Jane Shilton Reveals the World's Most Versatile Men's Shoe

LONDON, ENGLAND, January 27, 2013 (Press-News.org) Leading fashion retailer Jane Shilton has revealed that the world's most versatile men's shoe is actually the boot. Looking at the different styles of men's shoes currently available on the market, the fashion house has analysed their own sales figures to reveal the most popular and versatile styles.

- Boots come out on top for men's shoe styles
- UK spends GBP6 billion on shoes each year
- Jane Shilton examines emerging trends for men's shoes in 2013

UK's shoe obsession

A nation obsessed with shoes, figures released by the British Footwear Association in 2012 revealed the UK spends GBP6 billion on shoes and exports GBP500 million worth of shoes annually.

With such a large number of shoes being purchased, identifying key lines is therefore highly important - and here is what Jane Shilton found about men's shoe trends.

Trendy trainers replaced by beautiful boots

Most Brits have changed the way in which they buy their shoes but some trends remain popular. The ubiquitous trainer is still seen in high numbers but continues the casual style par excellence. Trainers with plainer designs are becoming more popular as consumers look for a way to bring the comfortable style into more professional environments, but this versatility is still relatively new.

In response to a need for practicality and durability, many shoppers are turning to boots and other traditional shoes over trainers in order to own footwear which can see them through many of life's occasions. This is taken from figures released by sportswear specialists Nike who revealed their profits fell by 12% in 2012. One of the most versatile trends in men's shoes is the very stylish brogue boot and these beautiful designs are slowly replacing trainers when it comes to everyday footwear.


Camper boots put stamp on shoe market

Camper style boots are popular for weekend wear. This style of shoes for men can be seen across all the fashion magazines as well as in the windows of most shoe shops.

Comfortable and long lasting, its popularity is due to its capacity to cope with a rugged terrain and its waterproof design... The boot looks stylish under jeans, with shorts and even when accompanied by more formal trousers and has been seen as a great trend for 2013.

Desert boots

Desert boots are also making a comeback. Previously they were parodied as being only worn by university lecturers or scruffy hippy types in the 1970s but a quick look at some of the leading men's footwear designers shows that the desert boot has come of age. Even the achingly fashionable Harry Styles, from the music group One Direction, has been seen sporting a pair of these accessories in 2012.

Shoe sales in 2013

By specialising as a heritage accessory store, Jane Shilton has captured a niche market and commands a strong reputation for both substance and style with strong sales expected throughout 2013 - defying the difficult figures other shoe retailers witnessed in 2012. In December 2012, Stead and Simpson announced the closure of 90 of its stores and Jones Bootmaker made many of its staff redundant following its new alliance with Brantano.

Some industry observers claim the success of firms such as Jane Shilton might be due to the change in the economy. Consumers are now looking for more hardwearing shoes rather than just purely fashionable items - something Jane Shilton is proud to offer.

We're a rare thing these days: a British company that's family owned, with a fairytale foundation. We began 80 years ago when Alexander Shilton set up a handbag company in the City of London. When he went off to war, the factory made gas masks and Alex's secretary Jane ran everything like clockwork in his absence - despite the building being bombed four times. Alex returned, married Jane and renamed the company 'Jane Shilton'.

Website: http://www.janeshilton.co.uk/