Crockett & Jones Lowndes

Produced in November 2004. The 348 is a versatile last from the core collection with a square toe. It is arguably the most important last that Crockett & Jones has developed in recent times. Dating back to 2004, the 348 became the most avant-garde last for a generation of shoemakers, setting Crockett & Jones apart. With the largest collection of styles, the 348 has become an icon in its own right. In 2012, the latest 348 continued Crockett & Jones' legacy as the shoe of choice for the James Bond film SKYFALL, followed by SPECTRE three years later.

Lowndes, a classic double monk shoe, in dark brown, on a leather sole with a straight toe cap.

Apparently developed by an Alpine monk in the 15th century and worn throughout European monasteries, this style was popularized in the 1920s. Unbeknownst to many, a Monk strap style has similar fit qualities and construction to a Derby. You could think of the Monk style as a sort of “modern” Derby. With open quarters and a fully cut vamp and tongue, Monk straps (single and double buckle) are remarkably comfortable on the foot. However, they will not offer the same level of adjustability, due to the lack of laces. The sequence of operations for constructing a Monk is similar to that of a Derby. The inner and outer quarters are sewn to a tongue stitch on either side of the vamp and the tongue is cut as part of the vamp and is not a separate component.