Church‘s Shoes Review: An Honest Take on the Legendary Brand
As a self-professed shoe aficionado, I‘ve long been fascinated by British shoemaker Church‘s. With a storied history dating back to 1617, Church‘s has earned a reputation as one of the finest purveyors of luxury footwear in the world. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll share my personal experience with the brand and provide an in-depth look at some of Church‘s most iconic styles for both men and women. I‘ll also dive into the brand‘s heritage, construction techniques, and what makes Church‘s shoes worth the investment.
About Church‘s
The Church‘s story began over 400 years ago in Northampton, England, a region renowned for its fine leather and skilled shoemakers. From its earliest days, Church‘s has been synonymous with exceptional quality, traditional English craftsmanship, and timeless style.
In 1999, luxury conglomerate Prada Group acquired Church‘s, propelling the brand to new global heights. Despite the corporate ownership, Church‘s has remained true to its heritage and continues to produce its shoes in its Northampton factory using time-honored techniques.
Today, Church‘s is revered by discerning shoe collectors across the globe and frequently spotted on celebrity fans like David Beckham and Daniel Craig. The brand‘s enduring designs have also graced the pages of prestigious publications like Esquire, Robb Report, and the Financial Times.
The Luxury Shoe Market
The global luxury shoe market is expected to reach $32.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2020 to 2027, according to Allied Market Research. Church‘s occupies the high-end of this market, with shoes ranging from $500 to over $1,500.
While Church‘s does not disclose its financials, the Prada Group reported that Church‘s achieved "strong double-digit growth" in 2019, outperforming the broader shoe category. This suggests that demand for Church‘s remains robust, even in the face of economic uncertainty.
Men‘s Shoes Review
1. Shannon Derby in Bookbinder Fumé Leather
The Shannon Derby is one of Church‘s most iconic styles, based on an archival design from the 1970s. I recently acquired a pair in the stunning Bookbinder Fumé leather, a rich tobacco hue with a gentle patina.
The leather is absolutely exquisite – thick, supple, and flawless. Church‘s uses only the finest full-grain leathers, and it shows. The hand-stitched detailing and perforated wingtip design offer subtle visual interest without detracting from the shoe‘s simplicity.
On the foot, the Shannon is a revelation. The leather-lined interior and cushioned insole provide immediate step-in comfort, while the sturdy Goodyear-welted sole and low block heel offer all-day support. I‘ve worn these shoes for 12+ hours and my feet still felt great.
Styling-wise, the Shannon is incredibly versatile. I‘ve paired mine with everything from dark selvedge denim to wool flannel trousers and they look right at home. The rich color and burnishing also develop a wonderful character over time.
At $891, the Shannon is undeniably expensive. But after wearing mine for several months, I can unequivocally say they are worth every penny. The craftsmanship is impeccable and they will only improve with age. If you‘re going to invest in one pair of dress shoes, make it these.
2. Amberley R173 Suede Chelsea Boot
For a more casual option, I‘m a huge fan of Church‘s Amberley Chelsea boot in suede. The Amberley has been around since the Victorian era, but Church‘s modern interpretation feels fresh and contemporary.
I opted for the "sigar" suede, a deep coffee brown that looks great with everything from cuffed jeans to tweedy trousers. The suede is thick and supple, with a lush nap that begs to be touched. A combo leather/rubber sole provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces.
Comfort-wise, the Amberley is a dream. The cushioned insole and soft leather lining feel great against the foot, while the elasticated side panels allow for easy on-and-off. I typically wear a US 8 in dress shoes and the UK 7 fit me perfectly.
If I had one quibble with the Amberley, it‘s that the lighter suede can be tricky to keep clean. Church‘s does include a suede eraser and brush with purchase, which I‘ve found helpful for removing small smudges. Just be prepared to handle these with a bit more care than your leather shoes.
All in, I‘d highly recommend the Amberley as a versatile and stylish everyday boot. The $893 price is steep, but you‘re getting a meticulously crafted shoe that will last for years with proper care.
Women‘s Shoes Review
1. Nirah T Chelsea Boot in Rois Calf
As a gift for my wife, I recently purchased the Nirah T Chelsea boot in burgundy rois calf leather. She had been searching for the perfect ankle boot for months, and the Nirah T exceeded all expectations.
The rich, wine-hued leather is absolutely stunning in person, with a mirror-like shine and subtle grain. The slim silhouette and almond-shaped toe create an incredibly elegant line on the foot, while the 1.2" block heel adds a touch of height without sacrificing comfort.
My wife reports that the Nirah T is one of the most comfortable boots she‘s ever worn. The leather-lined interior and padded insole provide cushioning, while the elasticated side panels and pull tab allow for easy wear. The boots also fit true to size.
Styling-wise, the Nirah T looks equally chic with skinny jeans, dresses, and skirts. The sleek shape and polished leather make the boots appropriate for the office or a night out. If burgundy isn‘t your thing, the boots also come in classic black.
At $925, the Nirah T is definitely a splurge, but one that I believe is worthwhile. The flawless construction and quality materials ensure you‘ll be reaching for these boots for years to come.
2. Ellie 55 Suede Heeled Boot
For a dressier option, I‘m a big fan of Church‘s Ellie 55 heeled ankle boot in suede. This sleek little bootie features a 2.1" curved block heel and a pointed toe that looks incredibly chic peeking out from beneath trousers or a midi skirt.
I purchased the Ellie 55 in the "tabac" suede, a rich caramel brown that‘s versatile and flattering. The suede is velvety soft and flawless, with a lightly burnished toe for added depth. Inside, the boots are fully leather lined for comfort and longevity.
Fit-wise, I found the Ellie 55 runs slightly narrow, so I‘d recommend sizing up if you have wider feet. The slim ankle opening and side zip also require a bit of shimmying to get on, but once they‘re on, the boots are remarkably comfortable for a heel. I was able to wear them for several hours at a holiday party without any pinching or rubbing.
If you‘re in the market for a sophisticated and stylish ankle boot, I highly recommend the Ellie 55. They‘re the perfect finishing touch to any fall or winter ensemble. At $846, they‘re certainly an investment piece, but one that I believe is worth it for the quality and wearability.
Craftsmanship & Construction
So what sets Church‘s shoes apart from other luxury brands? In my experience, it all comes down to the craftsmanship. Church‘s has been perfecting its construction techniques for centuries, and it shows in every pair.
All Church‘s shoes are handmade in the brand‘s Northampton workshop using a 250-step process that can take up to 8 weeks to complete. The shoes are constructed using the Goodyear welt technique, a time-consuming process that involves stitching the upper leather to a strip of material (the welt) that runs around the perimeter of the outsole. This allows the shoes to be resoled repeatedly, prolonging their lifespan.
Church‘s also uses only the finest leathers, sourced from top European tanneries. The brand‘s calf leather is known for its supple hand and lustrous finish, while the suede is thick, uniform, and free of imperfections.
Other noteworthy details include:
- Closed-channel stitching for a neat and watertight sole
- Hand-stitched detailing on the uppers
- Leather-lined interiors for comfort and breathability
- Stacked leather heels with reinforced toplift
- Hand-polished uppers for a mirror shine
Of course, all of this handwork and premium materials come at a cost. Church‘s shoes are some of the most expensive on the market, with prices starting around $500 and topping out over $1,500.
However, with proper care, a pair of Church‘s can last decades. The brand offers a full refurbishment service, where you can send your shoes back to the Northampton factory to be resoled, repolished, and restored to their original glory.
Customer Reviews
Don‘t just take my word for it – Church‘s has a loyal following of customers who swear by the brand‘s quality and craftsmanship. Here are a few snippets from online reviews:
"I have several pairs of Church‘s that are over 20 years old and still look amazing. The craftsmanship is unparalleled." – J.H., Trustpilot
"Yes, Church‘s are expensive, but you get what you pay for. The leather is exquisite and the shoes are so comfortable, you can wear them all day with no issues." – S.T., Facebook
"Church‘s is the epitome of timeless style. Their shoes never go out of fashion and only get better with age." – A.W., Yelp
Of course, no brand is perfect, and some reviewers did have quibbles about Church‘s high prices and occasional quality control issues. However, the overwhelming majority of reviews I found were positive, with customers praising the brand‘s exceptional materials, attention to detail, and long-lasting durability.
Styling Suggestions
One of the things I love most about Church‘s is how versatile the shoes are. The brand‘s classic designs pair well with everything from jeans to suits, making them a smart investment for any wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite ways to style Church‘s:
- Shannon derby with dark selvedge denim, a white Oxford shirt, and a navy blazer for a smart casual look
- Amberley Chelsea boots with cuffed chinos, a chunky knit sweater, and a waxed canvas jacket for a rugged, outdoorsy vibe
- Nirah T ankle boots with opaque tights, a sweater dress, and a camel coat for a chic fall ensemble
- Ellie 55 heeled boots with cropped trousers, a silk blouse, and statement earrings for a night out
No matter how you wear them, Church‘s shoes have a way of elevating any outfit. The key is to let the craftsmanship and materials speak for themselves – these shoes don‘t need a lot of embellishment to make a statement.
The Bottom Line
After wearing Church‘s shoes for several years, I can confidently say that they are worth the investment for anyone who values quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style. The brand‘s attention to detail and use of premium materials is unparalleled, resulting in shoes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful.
Of course, Church‘s prices are not for the faint of heart. These are definitely splurge-worthy shoes that require a significant upfront investment. However, if you take care of them properly, a pair of Church‘s can last for decades, making the cost per wear quite reasonable in the long run.
Ultimately, if you‘re in the market for a pair of high-end dress shoes or boots that will never go out of style, I highly recommend giving Church‘s a try. The brand‘s iconic styles and impeccable craftsmanship are truly in a league of their own.
