“Fly the flag with this one” was the phrase Norman featured alongside the striking union jack colourway of the Ensign in his 1985 sports shoes range. Conceived in 1981 for the harriers competing in the 1981 New York Marathon. While many other sports footwear brands took to adding newer ‘technological’ materials and compositions, Norman kept to the customary ‘less is more’ ideology. The Ensign offered lasting durability, comfort and stability in the form of a Vibram outsole with a thick extra wedge in the midsole for a cushioned heel strike yet still offering flexibility. The simple upper was also constructed with lightweight materials and all round foot support.

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Waxed cotton has long been a traditional technical textile with its roots traced back as far as the 15th century. Early mariners realized their cotton sails were more effective when wet and denser than dry, and so would apply fish oils and grease to their sails.

Around the 1850’s the first waterproofed cotton appeared with linseed oil applied but with age, turned stiff and yellow, the sails would then need to be replaced and mariners would use the old yellowed fabric for waterproof coats known as slickers.

Established in 1880, it was British Millerain who were the first to commercially wax cotton in Britain and perfect its manufacturing recipe, and thus exported this specialist textile around the world. Since, waxed cotton has become a desirable textile in both industry and fashion due to its weather proof and functional qualities.

This Autumn/Winter, Walsh collaborates with British Millerain using their Staywax Romano, a lightweight fine cotton with pale surface wax designed to mark and fade under stress and wear giving a unique aged look.

Upper Materials:

-British Millerain Staywax Romano Cotton

-Nubuck

-Hainsworth Melton Cloth