“Holy Haferl” Batman, look at those Bavarian shoes!

Who doesn’t love a classic American cartoon catchphrase like “Holy smokes!”? That’s why Stockerpoint are publicising their new range of Bavarian brogue Haferlschuhe with the catchy slogan “Holy Haferl!”. Given how creative their new models for 2016 have turned out, it’s understandable, because we weren’t expecting to be surprised either: in recent years, we’ve seen so many – often daring – experiments with this traditional centrepiece of Bavarian footwear, from cross-overs with deck shoes, sneakers and chucks through to bright, even garish colours that we naturally assumed that pretty much every avenue had been explored. What 2016 shows, though, is that we’re still not anywhere near exhausting the considerable wells of Haferlschuh-related creativity.

Taking a closer look at the new models for this season, what is striking is that the trend towards shoes which are casual, as relaxed, and as comfortable as possible has been reversed. While certainly unorthodox, the new Bavarian shoes are authentic in terms of their leather workmanship and, unlike chucks-hybrids, are certainly suited for formal wear. Another difference is that the welts have become noticeably thinner and soles, too, have been slimmed down, trading in toughness for details.

What about colours, though? Here too, there is a balance between tradition and experimentation. While classic Oktoberfest shades to match lederhosen such as tobacco and moor are still present, there are now a range of subtly different browns and tans such as Havanna and old bison: this kind of colour suits not only leather breeches but also English country gentlemen’s tweeds or cords, too. The real development, though, are brown Haferlschuhe in polished leather; thus far, it was only the black Bavarian brogues which were available in a shiny finish to match traditional nappa leather lederhosen.

Other areas in the shoe pick up this understated colour-work, too: the welts and soles on new pieces include up to three different shades of brown, an effect strengthened by shoelaces in brighter, lighter colours than ever before. This kind of gentle detail has replaced the big gestures of recent years (red or blue Haferlschuhe, for example) and is definitely something for people who know there classics and notice the subtle twists. There’s something almost subversive about these shoes, which don’t reveal their break with tradition at first glance…

That’s because, from afar, these look like every other pair of Bavarian shoes: the overall shape – a deep cut around the ankle and laces on the outsides of the shoe – is standard. It is the tension between this apparent back-to-basics approach with real novelty such as thin soles which gives the shoes their flair. Then again, the return to proper hard soles, however thin, is welcome for those who cherish their hard-wearing and reliable characteristics at the Oktoberfest. As we see it, these shoes are the perfect compromise between sturdy Wiesn-wear and smart leather shoes.

So if you decide to opt for this new style and hear approving gasps of “Holy Haferl!” as you go, then you may well have just walked past us. Or Robin talking to Batman, of course…