entwistle was given some Boxing Boots which he took an instant dislike to, claiming later that he walked through a puddle to make them dirty!
Early on, the band go through desert boots, boxing boots, Chelsea boots, and even monkey boots. As with any groovy top band from the time, The Who paraded in Carnaby fashion.
Below you can see Pete wearing some two colour shoes. The shoes look like part leather and part cord. I have no idea on the make, but I think they date from around 65/66. Harrison and Marriot had similar pairs.
Daltrey has a lovely pair of what I think are blue pumps. Moon also follows the theme with some cool looking blue desert boots; notice as well the White/Cream sole!
What I really like about the picture is that the colour of the shoes matches with something else in the outfit. You can’t quite see Entwistle’s boots, as they are more of a brown colour, which is not matching anything!
I asked Peter “Dougal” Butler who was Keith Moon’s assistant and driver about Keith’s shoes. He kindly replied with this.
“Mod era in London i remember Topper’s & a shop called Ravel. By the mid 70s to 80s Ravel was in every big town. i think Keith got his boots from (chelsea boots) from Anello & David in Drury lane late 60’s Chelsea antique market & Kensington market”
More on the picture and write up from a Mod of the time Keith Davies, who also took the picture here.
http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/uxbridge-blues-festival.html
In the picture below Moon once again has desert boots with a white sole on, and again they match with his clothes. I know we are meant to be looking at the shoes, but have you seen Daltrey’s jacket? Black suede with a leather collar! How cool!
Daltrey and Entwistle are both wearing Chelsea Boots here, and I think the shoes Townshend has on have been worn by him in several shots, spanning a year! I seem to recall someone saying he liked handmade shoes, I know I have heard the name of the make before but I can’t quite recall it, I think it might’ve been Rivilio!
On the famous My Generation cover, three of the band are in Chelsea Boots again, but like in the previous picture, the outfits they combine them with make them look even better. Moon looks so good with the simple colour combinations, and his legs look so slim. Daltrey also pulls off the jean jacket.
By the end of the sixties the band turned into rock gods and Daltrey became the consummate rock performer. Shoes-wise, it was more boots with an American influence; I won’t go into too much detail in this article, apart from to mention that Townshend wore boots well into the 80’s. I also heard him say in an interview that he liked the ‘every man nature of working boots’ meaning that whilst everyone else was glam, he wanted to be mundane!
To end this article I would like to conclude that The Who played the mod card well for as long as they needed to. Meaning that, like all bands at the time, they followed, and also formed fashion. Whilst it may have suited them, they also looked good and dressed to match the music they were making.
Despite what we think and want to believe, image is as important to a band as the music they play, and The Who (or their friends around them did) worked this out very early on.
One of the GREATEST BANDS EVER and that’s a fact.
Some of the shoes we sell that relate to this article:
I love loafers especially tassel loafers, but I have always thought that with jeans you have to be careful.
Meaning that you can get Black Loafers, Burgundy or Oxblood Loafers and Brown Loafers. There are obviously other colours and lots of shades in between. But more point is when buying a pair what colour to go for ! especially if you intend wearing with jeans.
On this site we sell loads of loafers, and in terms of colour the Oxblood slightly outsells the black, but only by a bit. My thoughts were why are we selling more Oxblood?, is it harder to get on the High Street? , is it fashionable at moment? or is it a Fashion shoe that’s more versatile ?
The golden rule is that Black shoes are formal and coloured are more informal. An obvious example being for a wedding or business meeting being a black shoe.
Now if i wear my jeans and loafers i think i can get away with Dark Denim and Black Loafers. These days I think it is common for most people to want to keep the denim as dark and original as possible. In the sixties my dad tells me it was to get as faded as possible. So this is my first thought.
A little bit of a moan to start with !
Dark demin and black loafers , yep ok to me. But jeans are still casual, not formal. So acceptable down the pub or informal business meeting. Crew neck jumper, shirt, dark Levi’s and black loafers.
What I have never been a fan of though is light jean with dark black shoes, and the shoe in question really should be worn with a suit.
Again personally I know a lot of people like the no sock look. But it is so rarely warm enough in the UK to get away with this. Also not going to talk about trouser length, as I think that’s a whole other article for the future.
This look I have never really liked but was popular and very 80’s was this look.
Now it may be that basically I have a problem with nearly all 80’s fashion. The loafer was still there but whole ensemble was not for me.
So black I think is a little harsh with jeans.
A Brown Loafer or Oxblood loafer, or tassel loafer, softens the effect. Combined with a little turn up and perhaps a coloured sock, the whole effect takes the outfit In a different direction. So whilst remaining casual , but actually looking like it has been given some thought.
The picture below reminds me of that early 80’s look, i should know I wore it !. White Fred perry, Levis and black teabag tassel loafers. But the socks yes the socks were white! Now nobody would wear this look now and white socks have been out of fashion for so long, that perhaps give a few months they will be back in!
So where am I going with this, well although the colour and cut of the jean has changed the loafer has remained and it could be argued transcended fashion since its inception.
Black loafers are always going to look a little out of place with jeans unless the rest of the outfit has been thought through. A safer bet of loafer would be Brown or Oxblood. The upside is that the brown and oxblood can go with a multitude of other outfits, it is more versatile.
Here are some images of what i think look really good combination of jeans and loafers.
Hope you enjoy
Andy
SHOES WE SELL
Loafers
Scorchers May Version – Black Tassel Loafers with Box Tops – Ska Skinhead Suedehead 60s-70s Style
£142.00
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Loafers
Scorchers May Version – Oxblood Tassel Loafers with Box Tops – Ska Skinhead Suedehead 60s-70s Style
£142.00
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£136.00
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jan2023Loafers
£136.00
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jan2023Loafers
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£136.00
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Black Loafers
£136.00
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Latest Restocks
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Black Loafers
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jan2023Loafers
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Black Loafers
£225.00
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Video review of the New Terry Rawlings Shoe from Delicious Junction
These are very cool shoes, distinctly remind us of Steve Marriott & Small Faces era 1966.
They fit very well and are comfortable straight out of the box. There is limited stock on these so if you are interested i would buy sooner rather than later.
In terms of sizing, the 8 was snug on my feet, i am an 8, on one foot and 8.5 on my right, and they fitted well. If you are a very wide foot, it may be best to go up a size, but remember this suede so it is going to stretch.
The shoe is made up of both suede and leather. It has 4 hole eyelites and comes in Sizes: 6-12. The construction is very good and it feels like a sturdy shoe.
For more information please watch the video review here