Split-toe shoes: Chasse and Demi-Chasse from J. M. Weston. Photo: J. M. Weston
The split-toe shoe I fancy. I remember it was one of the first welted shoes I wanted to buy. In particular I adored the Avignon from Paraboot. I couldn’t find the right size in that model though, so ended up with a chukka boot from the French maker.
Later, J. M. Weston’s Chasse became the ideal to me, when looking a split-toe shoes. It appeared to embody le style anglais, the French interpretation of British style. The Chase is a rustic shoe, yet with a refined French touch to it.
However, my first split-toes were neither from Paraboot nor J. M. Weston. Kielman in Warsaw made my first split-toes. They could not compete in design with Weston’s Chasse shoes, but they were handmade to the measures of my feet.
Trying to get to an overview of the present market for split-toe shoes I ended up with 12 models. Here you are.
Demi-Chasse and Chasse face-off. Photo: En Grande Pompe
Avignon from Paraboot. Photo: Timothy Everest
Saint Crispin’s split-toes. Photo: Leffot
Esquire ad from 1949. Illustration: Esquire Classic
Split-toe from Alden. Photo: Alden of New England
Scotch grain split-toes from Carmina: Photo: Carmina
Split-toes from the French firm Heschung: Photo: Care of Carl
Scotch grain split-toes from Enzo Bonafe. Photo: Skoaktiebolaget
Old Church follows suit. Northwood, Church calls its split-toe. Photo: Church
For the slender feet. Gaziano & Girling’s split-toes. Photo: Skoaktiebolaget
To some the ideal, Edward Green’s Dover. Photo: Care of Carl
I can understand your fascination of split toe shoes. They are really versatile. I like to wear them with flannel. I recently bought a pair of Edward Green Dovers in dark brown and a pair of Church’s’. The latter are more casual with Scotch grain leather and Dainite sole. A perfect choice for the current wheater conditions.