While everyone understandably embraces brands like On Running and Salomon, there’s still something to be said for the old faithful footwear. Sure, you can’t pretend you’re an Ultra Marathon competitor in a pair of Padmore and Barnes shoes, but you could probably get away with telling everyone you’re a jazz pioneer or maybe a cool schoolteacher from the year 1973. And really, that’s way cooler in our eyes.
In case you weren’t up to speed, Padmore and Barnes were the chief manufacturer of all the Clarks Originals shoes between 1964 and 1987, arguably a golden age of Clarks. When production became subject to the market, it was moved to the Far East, leaving Ireland-based Padmore and Barnes with a gap to fill. Eventually, using the original footwear lasts which served Clarks so well, they recommenced making the shoes that made their name.
We’re several years into this new chapter for them now, and it’s fair to say they’ve done a pretty impressive job of evolving those signature models like the Willow and the Apron. Both return this season at Oi Polloi, with a timeless yet retro look and feel which transcends any trends you might want to throw in front of us.
Dust off your mohair cardigan, dig out that old pipe you kept when your Grandad died and get yourself a pair of these.
