James Bond never much cared for shoes. When Ian Fleming first created the character, the spy would almost exclusively slip on casual shoes and moccasins. In fact, when Bond is dressing in the Hotel Splendide in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the author even slyly asides; “he abhorred shoe-laces”.
And, even when Bond could be bothered, his choices were a little suspect. In Diamonds Are Forever, Bond wears a pair of Saxone golf shoes both on and off the course. In Goldfinger, his black casual shoes are obscenely clunky, albeit to conceal a knife in each heel. And, in Thunderball, Bond wears black saddle-stitched sandals — with a full business suit. It’s enough to make a sharp dresser despair.
Almost seven decades later, and the shoe — is it were — is on the other foot. Cinematic Bond is a footwear fanatic; with an eye for eyelets, treads and tongues unlike any other operative. Daniel Craig’s take on the spy, particularly, has laced-up many big-name brands during his tenure as 007, including Sanders & Sanders, Church’s and John Lobb.
No Time To Die, the 25th James Bond film overall, will follow in the finely crafted footsteps of Craig’s previous four films. With brands including Drake’s, Sperry and Crockett & Jones making the final cut, read on to discover the five pairs of shoes 007 will lace up in No Time To Die…
Crockett & Jones ‘Highbury’ Shoes
Firstly, a classic. For the last four films, Daniel Craig’s James Bond has been reliably (if a little tightly) suited by Tom Ford. And, for the last three films, he has been dependably booted by Crockett & Jones. The heritage Northamptonshire shoemaker has a range of styles for the costume department to choose from; and this is the first of two to feature in No Time To Die.
The ‘Highbury’ is a plain-fronted, three-eyelet Derby shoe. Cut from the finest black calf leather and fitted with Crockett & Jones’ patented ‘City’ rubber sole, it’s a simple, sophisticated style — and one readily available to customers. Bond will benefit from the style’s versatility in the film, wearing it both with his tuxedo in Cuba, and with a grey Prince of Wales check suit when he returns to MI6 in London.
Drake’s ‘Crosby’ Chukka Boots
Another pair of shoes that’ll be seen across several outfits, Bond will begin the film in a pair of Drake’s chukka boots. With distinctive moccasin-style stitching around the vamp, these dark brown boots walk the line between smart and casual, and are cut from premium rough out suede for sturdiness.
They’re also made in Italy, which is fitting — as Bond will wear his pair of ‘Crosby’ boots during the opening sequence of No Time To Die. Firstly, he’ll pair them with a Connolly jacket as he hides out in the Basilicata city of Matera with Dr Madeleine Swann. Then, they’ll match with his Massimo Alba corduroy suit during the film’s first action set-piece.
