UK footwear designer, Oliver Sweeney, was the official supplier of the formal shoes worn by the winning Rugby World Cup 2003 team.

The tan loafers, named ‘Kiss’ by the designer, feature the England rose embossed on the heel. They are available in limited numbers from all Oliver Sweeney stores, priced at £200 ($348).

Sweeney has been the official supplier of formal shoes to the England Rugby Union team since 1997 – this contract was recently extended for a further two years.

He has a proud sporting heritage, with customers including footballers David Beckham, Andy Cole and Michael Owen; cricketers Graham Thorpe and Dominic Cork; Formula One star Jenson Button and champion Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe.

One of his most recent designs is a collection of men’s shoes made from stingray skin. The upper is produced using flatfish skin while the sole is made from traditional leather.

The skins used are from fish caught for human consumption in the Far East, namely the Philippines and Thailand. Conservationists have expressed concerns over the use of the skins, saying any increase in trade could have a damaging on an animal that is slow growing, matures late and produces few young. It can however be argued that the skin is a by-product that would normally be thrown away.

The limited edition shoes are available in 15 colours, ranging from black and tan to neon pink at £750 a pair.

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