The sun is shining and spring is in the air – which means that perennial wardrobe conundrum is once again about to rear its ugly head: where to find smart, office-appropriate shoes that are also comfortable and breathable enough to combat the heat.

Well, after more than 140 years in the business, heritage British shoemaker Crockett & Jones may have finally come up with the perfect solution. Introduced to great acclaim in summer 2021, so popular did the Northampton-based brand’s Superflex sole become that, for 2022, it’s giving its entire new spring/summer collection the Superflex treatment.

So what is Superflex? As is seen on the brand’s more traditional styles, Superflex is a high-quality leather sole created for durability and style. The difference comes in the tanning process, with Superflex soles being treated to a unique procedure developed by Crockett & Jones and its specialty tanners over two and a half years.

This lengthy and highly-scientific process sees each sole permeated with waxes to make them not only hard-wearing and comfortable with great grip, but also the shoemaker’s most flexible sole ever – perfect for whatever adventures you have planned this summer.

Appropriately, the Superflex sole was introduced as part of Crockett & Jones’ new Unstructured range in 2021. This trio of loafers featured the Goodyear welting the house is famed for while reinventing the construction process, incorporating shoulder insoles that allowed for the removal of the toe box without affecting fit, thus creating a lighter, more warm-weather appropriate style.

Needless to say, the Unstructured line was an instant hit and is being expanded for summer 2022 with a new array of styles and colourways ideal for bar or boardroom. Last year’s Seaton and Salcombe loafers will be returning, this time with earth green and ocean blue suede options joining last year’s khaki, while a fresh interlaced Southport loafer in dark oak and khaki offers boat shoe style with an English heritage twist.

For the first time in Crockett & Jones’ history, a newly created horse bit loafer will be introduced in the form of the Finchley. Crafted in black pebble grain leather and dark oak suede, this modern update on the classic style is guaranteed to become a go-to for everything from summer weddings and garden parties to business lunches and post-work cocktail hours.

Of course, begin an English shoemaker, Crockett & Jones knows that summer weather doesn’t always play ball. Accordingly, the SS22 Unstructured collection also includes a refreshed iteration of the Epsom Chelsea boot created on the new Last 379. Given a smart-casual makeover courtesy of fine khaki suede, wear with a light linen suit, chinos or even jeans for the last word in practical British summer style.

A summer free from stiff, blister-inducing shoes and overheated feet? We’ll take one in every style.