The Hudson
The original, unchanged since Ambrose Cowling first poured it in 1931. A classic for a reason. The reason is that it works.
$340 the pair · bucket includedor 4 payments of $85 with Afterpay or Zip
Bespoke Footwear Since 1931
Made to last.
Made to stay.
For ninety-five years, Cowling & Watts has hand-poured footwear for gentlemen who are going away for a very long time.
By Appointment to Several Families. We would rather not say which.
As worn at the bottom of the Hudson, the East River, Jamaica Bay, and several reservoirs we are not at liberty to name. Now also the Derwent.
The House Principles
Three things we will never compromise on.
I.
Hand-Poured
Every pair is mixed to order from Portland cement, washed river sand and hand-graded aggregate, then poured on the foot by one of our master fitters. Nothing is mass-produced. Nothing is rushed, unless you ask us to rush it.
II.
Discreet
Unmarked vans. Evening appointments. No receipts, no loyalty card, no newsletter. Our fitters have excellent memories and very poor recall.
III.
Permanent
No customer has ever returned a pair of Cowling & Watts shoes. In ninety-five years, no customer has ever returned at all.
From the Collection
Autumn/Winter, as always.
The river doesn't follow fashion. Neither do we.
The Gowanus Brogue
Full broguing worked by hand into wet concrete, for the gentleman who wants to look his best on the canal bed.
$610 the pairor 4 payments of $152.50 with Afterpay or Zip
The Executive
Cures in twenty minutes, for clients with a tight schedule. Most of our clients' clients have a very tight schedule.
$480 the pairor 4 payments of $120 with Afterpay or Zip
“A man’s shoes say a great deal about him. Ours say very little, and only to the fish.”Ambrose Cowling, Founder, 1931
Now Fitting Internationally
Cowling & Watts comes to Tasmania.
Ninety-five years after Ambrose Cowling poured his first pair in Red Hook, the house has opened its first overseas workshop, on a quiet wharf in Hobart. Same hand-poured quality. Colder water.
Tasmania is often left off maps of Australia. Our clients see that as a selling point.
- Red Hook
- 40.67° N · 74.01° W
- Hobart
- 42.88° S · 147.33° E
Local waters
- The Derwent RiverDeep, wide and right in town. Ideal for clients on a tight schedule. Hobart
- The Tamar RiverNorthern service from Launceston. Soft mud bottom. Very forgiving. Launceston
- Macquarie HarbourRemote, tannin-dark and six times the size of Sydney Harbour. Nobody can see the bottom. That's the idea. West Coast
- Lake PedderAlready has one lake at the bottom of it. There's room for more. South West
- Bass StraitSome of the roughest water in the world. Popular with clients who want to send a message to the mainland. Surcharge applies
The Hobart Workshop
Constitution Dock
Behind the fish punts. Knock twice and wait for the gulls to settle. Closed over New Year for the yacht race, when the dock gets far too busy for our line of work.
New for Tasmania
The Huon Gumboot
Our first new last in a generation, designed for local conditions. Knee-high, fully waterproof, which is a little ironic. A$520 the pair, or 4 payments of A$130 with Afterpay or Zip.
Mainland Clients
Ferry service
Clients in Melbourne can be brought across on the overnight ferry from Geelong. We book the tickets. They are always one-way.
Tasmanian fittings are priced in Australian dollars and include GST. Afterpay, Zip and all other payment options are accepted. Our Hobart fitters have been fully trained in the Red Hook method and in local customs, chiefly not mentioning the mainland.
The Fitting
A personal service, from first call to final drop.
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The Call
You telephone the shop from a phone you will not use again. We ask no questions. You should ask very few.
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The Measure
A fitter attends in person to take the measurements. The wearer's cooperation is appreciated but not required.
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The Pour
Mixed on site, poured by hand, finished with a steel trowel. We recommend the wearer stand still. Most do.
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The Send-Off
We take care of delivery ourselves. Usually by boat. Always after dark.