Audley from Elda

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Audley Shoes sounds English, because it is: the head designers of AudleyTim and Fiona Slack, have been making shoes in the “British revival” style in London since the 1970s.

Tim&FionaSlack

In 1988 the couple came to EldaSpain and founded Audley, merging their eclectic, modernist architecture inspired designs with fine Spanish craftsmanship. As far as I was able to glean from the company website, the Elda-based Gilma Calzados factory (see pictures below) became the manufacturing base for the brand.

Audley Shoes
Factory workers of Gilma Calzados, the precursor to Audley Shoes, in Elda. Gilma Calzados was founded in the 1940s.
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Inside the Gilma Calzados (future Audley) factory. Source: www.audleyshoes.com

In Audley, the heel practically defines the shoe. It can come in different shapes – tubular, curving, block-shaped. Audley also has a wildly attractive and versatile color palette. Classics like black, white, and nude are complemented by an enviable range of pinks and purples, vivid electric blues, warm yellows and soft greens. Furthermore, the designs are made from excellent quality leather, smooth, as well as textured and patterned. The hardware also plays an important visual role.

In short, an Audley is a meticulously worked shoe, thought through down to the smallest detail.

Audley shoes
Miren” black suede ankle boot by Audley Shoes, with signature wide curved heel, side zipper, and decorative nickel eyelets.

A beautiful boot, elegant and unique, with a comfortable 6.5 cm (2.5”) heel. An unmistakable Audley.

 

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Kimberley” porous leather shoe by Audley with a wide 5.5 cm heel and double buckle strap on the instep. Available at YOOX, click on the picture for more information.

The “Kimberley“, a low-cut fall boot, is my very first Audley. I bought it on YOOX. It’s very elegant with the double buckled “monk strap” and contrasting crepe rubber layered sole. I like looking at the porous or “crackled” leather in different light situations. The shoe is very comfortable and stable, thanks to the extra-wide block heel and it looks good both with pants or skirt. For sizes and price click on the picture above.

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Fortunately for us in North America, the Audley online shop delivers worldwide. The great thing is that the prices you see already include taxes and shipping! A first return is also free of charge. Here are my other Audley favorites:

 

 

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Lisa” tubular heel sandal by Audley Shoes. I also featured it in our Shoe of the Week series here.

 

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The “Karenina” suede T-strap pump with a curving heel.

 

 

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The front of these “Hada” block heel platform sandals by Audley Shoes looks like two leaves joined together. The punctuated leather and the pale pink and soft green combination play up the “organic” look.

I almost bought the “Hada” sandal in white on YOOX, but waited too long and it was gone. The price point of Audley Shoes is medium- high, ranging from 200 to 460 Euros (USD275-500), so I was hoping for a greater discount. I’ve been kicking myself ever since. Now it’s on sale at the Audley online shop, in a single size – 37.

 

 

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Libertad” Charleston-type court shoe with punched leather toe and textured leather heel.

This retro-style three-color tubular heel pump is classic Audley, with punched leather in the front, smooth leather in the body, and textured leather in the heel.

 

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Misa” wide heel moc by Audley. The nickel-colored eyelet adds visual interest.
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Larraitz” medium height pump in electric blue with a transparent polycarbonate heel that shows its multi-coloured interior.

 

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Maura” tall boot by Audley. Overlaid leather detailing, 8.5 cm matching leather covered heel.

All in all, Audley Shoes is an example of a particularly successful fusion between two shoe making traditions – the British and the Spanish. Years of creative exchange between the British designers and the Spanish artisans have given Audley its unique personality and made it what it is today – a top-quality Made in Spain brand.

 

Sources: www.tandfslackshoemakers.com

 

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About Me

Ann Mailsi is a writer and social media buff based in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. Her interests include fashion, technology, and nature adventures.

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