Finding shoes that truly fit and feel comfortable has always been a personal mission for me. I’m particular about what I put on my feet and have been since childhood—I still remember the night before school when I lay awake convinced I hated my new shoes. Over the years my priorities have shifted firmly toward comfort, and after many painful blisters in the name of fashion, I now favour footwear that looks good and supports my feet.
When I was offered the chance to try the new Chase shoe from Hotter, I was keen to give them a proper test. The Chase sits somewhere between a traditional shoe and a trainer: it has the relaxed silhouette and comfort of a trainer but reads smarter, making it versatile for everyday wear. I own casual trainers that are perfect for school runs, but they rarely feel suitable for anything beyond quick errands. The Chase feels smarter in person than it appears in photos, which was a pleasant surprise.
I tend to reach for shoes that are suitable for a coffee shop meet-up yet not too formal for casual workwear. Since returning to the office earlier this year, I’ve become more mindful about separating office-appropriate footwear from what I wear at home. For me, an essential feature is comfort while driving, and these meet that need well.
One detail I was initially unsure about was the side zip. It made me wonder if I’d reached that stage of life where a zipped shoe is preferable—but I quickly became a convert. The side zip removes the hassle of constantly retying laces and keeps the laces clean and tidy. Slipping the Chase on and off is fast and effortless, and that convenience has become an unexpectedly important factor. I now appreciate shoes that are quick to fasten and remove.
After several weeks of regular wear, the Chase has held up impressively well. There’s a minimal crease on the vamp after a lot of driving, but overall they still look smart. Most notably, I haven’t had any blisters, which is a rare and welcome change. On one occasion I wore them to a football match and they picked up a bit of mud; a quick wipe restored them without any fuss, and the laces remained bright.
Stylistically, the Chase is adaptable. I wore them to a restaurant review with jeans and a smart top and felt comfortable and put together. They bridge the gap between casual and slightly dressy, making them suitable for a range of occasions from daytime outings to relaxed evenings out.
Hotter offers the Chase in five colours, and the pair I tested is Dark Rose Metallic. Other colour options include Navy Nubuck, Dark Pewter, Forest Green and Scarlet. The recommended retail price is £79. For shoppers who want a mix of comfort, convenience and a more polished casual look, the Chase is a solid choice that has become a reliable staple in my rotation.