Shoes - Herring Classic line experience

[MasterMark]

Morning to all! On my search for my first "decent" shoe. I've tried the Loake Savoy which was reasonably comfortable, but a little wide in the mid-step. Had considered Cheaney (would need to wait for discounts), but good advice from others here suggested they tended to be wider anyway. So I ordered a pair of Herring Belgravia (on the Barker 386 last).

The fit is pretty snug, but the leather seems much stiffer than the Loakes, so while I think I could wear the Loake's straight out of the box with a reasonable level of comfort, not so the Herring. I'm a firm believer that shoes should be pretty comfortable straight off the bat, with breaking-in/moulding to your foot an added bonus to make them even more comfortable, rather than a necessity for making them wearable.

Does anyone have any experience with Herring's Classic line and whether the leather softens appreciably? Or perhaps the Herring Premier line would be better, perhaps the 11028 last, (though I'd have to wait for them to come on sale/seconds)?

Any pearls of wisdom would be appreciated as always!

 

[Thanks SF (a new me)]

a related thread...good luck
http://www.styleforum.net/t/179078/herring-shoes-experiences

 

[greyinla]

Does anyone have any experience with Herring's Classic line and whether the leather softens appreciably? Or perhaps the Herring Premier line would be better,

These can't be compared directly, as various shoes in each line are made by different makers, I believe mostly Barker and Loake in the Classic, Cheaney and Trickers in the Premier; you can generally figure out the maker if you are familiar w/ their lines and lasts, or you can ask Herring. In general though, I wouldn't expect the leather on any sturdy goodyear-welted shoe to soften that much. Find a last that works for you (there's lots of threads here on popular ones), and take it from there. Good luck.

 

[nihraguk]

I have bought a pair of Herring churchhills. I think this is from their premier range. The leather has softened and stretched slightly, which is a relief, because the shots were a little right when I first got them.

Quality wise, I think they're fairly good value, and they have excellent customer service.

 

[nihraguk]

A little tight, I meant.

 

[joiji]

I've got a pair of shoes made by Barker from their Professional collection, which from what I understand will be similar to Herring Classics. The leather improves greatly over time, but I still prefer the leather from other manufacturers.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Stiff leather is not necessarily a bad thing nor does it necessarily cause shoes to be uncomfortable. If they are not comfortable then it is more likely that they simply do not fit.

 

[Needsmoreshoes]

My Herrings started off a little stiff but after a few wears, conditions and polishes the leather became soft and really comfortable.

Just take them out for a few strolls and they should break in nicely.

 

[MasterMark]

Thanks to all, very helpful responses. Agreed that it may be that they just don't fit right - think I'll stick with the loakes that seem to be comfortable straight out of the box. I've tried a pear of Cheaney's in the 11028 last, and I found that leather more comfortable, so could be the Herring Premier range (like the Churchill "nihraguk" refers to above) will fit quite nicely when they come on sale.

Thanks again!