Connery Short Boots

Bomber133

I thought that I would share the following link in case anyone is looking for a short boot similar to those worn by Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball.

http://www.asos.com/H-By-Hudson/H-By-Hudson-Grohl-Chelsea-Boots/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1655082&r=2

I don't imagine the leather is exactly the same, but the style is hopefully similar. I haven't seen anything else close in style for a reasonable price.

Martin Aston

I have these in black and brown and have to say they are very comfortable and the soles are very hard wearing. One word of warning, they are on the slim side, so if you have a wide foot you might want to look for something else that is available in a half size.

mpoplawski

I like the look of these boots. In Goldfinger Connery wore brown suede chukka boots. Either way, they will give a good look to your outfit...just don't wear cargo shorts...unless you want to look like one of Field Marshall Montgomery's Desert Rats.

Matt S

The overall style is nice. Too bad they don't have a proper sole.

Martin Aston

The sole is part of the reason that I bought this particular pair as they can be worn in wet weather without any damage to the sole. I've worn Chelsea Shoes and Boots for about twenty years and these are probably the most durable.

nms75

Very nice design from a great brand! Worthy of any gentleman's wardrobe

NMS

Matt S

Martin Aston wrote:

The sole is part of the reason that I bought this particular pair as they can be worn in wet weather without any damage to the sole. I've worn Chelsea Shoes and Boots for about twenty years and these are probably the most durable.

Goodyear welted rubber soles would be the better alternative for waterproof soles. The sole is stitched on in a way so there's no path for the water to get inside the shoe. The soles on these shoes are glued on and are way too thin. In no time you'll wear straight through the sole and the water will pour in. And these soles cannot be replaced.

Martin Aston

Post in error

DJ007

Matt S wrote:

Martin Aston wrote:

The sole is part of the reason that I bought this particular pair as they can be worn in wet weather without any damage to the sole. I've worn Chelsea Shoes and Boots for about twenty years and these are probably the most durable.

Goodyear welted rubber soles would be the better alternative for waterproof soles. The sole is stitched on in a way so there's no path for the water to get inside the shoe. The soles on these shoes are glued on and are way too thin. In no time you'll wear straight through the sole and the water will pour in. And these soles cannot be replaced.

Matt,

Do you know of an alternative to the boots in question?

Matt S

DJ007 wrote:

Matt S wrote:

Martin Aston wrote:

The sole is part of the reason that I bought this particular pair as they can be worn in wet weather without any damage to the sole. I've worn Chelsea Shoes and Boots for about twenty years and these are probably the most durable.

Goodyear welted rubber soles would be the better alternative for waterproof soles. The sole is stitched on in a way so there's no path for the water to get inside the shoe. The soles on these shoes are glued on and are way too thin. In no time you'll wear straight through the sole and the water will pour in. And these soles cannot be replaced.

Matt,

Do you know of an alternative to the boots in question?

Unfortunately I can't say I know of any ready to wear shoes in this shorter style, but George Cleverley or Edward Green offer the style made-to-order. You just have to put out for the initial cost, which would be considerably more than the shoes in question. But those shoes will last half a lifetime, which makes them a far better value than shoes that can't be re-soled. With the English construction and last you'll get an overall look far closer to what Connery wore.

Donald Grant

Matt S wrote:

DJ007 wrote:

Matt S wrote:

Goodyear welted rubber soles would be the better alternative for waterproof soles. The sole is stitched on in a way so there's no path for the water to get inside the shoe. The soles on these shoes are glued on and are way too thin. In no time you'll wear straight through the sole and the water will pour in. And these soles cannot be replaced.

Matt,

Do you know of an alternative to the boots in question?

Unfortunately I can't say I know of any ready to wear shoes in this shorter style, but George Cleverley or Edward Green offer the style made-to-order. You just have to put out for the initial cost, which would be considerably more than the shoes in question. But those shoes will last half a lifetime, which makes them a far better value than shoes that can't be re-soled. With the English construction and last you'll get an overall look far closer to what Connery wore.

That's interesting. I recently checked out the John Lobb website for a pre-made version of the short Chelsea that Connery as Bond wore. It's not available in their on-line catalog. You could definitely get it bespoke and I suppose made to order. I'll see what Cleverly has available. thanks for the heads up.

DG

Matt S

Donald Grant wrote:

That's interesting. I recently checked out the John Lobb website for a pre-made version of the short Chelsea that Connery as Bond wore. It's not available in their on-line catalog. You could definitely get it bespoke and I suppose made to order. I'll see what Cleverly has available. thanks for the heads up.

DG

There are two John Lobbs. John Lobb Ltd is the bespoke bootmaker Connery used. This is the closest example on their website:
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/catalogue/fullsize_images/Website_shoes_boots/Websiteshoes/Mensshoes/Elasticsidedshoes/Elasticsidesplain/elastic_plain_4.htm

John Lobb Paris is the other company that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. They also do bespoke, but it's not the same.

David Schofield

Matt S wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

That's interesting. I recently checked out the John Lobb website for a pre-made version of the short Chelsea that Connery as Bond wore. It's not available in their on-line catalog. You could definitely get it bespoke and I suppose made to order. I'll see what Cleverly has available. thanks for the heads up.

DG

There are two John Lobbs. John Lobb Ltd is the bespoke bootmaker Connery used. This is the closest example on their website:
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/catalogue/fullsize_images/Website_shoes_boots/Websiteshoes/Mensshoes/Elasticsidedshoes/Elasticsidesplain/elastic_plain_4.htm

John Lobb Paris is the other company that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. They also do bespoke, but it's not the same.

Technically, they were the same, one and only John Lobb when Connery was Bond.

Subsequently, the ready to wear outfit with its shop in Jermyn Street was set-up and lately sold to Hermes. The bespoke bootmaker John Lobb Ltd remains in St James Street.

I think that's about right.

Matt S

David Schofield wrote:

Matt S wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

That's interesting. I recently checked out the John Lobb website for a pre-made version of the short Chelsea that Connery as Bond wore. It's not available in their on-line catalog. You could definitely get it bespoke and I suppose made to order. I'll see what Cleverly has available. thanks for the heads up.

DG

There are two John Lobbs. John Lobb Ltd is the bespoke bootmaker Connery used. This is the closest example on their website:
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/catalogue/fullsize_images/Website_shoes_boots/Websiteshoes/Mensshoes/Elasticsidedshoes/Elasticsidesplain/elastic_plain_4.htm

John Lobb Paris is the other company that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. They also do bespoke, but it's not the same.

Technically, they were the same, one and only John Lobb when Connery was Bond.

Subsequently, the ready to wear outfit with its shop in Jermyn Street was set-up and lately sold to Hermes. The bespoke bootmaker John Lobb Ltd remains in St James Street.

I think that's about right.

Now they are separate. I don't think to compare the two, even though they have the same origins and the RTW shoes are still made in England. But John Lobb Paris has it's own bespoke service now, in Paris. JLP makes wonderful shoes though I don't think of them as the classic English style that Connery wore.

Donald Grant

Matt S wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

That's interesting. I recently checked out the John Lobb website for a pre-made version of the short Chelsea that Connery as Bond wore. It's not available in their on-line catalog. You could definitely get it bespoke and I suppose made to order. I'll see what Cleverly has available. thanks for the heads up.

DG

There are two John Lobbs. John Lobb Ltd is the bespoke bootmaker Connery used. This is the closest example on their website:
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/catalogue/fullsize_images/Website_shoes_boots/Websiteshoes/Mensshoes/Elasticsidedshoes/Elasticsidesplain/elastic_plain_4.htm

John Lobb Paris is the other company that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. They also do bespoke, but it's not the same.

I did not know that. So, this John Lobb http://www.johnlobb.com/, the one that made the QOS boots, is different than Connery's Lobb? Has the same JL logo that can be seen on the sole of Connery's shoes near the heel.

DG

David Schofield

Donald Grant wrote:

Matt S wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

That's interesting. I recently checked out the John Lobb website for a pre-made version of the short Chelsea that Connery as Bond wore. It's not available in their on-line catalog. You could definitely get it bespoke and I suppose made to order. I'll see what Cleverly has available. thanks for the heads up.

DG

There are two John Lobbs. John Lobb Ltd is the bespoke bootmaker Connery used. This is the closest example on their website:
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/catalogue/fullsize_images/Website_shoes_boots/Websiteshoes/Mensshoes/Elasticsidedshoes/Elasticsidesplain/elastic_plain_4.htm

John Lobb Paris is the other company that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. They also do bespoke, but it's not the same.

I did not know that. So, this John Lobb http://www.johnlobb.com/, the one that made the QOS boots, is different than Connery's Lobb? Has the same JL logo that can be seen on the sole of Connery's shoes near the heel.

DG

See my post 13; they were one and the same in Connery's day.

Then set up as seperate bespoke and reday to wear companies. Ready to wear subsequently sold to Hermes.

Donald Grant

David Schofield wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

Matt S wrote:

There are two John Lobbs. John Lobb Ltd is the bespoke bootmaker Connery used. This is the closest example on their website:
http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/catalogue/fullsize_images/Website_shoes_boots/Websiteshoes/Mensshoes/Elasticsidedshoes/Elasticsidesplain/elastic_plain_4.htm

John Lobb Paris is the other company that Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. They also do bespoke, but it's not the same.

I did not know that. So, this John Lobb http://www.johnlobb.com/, the one that made the QOS boots, is different than Connery's Lobb? Has the same JL logo that can be seen on the sole of Connery's shoes near the heel.

DG

See my post 13; they were one and the same in Connery's day.

Then set up as seperate bespoke and reday to wear companies. Ready to wear subsequently sold to Hermes.

Ah, I see. Still about as clear as mud though. Please explain it to me like I'm a two year old. What I understand so far is that there are two John Lobbs.

The original Connery boot maker that makes only bespoke shoes and boots here:

http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/main/main.htm

And the Daniel Craig boot maker that makes pre-made boots and shoes, but who also offers bespoke boots and shoes here:

http://www.johnlobb.com/

Is that right? It seems a little strange to me.

DG

Matt S

The question should be: were Connery's boots bespoke or RTW? If they were bespoke they have very little in common with JLP.

Donald Grant

Matt S wrote:

The question should be: were Connery's boots bespoke or RTW? If they were bespoke they have very little in common with JLP.

Here is a better question. Does http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/main/main.htm make ready to wear boots and shoes? Not trying to be funny here. The reason I ask the question is because I was always under the impression that the original Lobb was a purely bespoke boot maker. So, Connery's boots and shoes would have to have been bespoke. If my original assumption was incorrect then I guess Connery's shoes could be either or. However, somewhere in the back of my mind lurks a kernel gleaned from some long forgotten source of information that says Connery's shoes were bespoke.

DG

Matt S

Donald Grant wrote:

Matt S wrote:

The question should be: were Connery's boots bespoke or RTW? If they were bespoke they have very little in common with JLP.

Here is a better question. Does http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/main/main.htm make ready to wear boots and shoes? Not trying to be funny here. The reason I ask the question is because I was always under the impression that the original Lobb was a purely bespoke boot maker. So, Connery's boots and shoes would have to have been bespoke. If my original assumption was incorrect then I guess Connery's shoes could be either or. However, somewhere in the back of my mind lurks a kernel gleaned from some long forgotten source of information that says Connery's shoes were bespoke.

DG

I think you're right. I just found the following on their website:

At the beginning of the last Century, William Lobb, the son of our founder, John Lobb, opened a shop in Paris, at 47 Faubourg St. Honore, where it remained until 1976. It was run along the same lines as our shop in London, but with its own craftsmen and to the same high standards.

In 1976 it became impossible to stay at 47 Faubourg St. Honore and so negotiations were made with Hermes of Paris, who subsequently took over John Lobb in Paris, whilst the Lobb family continued in London. John Lobb, Paris, then continued as in the past and at the same time slowly developed a range of ready-made shoes. These, naturally, are based on the long tradition and skilled craftsmanship, which was founded by John Lobb in 1849.

John Lobb, London (the Lobb family run shop) is proud of the fact that John Lobb, Paris – thanks to Hermes' expert direction – have developed and expanded the ready made styles and at the same time maintained the made to measure shop in Paris. The bespoke made-to-measure shop is now located at 32 rue de Mogador, in Paris. A number of boutiques selling ready-made shoes have opened throughout the world,some offering a made to measure service. For more information please visit their web site at JohnLobb.com.

JLP was still long separate from the London bootmaker during Connery's time, even though they were under the same ownership.

David Schofield

Matt S wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

Matt S wrote:

The question should be: were Connery's boots bespoke or RTW? If they were bespoke they have very little in common with JLP.

Here is a better question. Does http://www.johnlobbltd.co.uk/main/main.htm make ready to wear boots and shoes? Not trying to be funny here. The reason I ask the question is because I was always under the impression that the original Lobb was a purely bespoke boot maker. So, Connery's boots and shoes would have to have been bespoke. If my original assumption was incorrect then I guess Connery's shoes could be either or. However, somewhere in the back of my mind lurks a kernel gleaned from some long forgotten source of information that says Connery's shoes were bespoke.

DG

I think you're right. I just found the following on their website:

At the beginning of the last Century, William Lobb, the son of our founder, John Lobb, opened a shop in Paris, at 47 Faubourg St. Honore, where it remained until 1976. It was run along the same lines as our shop in London, but with its own craftsmen and to the same high standards.

In 1976 it became impossible to stay at 47 Faubourg St. Honore and so negotiations were made with Hermes of Paris, who subsequently took over John Lobb in Paris, whilst the Lobb family continued in London. John Lobb, Paris, then continued as in the past and at the same time slowly developed a range of ready-made shoes. These, naturally, are based on the long tradition and skilled craftsmanship, which was founded by John Lobb in 1849.

John Lobb, London (the Lobb family run shop) is proud of the fact that John Lobb, Paris – thanks to Hermes' expert direction – have developed and expanded the ready made styles and at the same time maintained the made to measure shop in Paris. The bespoke made-to-measure shop is now located at 32 rue de Mogador, in Paris. A number of boutiques selling ready-made shoes have opened throughout the world,some offering a made to measure service. For more information please visit their web site at JohnLobb.com.

JLP was still long separate from the London bootmaker during Connery's time, even though they were under the same ownership.

Not sure it says, that Matt. In fact, the sale to Hermes didn't take place until 1976. Simply says that Lobb's opened a Paris shop in addition to the London one at the beginning of the last century.

As far as I'm aware, the original John Lobb bootmaker - the bespoke branch that is now John Lobb Ltd - was the only John Lobb, with London and Paris branches, in Connery's reign, offering a purely bespoke service - as John Lobb Ltd do now. The ready to wear line would be developed and later run independently with French expertise.

And no, DG it would seem the John Lobb Ltd outfit in St James Street today only do bespoke. The outfit round the corner on Jermyn Street - the Hermes/Parisian set-up - make the ready to wear primarily. As Matt says, the latter were Craig's footwear supplier for CR>

cherokee12

Pretty certain that Lobb of St James has only ever done bespoke and they are still hand made on the same premises. John Lobb (Hermes) of Jermyn St, Paris etc are all made in Northampton - I think even the bespoke shoes that you would get fitted for in Paris are ultimately made in Northampton, even if the last is crafted in the Paris workshop. Sean Connery's shoes were bespoke made in London, Daniel Craig's were RTW made in Northampton. Guessing the new Tom Fords will be Italian made?

Donald Grant

Matt, David, Cherokee,

It's good to know that Connery's shoes were the real deal!!

DG

Matt S

cherokee12 wrote:

Pretty certain that Lobb of St James has only ever done bespoke and they are still hand made on the same premises. John Lobb (Hermes) of Jermyn St, Paris etc are all made in Northampton - I think even the bespoke shoes that you would get fitted for in Paris are ultimately made in Northampton, even if the last is crafted in the Paris workshop. Sean Connery's shoes were bespoke made in London, Daniel Craig's were RTW made in Northampton. Guessing the new Tom Fords will be Italian made?

JLP says their bespoke shoes are made in their Parisian workshop. I would gather they are French cobblers, not English cobblers travelling back and forth to Paris. According to Lobb in England, the bespoke operation has been there since the turn of the last century.