When we got chance to pick out our favourite footwear from the new Royal Elastics range we were drawn straight to the ‘Oxford’ in dress blue. Half sneaker, half suede derby shoe they are just what you need if you do a lot of walking.
A true treat for your feet, they feel like you’re bouncing around for the first hour (then you get used to it). Not quite a brothel creeper in height but they’re not far off! The thick, tricolor EVA midsoles with classic upper silhouettes are available in four colourway options, with one the others in Hydro being a much louder and daring choice with a bright orange and light blue mix.
What we think makes them such a standout shoe is the quality of the soft, brushed suede, supple leather lining and welt stitching. Quite a unique and novelty feature (and something that may divide opinion) is the elastic laces. Simply knot them together, or at the ends, or remove them entirely.
The brand has been around since 1996 bearing the strap line “for those with no time for laces”. We chose to style our pair (knotted at the ends) with a pair of dark rolled denim, orange socks, a casual t-shirt and a blazer - which was well received by the Royal Elastics FB fans.