Islay

The Islay represents Crockett & Jones's approach to country footwear, combining traditional design elements with weather-resistant construction. The boot is produced exclusively in dark brown scotch grain leather at the company's Northampton factory in England.

Crockett & Jones first produced the Islay in 2009, introducing Last 365 in May of that year. The last was designed as a generous fit intended specifically for country footwear, featuring a broad round toe with a slightly asymmetric character. The design draws inspiration from robust work boots and walking boots popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

In 2012, the Islay appeared in James Bond's Skyfall during the final scenes set in the Scottish Highlands, where actor Daniel Craig wore the boots during his character's confrontation with villain Raoul Silva. This appearance elevated the Islay from a quality country boot to an iconic style recognized internationally.

The Islay is a nine-eyelet full brogue derby boot featuring wing tip design and bold punching detail throughout the upper. The boot incorporates speed hooks to facilitate lacing and includes decorative broguing across the toe cap, quarters, and heel counter.

The design follows traditional country boot aesthetics while maintaining versatility for both casual and semi-formal wear. The full brogue pattern provides visual interest while the derby construction offers ease of fit adjustment.

The boot employs Goodyear welted construction, requiring over 200 highly skilled operations during production. The storm welt provides enhanced water resistance by creating a raised barrier between the upper and sole. A Dainite rubber sole delivers traction and durability while maintaining a relatively low profile compared to cleated work boot soles.

All Islay boots are manufactured entirely in England at Crockett & Jones's Northampton factory. The company produces 100% of its Goodyear welted shoes at this facility, maintaining traditional manufacturing methods.

Last 365 is a main collection last with a broad round toe and UK E width (standard fitting). The last provides the most generous fitting in the Crockett & Jones collection, with substantial room in both the forepart and heel. This spacious design creates a slightly asymmetric character that accommodates the higher shaft of boot styles.

The generous proportions of Last 365 make it particularly suitable for country footwear applications where comfort during extended wear takes priority over a closely fitted silhouette. The wide, deep, rounded toe box allows natural toe splay during walking.

The Islay is produced exclusively in dark brown scotch grain calf leather sourced from European tanneries. Scotch grain leather has its origins in the 1920s and features an embossed grain pattern created through a special tannage that keeps the leather supple while providing durability.

The embossed grain pattern provides texture and visual interest while offering practical benefits for country use, including better resistance to visible scuffing compared to smooth leather. The leather develops character through wear while maintaining structural integrity.

While the primary production focuses on dark brown scotch grain, limited editions and variations have been produced in black scotch grain, tan scotch grain, and dark brown rough-out suede.

The Islay functions as a versatile boot suitable for various casual contexts. The combination of full brogue detailing and robust construction allows the boot to work with denim and casual trousers while maintaining enough refinement to pair with chinos or corduroy.

The smart appearance permits wear across different terrains and weather conditions without appearing overly utilitarian. The boot transitions from casual outdoor wear to more polished casual settings due to its balanced design between country practicality and refined detailing.