Ted Baker Eshron Review

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Originally created specifically for beachwear and later being used for athletic activities, such as gym class, the Plimsoll Derby style of shoe can be used for pretty much anything. They can be shoes that you wear around the house, for a walk around the block, to the grocery store, or to dinner. They have a very simple, classic look that can be dressed up or down easily.

This shoe is made with herringbone canvas material for the upper, rubber foxing between the sole and upper, canvas linings that allow your feet to breathe, and a durable rubber sole. They feature a seven eyelet lacing system for optimal adjustability, a padded tongue and collar for support and comfort, and a cushioned, molded insole to keep you pain-free all day long.

As far as aesthetic details, there is a “T” logo on the outsole, the Ted Baker brand name on the heel and tongue, a patterned footbed, sporty stripes on the heel, and accented stitching. The colors available are white or dark blue. The Eshron is available in sizes seven through fourteen. Only whole sizes and medium width offered.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Trusted brand
  • Quality materials
  • Versatile style
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
Cons
  • Slightly expensive
  • Limited sizes/widths available

Brand

When Ted Baker went out on a fishing trip in 1987, he had no idea he was about to stumble upon an idea that would change his world. Inspired by the environment, he had the idea to create a global brand. Glasgow, Scotland was the first location graced by a Ted Baker store in 1988. Goldberg and Sons purchased the company outright in 1990. By 1993, stores were popping up in Soho, Nottingham, and London. That was also the year that the company became officially privately owned.

Ted Baker Woman and Ted Baker Lite were brought to the table in 1995. 1996 is the year that wholesale got off to a running start in the United States. Teddy Boy, another new line, was also launched that year. Ted Baker finally created a website in 1998, joining the world wide web community. New York City held the first American standalone Ted Baker store. 1998 also brought the unveiling of the Skinwear and Underwear lines.

Ted Baker finally came out with their Footwear line and Teddy Girl line in 2000. In 2001, Eyewear and Sunglasses joined. Ted expanded his reach into Australia and New Zealand in 2004. And in 2006, the Qantas Socceroos suit for the World Cup was officially supplied by Ted Baker. In 2007, Ted yet again broadened its horizons by coming out with a jewelry line as well as a couple of mobile phones. The phones were called The Needle and The Button.

Style

The Eshron is considered to be a Plimsoll Derby shoe. This is a shoe with an upper made of canvas and a sole made of rubber. It was developed in the 1830s for beachwear. Plimsolls typically have a rubber sole that is eight to nine millimeters thick. The canvas is glued to the rubber without extending up to the sides, like on a trainer. When running in these shoes, the feeling was similar to running barefoot.

This type of shoe is also sometimes referred to as a sand shoe, especially in the United Kingdom. That was the original name of the shoe until it acquired “plimsoll” as a nickname in the 1870s. According to Nicholette Jones in her book, the name came about because the horizontal band that joined the sole to the upper looked similar to the plimsoll line that you find on a ship hull.

It could also be because if the water rose above the rubber of the sole, the wearer would get wet, just like the people on the ship would get wet if the water rose above the line on the hull. The purpose of this type of shoe has been beachwear and athletic wear, but in today’s fashion world, they can be worn for virtually anything.

Upper

With the warmer weather coming up, you’re going to want to make sure you shop for a shoe material that isn’t going to suffocate your feet. Canvas is a great option because it provides more airflow than typical materials used for shoe uppers. It is also lightweight, so you won’t have to spend all of your precious energy lifting up your shoes all day.

It is believed by some that it’s hard to clean canvas material, but usually, the case is just that they don’t know how to properly care for them. You simply need a toothbrush, soap, and water to clean your canvas shoes. The bristles of the toothbrush are going to help lift any dirt or debris out of the canvas. The water and soap will help get rid of any that are left over.

With some canvas materials, you can put them in a pillowcase and throw them in the washer. Just be sure to do your research before you try this method to be sure your shoes will be safe in the washer.

The pattern used in canvas construction is called herringbone. It is a V-shaped woven pattern that resembles a zigzag but broken. The name herringbone was given to the pattern because it looks like the herring fish’s skeleton.

Canvas is going to feel more natural when you step into it and will even move more naturally with your feet as you take your strides. The material will loosen up over time, which will either become more comfortable for you or more uncomfortable. That is up to personal preference. Unlike leather, it will not conform to the shape of your foot over time, rather becoming loose.

Outsole

It is important to pay attention to the outsole of any shoe you’re considering purchasing. The level of importance depends on what you’re going to use the shoes for. If you’re just lounging around or wearing them casually, then you won’t need to make sure it’s an extremely tough sole. Typically, with this shoe style in today’s fashion world, they’re worn more for casual occasions.

Running shoes have been advanced way beyond the design of this shoe to offer more of everything that the runner needs. The Plimsoll Derby style can still be used on the beach, but most people opt for sandals or barefoot.

Since these shoes aren’t created to be worn for a rigorous activity or dangerous terrain, they’re not reinforced with anything super crazy. They do have a thick rubber sole that will offer protection from whatever you’re walking on and also moisture, as long as it doesn’t rise above the rubber and onto the canvas.

There is a foxing strip that is separate from the upper and sole that acts as the glue between the point where the sole and upper meet. Foxing is typically attached to the shoe via vulcanization. The foxing is applied at the sole and overlaps the upper and it must extend the whole way around the shoe.

Comfort

When you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes, comfort is typically one of the first items on the list. It’s pretty obvious that you want to be just as comfortable at the end of the day as you are the second you step into your shoes. Make sure you choose a shoe that is going to work all day to give that to you.

With the Eshron, it’s going to be working around the clock and around the shoe to keep you from experiencing any unnecessary pain, discomfort, or fatigue. The flexibility of the canvas is going to make your feet feel like they’re able to move naturally without any restriction. The breathability of the canvas will help keep you dry and cool.

The lining is also made of canvas and will feel smooth against your feet as well as providing extra breathability. The cushioned, contoured footbed will hug the natural curves of your feet, giving you a customized, secure fit. The flexible yet sturdy rubber outsole will move with your feet while providing enough support to take force and pressure off your feet and the rest of your body. You can also adjust the snugness of the shoe upper via the lacing system.

Fit

Very similar to comfort is the fit of the shoe. The fit, ultimately, is either going to be comfortable or not. There are many factors contributing to the way a shoe fits a person. First of all, is it adjustable? It’s a very desirable feature to have in a shoe, especially if you plan to wear it for more than leisurely strolls. The Eshron does have a lacing system and it has seven eyelets that extend from just behind the toe box to the top of the shoe. This will allow you to personalize the snugness at each eyelet for the perfect fit.

The shaft of the shoe ends just below your ankle, which is what some people prefer while others think it’s uncomfortable. Some people prefer to have their ankle covered because they feel that it gives them more protection. Perhaps it does, but not enough to actually prevent injuries, maybe just lessen the severity in some cases. Having the shoe end just below your ankle will allow your ankle more range of motion and you won’t feel so restricted as you walk. The contoured footbed will just add the customized feel of this shoe.

The sizes offered are limited to medium width and sizes seven through fourteen. If you have extremely narrow or wide feet you may consider ordering a size up or down to accommodate the difference. If that doesn’t help, these shoes may not work for you.

Durability

Quality canvas is going to be wear resistant and easily stain-proofed. And even when it does acquire a stain, it is usually simple to wash out. If you care for your canvas properly, you should have no problem extending the lifespan and keeping it looking new for much longer.

Canvas will work to stand up against abrasion, tears, and punctures. Though it won’t offer as much protection as the thicker option of leather would. Whether you want leather or canvas for your material greatly depends on what you need the shoe for. Either way, the canvas will last as long as it is cared for.

The fact that the sole of the Eshron is made of rubber and is thick means that it will provide you with flexibility so that your steps feel more natural, along with support and stability and protection in other ways. The rubber will protect you from moisture, so long as the moisture stays below the Plimsoll line and doesn’t hit the canvas. When that happens, your feet will get a free bath.

Bottom Line

Whether you plan to wear them around the house, out for a walk, to a dinner with friends, on a date, to church, or to work, the Eshron sneaker from Ted Baker will be working nonstop to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the entire day.

Maybe they aren’t designed for wet conditions, but even if your feet get soaked, you’ll still be comfortable otherwise, and you’ll create memories in the process. Just maybe keep an extra pair of shoes in your car in case you get stuck in a surprise rain shower.

The construction of this shoe will provide you with stability, support, airflow, flexibility, comfort, adjustable fit, and timeless style. You get all of this, with quality materials, at a fair price, though it may seem steep to some. So long as you focus on keeping up with the routine maintenance it requires to keep any shoe looking nice and living long, you’ll get more than your money’s worth out of these.

Enjoy any occasion in a pair of comfortable, versatile, aesthetically pleasing derby shoe. You’re sure to have people asking where they can get a pair.