Five of the best cord shoes

Quite common back in the 1960s but not easy to find today. So compiling my five of the best cord shoes hasn’t been easy.

But the job has been made a lot easier by smaller makers out there. Truth be told, very few, if any, big shoemakers go near a cord shoe. It’s a niche item.

However, it’s also a good-looking item, especially at this time of the year. A cord shoe is usually a bit lighter than a leather shoe and has a spring/summer vibe about it. And being lesser-seen, it’s also a shoe (or boot) that catches the eye. You notice someone wearing a cord shoe because not a lot of people do.

Fancy a pair? As I said, there is not a lot out there (not least because one maker that made some of my favourites isn’t currently producing them). But there are still options. I’ve picked out five variants to tempt you in.

 

Lennon Jumbo Corduroy Shoes by Mod Shoes

This maker is one that does have a few options when it comes to cord, including this one.

This pair of cord shoes are based on a pair John Lennon wore at the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band press conference in 1967. It’s a time when cord was king – Brian Jones and Mick Jagger were also fans of something similar at the time.

It’s a slim shoe with a ‘60s vibe, a nice chunky corduroy upper and two eyelets. That’s it, really. £99 gets you a pair.

Find out more at the Mod Shoes website

 

Ray corduroy shoes by Dr Watson Shoemaker

Another with a touch of the 1960s about them – from a maker that specialises in the era.

If you want to know more about the limited edition Dr Watson shoes, then check out this interview here, which tells you all about the man and the footwear.

As for this style, it’s part of a new casual mini range that’s also offered in blue cord (and other finishes) sitting on a chunky rubber sole. A great casual alternative.

€79 for this style, which is likely a limited run, like most of its stock.

Find out more at the Dr Watson Shoemaker website

 

Elliot corduroy desert boots by Mod Shoes

A second helping from this maker – and to be honest, I could have done a top five here, as they do plenty of others as well.

But this one is a desert boot alternative, named after musician Elliot Easton, and with a timeless shape that could work 50 years ago or now. The cord is just the cherry on top.

£99 for a pair of these.

Find out more at the Mod Shoes website

 

Novesta corduroy plimsolls

I wrote a feature on these some time back, as I’m quite a fan.

And why wouldn’t I be? A classic with a corduroy upper. There’s nothing to dislike.

Novesta has been making footwear out of Slovakia since 1939 and is one of the few makers still producing shoes in its native location and using much the same designs. This one is timeless and tends to come with a canvas upper.

But you can get cord for this one, as well as the boot variation. But it is far less common. Saying that you can pick up some from End right now and, if they have your size, in the sale too. Down as low as £41, in fact.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Note Mod Shoes does a similar style in different colours from £45.

 

Cord Espadrille Boots at Pretty Green

The kind of thing that’s made for summer. At least, the sole is.

Available in this and shade and a blue too, these mix the classic desert boot ’shape’ with a natural braided jute sole, reinforced with a layer of rubber for something just a little different.

Each pair is handmade in Spain, and they are available in a full range of sizes. £70 gets you a pair of these.

Find out more at the Pretty Green website

If I see any others of note, I’ll add them to the listing.