Balmoral Boots: A Fusion of Functionality and Fashion

Shen-Ru Tseng and Gary Kao Redefine Classic Footwear

Shen-Ru Tseng and Gary Kao's design journey began when ORingo Shoes first entered the Hong Kong market. They wanted to communicate the rich and diverse cultural background of their brand. To do this, they selected the formal Balmoral leather boots, a classic in the West. The design incorporates the image of the famous TsimShaTsui bell tower, a symbol of Hong Kong's colonial history. The boots are intended to represent a journey, embodying the expectations and apprehensions of those who came to Hong Kong.

What sets these boots apart is their unique combination of materials. The designers selected fabrics from the revered old brand of Harris Tweed. Using techniques that integrate different fabrics, they combined Harris Tweed, woven since the twentieth century on the Isle of Harris, with cow embryo skin. The result is a boot that is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. This design ensures that Hong Kong men can keep their feet warm and comfortable during the rainy and humid winter in the territory, while also showcasing their fashion sense.

The Balmoral boots were realized using a London-style narrow shoe body and twin color design. The design takes the classic C-Lsat elegant round-nosed leather shoe as its point of departure, retaining a comfortable wearing experience. The round head has been slightly raised to complete the gentlemanly elegance of the shoe. The boots use different materials and more rounded shapes for an enhanced sense of elegance, while preserving the English gentleman’s style with the Diamond Toe and the Straight Tip.

The boots were designed in accordance with the standard size of British men's shoes. The design process took place from November 2015 to February 2016 in Taipei City, Taiwan. The designers faced the challenge of transferring the image of the Hong Kong Clock Tower onto the boots. They used the difficult Blake or Mckay skill to reduce friction with the ground, prevent the boots from getting wet, and enhance the artistic level of the design.

The Balmoral boots were awarded the Golden A' Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.