There’s a pleasure to wearing shoes that feel part old friend, part something special as you slip them on. We’ve always held a special place in our heart for the style that combines the clean lines of your basic lace-up with delicate cut-out designs at its edges and toe. It’s the kind of statement shoe that stops traffic quietly and adds interest to an outfit without overtaking it. Whether you’re getting ready for a long day of work or something more casual on the weekend, they just have this way of making everything look more considered. In this piece, we take a look at how design for this type of footwear progressed and what’s important to us when producing our own pieces, plus some no-nonsense advice about breaking them in, and the simple processes that lead to them only getting better with age.
The Fascinating Backstory
This combination didn't happen overnight. It began when two needs converged. Students in England sought something sleeker than clunky boots during campus life back in the early 1800s, which resulted in the closed-lacing system that lets a trouser leg sit neatly over it. In Ireland, workers in the countryside were pounding down and making heavier versions that had holes punched to drain water after long days in the fields across the Irish Sea. At some point, somebody realized they could add those stylistic features to the more elegant silhouette and a new favorite was born.
That crossover is the inspiration for Bold Bunny. We have scoured old catalogs and photographs from the 1920s and ’30s, in which you see gentlemen wearing them with dash whether they donned three-piece suits or tweed juckets. The look picked up momentum after the war, and offered an aspirational symbol of quiet chic. It has remained relevant because it offers the best of both worlds — formality if you need it, character when plain seems too safe.
Our Approach at Bold Bunny
You should always get the basics in order before you try to wallpaper. Which is why every pair starts with the supple leather that’s been sourced and specially treated to provide just the right amount of firmness and give. The applications are made by craftsmen who know how placement changes the overall effect — too much would be busy, too little inscrutable. We’ve kept the inside just as luxe-looking with padded insoles, because looking good should feel good, right?
Construction is where we are the stars. Bold Bunny utilises time-honoured and durable stitching practice that means the soles can be replaced to guarantee you get more life out of each pair than your high-street offerings. We have a variety of finishes, which range from deep tones of chocolate browns to the classic tans and even deeper hues of burgundies that gain great character with a beautiful depth. Jump to Customers often say that they break in quickly, the leather starts to tell your story — the creases and the shine becoming uniquely yours.
Real Ways to Wear Them
The best part about these shoes is that they go with everything. Tried wihe alth their rich brown, grey or navy colours, and they also work to add a bit of texture when home spuand tweed suitsUa For more dressed-up occasions, spin them with tailored suits in neat navy or slate, where the patd time up against clean wool can add subtle texturc onups. Wear them to a wedding or job interview and they will not steal the show from the rest of your ensemble. Bold Bunny has been sent photographs of customers wearing them with morning dress or opting for sharp business attire — invariably looking entirely appropriate.
Transition to the weekend, and that same pair looks great with dark jeans or chinos and a casual shirt. Or roll the cuffs once to reveal just a little ankle; even if you skip the cuff-rolling, the pants will break on top for some polished slouch. In colder months, they pair well with thicker clothes such as corduroy or flannel. We have seen them paired with leather jackets for a night out or with chunky knitwear for Sunday strolls. The key is to think of them as a neutral that adds, not supersedes.
Caring for Them Properly
Caring for your leather shoes does not have to be hard – you don’t need a million products or to spend hours on it. Begin with the basics: after wearing, a light brushing to smooth out dust that may have settled in the designs. (Share that load with a boot bag, which packs sneakers and a pair of dress shoes to cover most trips.) Every few weeks apply a matching cream polish (with a soft cloth) by working it in slowly to nourish the material. We offer a kit with the purchase as it pays off to get used to it from an early age.
The weather can be harsh, but preparation can help. A light protective spray before first wear defends against light rain, and if they do get wet, allow them to dry naturally with newspaper inside — no direct heat. Take it from a footwear addict: shoe trees are one of the most important tools for keeping your shoes in good shape between wears. When the soles eventually wear thin, resoling takes place at most local cobblers who are able to do such work on our construction. Our buyers often write in that they are able to get eight or ten years out of this kind of care, which is obviously great to hear.
Taking the Plunge with Bold Bunny
In the end, investing in a pair like this from Bold Bunny is an investment in something that grows with you. We make them to be trusted companions over many chapters in a lifetime — from first big jobs to weekend adventures years down the line. If you’ve been thinking about introducing a versatile, characterful option to your line-up, this could be the ideal time. Browse our current selection online, read through what people have experienced before and see what shade feels right to you. Nothing beats that quiet confidence of having a pair of killer shoes waiting by the door.