It’s been a long time coming, but I finally managed to get my hands on a pair of Lodger tennis shoes this week. And I’m revelling in them.
They were first offered as one of Lodger’s shoes of the month back in April 2009. At the time I had the chance to order a pair, but decided against it. As soon as the calendar clicked round into May, I regretted the decision.
Then there was a vote in January 2010 for the best shoe of the month ever, with the winner being brought back into production. Despite my half-hearted attempt to rig the vote and get the tennis shoe back for a month, it finished a disappointing third.
Finally, this week, I managed to source one of the old display pairs. Luckily, I am a size eight in this last – the size all display pairs are made in.
The tennis shoe is perfect for me as a weekend alternative to the trainer. While I own some Converse I’ve never really been excited by trainers. But white shoes are appealing as a casual shoe, instantly creating a different look to a brown suede, say, or a tan slip-on. I can easily wear the tennis shoe with a t-shirt and jeans – most other leather shoes easily look out of place.
The tennis shoes are made of white nubuck, with a burgundy lining but plain leather soles. They are a recreation of a classic 1910 tennis model, from the age when the object of the game was to simply return the ball to your partner. And you played in a jacket and trousers.
Personally, my favourite elements of the tennis shoe are the double toe-cap – the second a gently curving scoop of leather behind the first – and the variegated layers of leather in the heel. People keep on asking me if they are made of wood.
where someone get a pair of these Lodger shoes in NYC
Hi Sean,
Lodger shoes generally are available at the London store, online or in wholesale in Europe and Japan. I’m afraid there is no US distribution at the moment.
These particular tennis shoes, as I mentioned, were a one-off.
Cheers
Simon
Hi,
It’s the first time I read your blog.
Pure elegance and lots of interesting information.
Thank you
Well, now I know what exactly is wrong with Lodger.. I can’t get them in most of the world! Lovely shoes, though – they would be wonderful with navy linen, don’t you think?
I agree AP, absolutely. Now if only I owned a navy linen suit…
These are divine, Simon. I’d love to see a photo of them with an outfit of yours.
– ERL
Hello Simon. I was looking at these https://drsole.waca.tw/en/product/detail/986617 as an alternative to my trainers. They’re boots of course, and I think, they’re a little pricey. But I really like the sporty look to it as it has been inspired from the old Converse basketball and similar line of shoes. Let me know your thoughts?
I find it hard to say, having never worn that style of boot. But I’d see them more as an unusual style of boot, rather than a direct trainer replacement