Style Guide

Long before the CBC existed, and long before anyone had heard the word podcast, a shoe company from Fredericton was on the air. Every Monday evening at 7:15, Canadians tuned their radio dials to CKGW in Toronto for the Hartt Shoe Broadcast. The year was 1931. The country was deep in the Great Depression. And a heritage Canadian footwear brand was doing something that most companies today still haven't figured out: building an audience through genuine content, not advertising.

There's a question every serious shoe buyer eventually asks: leather sole or rubber sole? It's not a simple answer. Both have genuine merit. And at Hartt, we believe the best footwear decisions are informed ones. But before we get into it, let's be clear about something: you don't have to choose one forever. You choose the right sole for today. What does the weather look like? What's on your calendar? Form follows function, and a well-considered wardrobe gives you options. The real answer to leather versus rubber is almost always: own both. 

Investing in vegetable tanned leather shoes is a step into sustainability and timeless style. This eco-friendly material, crafted using natural tannins, transforms leather into a durable, elegant option that ages beautifully over time. While it’s tempting to show them off immediately, caring for these shoes properly ensures their longevity. Follow care tips to preserve their unique patina and character. Discover the craftsmanship behind each pair and why vegetable tanned leather is the perfect choice for footwear enthusiasts.

Work at the shoe factory is now going on steadily and regularly and very soon a full line of shoes bearing the trademark of the Hartt Boot & Shoe Co. will be upon the market and will be worn with commendable pride.

While Hartt’s leather footwear is built with premium materials and exceptional quality construction methods it’s important to take steps to protect them from natural elements. The winter and spring months can be particularly damaging due to the increased exposure to moisture. Protecting your footwear using the right products and accessories is sure to keep your shoes looking their finest. 

Purchasing a new pair of leather dress shoes or boots is always an exciting experience. It’s probably tempting to want to put them on and start wearing them as soon as you get them out of the box. However, breaking in your leather footwear correctly is an important first step. Taking the following steps during the break-in process will help your shoes or boots fit more comfortably while helping preserve their appearance and longevity.

When owning a pair of premium leather dress shoes or boots, it’s really important to treat them with care. The value of a quality shoe lies in its longevity which is best preserved with consistent and correct care. At Hartt, we offer a wide variety of shoe care products and accessories, which we recommend to any leather shoe owner. A pair of shoe trees is perhaps the most important accessory you can have.

Caring for your premium leather dress shoes is key to maintaining their longevity and classic style. A quality pair of Goodyear welted dress shoes requires careful conditioning, cleaning, and polishing for the best results. At Hartt, we offer the finest shoe care products from the world-renowned Saphir Medaille d’Or line. Learning about their line of smooth leather cream polishes and wax will help you take the best care of your footwear. 

For over 122 years the Hartt Shoe Company has strived to create the finest quality leather shoes and boots. Each of Hartt’s Canadian dress shoes is painstakingly crafted to deliver exceptional style and durability to their owners. Our Goodyear welt design will last for years, if they are well cared for and treated with respect. Following these wear and care guidelines will keep your Hartt dress shoes and boots looking their very best, and ensure they last for years to come.

The holiday season is just around the corner and choosing the perfect presents is on everyone’s minds. Hartt’s selection of Canadian dress shoes and boots made with premium materials and craftsmanship make fantastic gifts. Moreover, choose from a large selection of shoe care products from the world-renowned Saphir line, an ideal gift for any shoe-lover! 

As the weather transitions to the cold and damp climates of fall and winter, a quality dress boot becomes a must-have in your wardrobe. While similarly versatile to oxfords or derbies, dress boots offer added protection for the colder months. Our Men’s heritage boots come in a variety of styles ranging from formal to casual. Learning to match different boot styles to the occasion is a key part of maintaining a stylish look for every event.

Quality men’s footwear has traditionally been crafted from one material, leather. While the majority of men’s dress shoes and boots are still made from leather, there are a variety of different materials that have become increasingly popular in shoemaking. Knowing how and when to wear shoes made from different materials is key to maintaining a stylish look for every event. This guide will help you do just that.