Timeless Style Defined
The Thread | Article

Four Footwear Icons to Kick Off the New Season in Style

ByNeil Summers

We’re not in the business of wishing summer away, especially this year as so far, it's been almost perfect!

But, as the evenings quietly shift and the light changes gear, we’re seeing the signs: people are already stepping into the new season... quite literally.

So, with thaty in mind, we thought we'd pull together a little shortlist of some of favourite footwear brands for men and women, as well as a few of the standout pieces.

Featuring Ariat, Red Wing, Penelope Chilvers and Hunter. All tried, tested, and British Attire approved.

ARIAT

Ariat is rapidly becoming one of our favourite names here at British Attire. Originally built for the world of equestrian sport, Ariat set out in the early ’90s to revolutionise riding boots using athletic shoe technology, something no one else was doing at the time.

Named after Secretariat, the legendary racehorse, Ariat’s roots are deep in performance, but their range now goes well beyond the stable. Their boots are still built tough for the countryside, but the styling, materials and fit take them well beyond.

Our picks from Ariat:

Ariat Women's Heritage R Toe Western Boots - Distressed Brown

Ariat Men's Rambler Western Boots - Wicker

Ariat Women's Darlin Western Boots - Burnt Sugar

Ariat Men's Antigua Boat Shoes - Bridle Brown

Discover all Ariat footwear

The Womens Heritage R Toe and Mens Rambler Boots

PENELOPE CHILVERS

All the way from the Spanish riding schools to the English countryside, Penelope Chilvers and her team can’t miss when it comes to statement footwear for women.

The brand began in 2004, born from an obsession with traditional Spanish riding boots. A former artist and designer, Penelope grew up between the UK and Spain, and her collections reflect that contrast: equestrian elegance with an ever so bohemian edge, all rooted in slow fashion values. Every pair is made using age-old techniques in family-run factories... and yes, Penelope still casts her eye over every collection before it launches.

Our picks from Penelope Chilvers:

Penelope Chilvers Women's Oscar Suede Chelsea Boots - Sesame/Bronze

Penelope Chilvers Women's Inclement Long Tassel Boot - Dark Oak

Penelope Chilvers Women's Frontier Metallic Leather Boot - Walnut

Penelope Chilvers Women's Brook Leather Espadrilles - Tan

Discover all Penelope Chilvers footwear

Penelope Chilvers Inclement Long Tassel and Frontier Metallic Boots

RED WING

If there’s one thing we know, it’s that any footwear feature worth its salt would be remiss not to mention Red Wing.

Founded in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota, the company was born to build work boots for the iron miners, farmers and loggers who were powering America’s frontier. These boots were more about survival than style. And yet, here we are over a century later, with Red Wing still at the top of the tree when it comes to men’s footwear.

Our picks from Red Wing:

Red Wing Iron Ranger 6" Boot Rough & Tough Leather - Copper - Style 8085

Red Wing Classic Moc Toe 6" Boots - Oro Legacy Leather - Style 875

Red Wing Men's Weekender Chukka Boots - Copper Rough & Tough - Style 3622

Red Wing Men's Shop Moc Oxford Shoes - Oro Legacy - Style 8092

Discover all Red Wing footwear

Red Wing Moc Toe and Iron Ranger Boots

HUNTER

Hunter is one of those brands you can spot a mile off, but despite their popularity, they’ve managed to keep things feeling fresh season after season. From the iconic Original Tall to their newer Downpour collection, Hunter wellies really are the blueprint when it comes to waterproof footwear

The brand started way back in 1856, founded by an American entrepreneur who saw potential in Scotland’s wet weather and industrial needs. But it wasn’t until 1956, with the launch of the Original Green Wellington boot, that Hunter truly cemented its legacy. The brand has rewritten the history books when it comes to rubberised footwear, turning something purely practical into a cultural icon.

Our picks from Hunter

Hunter Women's Downpour Short Wellington Boots - Gravel

Hunter Men's Original Chelsea Boots - Black

Hunter Women's Play Clogs - Lichen Green

Hunter Men's Downpour Tall Wellington Boots - Navy

Discover all Hunter Footwear

Hunter Downpour Short and Downpour Tall Wellies

And there we have it...

A quick stroll through some of the finest footwear you’ll find this side of the equator. Now, we should say, this is by no means the full line-up. There are plenty more heavy hitters waiting in the wings. So keep your eyes peeled (and your socks ready) for new drops from the likes of Barbour, Oliver Sweeney, Tricker’s, Cheaney, and a few surprise steps along the way.

Your next favourite pair is probably already en route. Just don’t blame us when your hallway starts looking like a boutique.