The United Kingdom is well known for its fine shoe-making companies. These companies are reputed for their brilliant craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and timeless designs.
British shoemakers have not only impacted the UK market but also set the global standard for durability and style.
However, there are so many incredible British shoe brands available in the UK shoemaker market that it can get pretty confusing.
That’s why this article lists the top 7 UK shoe manufacturers with a rich history.
Top 7 UK Shoe Manufacturers You Should Know About
Step into luxury with our guide to the top 7 UK shoe manufacturers. Learn about their quality, innovation, and why they’re a step above the rest!
1. Crockett & Jones
Overview:
Crockett & Jones is one of the most prestigious British shoe-making companies. This company is known for its premium-quality Goodyear-welted shoes.
The factory of Crockett & Jones is based in Northampton, where they build high-quality, timeless footwear.
History of Crockett and Jones:
- In 1879 by Charles Johns and James Crockett, this shoe company was founded.
- The company began as a small factory in Northampton, and till now 100% of the products are made in Northampton.
- They manufactured boots for the British army in World War I, which led to earning the Royal Patronage from the King.
- Over the years, Crockett & Jones expanded its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
Reputation of Crockett and Jones:
- This company is known for its brilliant craft menship premium material and timeless design.
- Famous actor James Bond has worn Crockett & Jones shoes in multiple films.
- Popular among sophisticated customers and professionals worldwide.
2. Church’s
Overview:
Church’s company is one of the oldest British shoemaker brands in the UK. This brand is known for celebrating its elegant designs and attention to detail in high-quality material.
For multiple generations, Church’s has managed to keep its reputation and continue its shoe-making business in Northampton which is the heart of British making.
History of the Church:
- The Church shoe brand was founded by Thomas Church and his three sons in 1873.
- Church’s was making men’s and women’s lives easier by creating footwear in half sizes that ensure a better fit for customers.
- In 1999 the Prada group acquired the company which introduced a more fashion-forward approach to the brand while maintaining their traditional and heritage charm.
- Now it’s a company that has a unique blender classic in a modern look in its designs.
The reputation of the Church:
- For so many decades the members of the church family held the title of Master Cordwainer.
- This company is known for producing shoes that perfectly blend timeless elegance with modern style.
- Even after the Prada acquisition the brand’s benchmark luxury quality and sophistication stayed the same.
3. Cheaney
Overview:
Cheaney is a well-known premium handcrafted shoe brand that emphasizes traditional methods and makes all their shoes from their factory in Northamptonshire.
History of Cheaney:
- Cheaney was established in 1886 by Joseph Cheaney.
- Originally Cheaney focused on private-level production for other retailers, but then the founders’ grandson developed its brand of shoes.
- In 2009 Jonathan and William Church started the brand by focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and modern marketing.
- Currently while maintaining its heritage, this company produces 100% English-made shoes.
The reputation of Cheaney:
- Cheaney is highly famous for making high-quality shoes with authentic British craftsmanship and robust construction.
- Then the versatility offers shoes that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.
- Praised for balancing tradition with a modern appeal with the help of the church family’s guidance and leadership.
4. Grenson
Overview:
Grenson is the finest Britain’s iconic shoe-making company known for producing high-quality durable shoes.
This company is admired by thousands of people all over the world, they create shoes that are the perfect balance between Heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design which makes the company a gem.
History of Grenson:
- In 1866 by William Green, the Grenson company was founded in Northamptonshire. This company was originally called “William Green & Son,” which was later shortened to Grenson.
- Till 1874 the ‘ William Green & Don’t company used to make shoes by hand then they opened their first factory, to adopt the Goodyear-welted method of construction, a hallmark of quality.
- Grenson has built boots and shoes for World War I and World War II soldiers.
- In recent years, Grenson has introduced a line of bold modern design shoes and boots alongside their traditional classic.
Reputation of Grenson:
- Grenson is renowned for blending traditional English shoe-making with modern aesthetics.
- Their “Triple Well’ collection and the collaboration with the designs have helped modernize the brand’s image.
- Popular among people who like to focus on appreciating both quality and style.
5. Loake
Overview:
Holding a Royal Warrant from the late Queen, Duke Edenberg, and King Charles III, the brand combines traditional techniques with modern production, offering high-quality and timeless footwear.
This affordable Goodyear-welted shoe brand creates classic designs suitable for formal and business wear.
History of Loake:
- In 1880 by brothers John, Thomas, and William Loake the shoe company was founded in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
- For over 140 years Loake has remained a family-run business passing down their shoemaking knowledge and expertise across generations.
- During World War I, Loake created or made military boots for the British Armed Forces.
- Nowadays alongside Locke’s English Goodyear-welted shoes and boots the company also designs and builds a wide range of shoes. That is outside the UK using a variety of contemporary designs.
Reputation of Loake:
- Loake is known by people for offering excellent quality shoes at accessible price points compared to premium shoemakers.
- This brand is highly preferred among professionals looking for classic, timeless footwear.
- Loake holds a Royal Warrant it’s a testament, that Loake won for their craftsmanship and longstanding quality.
6. Tricker’s
Overview:
Tricker’s shoes are renowned for their durability and incredible craftsmanship. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious British shoemakers.
They create handcrafted boots and shoes that embody the traditional English style. The Tricker’s shoe company is based in Northampton.
For 200 years, the company has maintained its reputation for producing durable and stylish footwear.
History of the Tricker’s:
- Founded by Joseph Tricker in 1829 at the heart of British shoe-making Northampton.
- Tricker’s specializes in crafting country boots and shoes using Goodyear-welted construction technique, as well as the focus on a blend of traditional and contemporary
- In 1965, Tricker was awarded a Royal Warrant by His Royal Highness King Charles III.
- Tricker’s continues to handcraft its shoes in their Northampton factory where they make reparable and sustainable footwear that lasts a lifetime.
Reputation of Tricker’s:
- Tricker’s has gained a reputation for its ability to balance durability with refined craftmanship. They build durable shoes that are perfect for outdoor activities and are suitable for formal occasions.
- Its country boots and brogues made by Tricker’s are iconic, particularly the “Stow” boot and traditional Derby shoes.
- Tricker’s shoes are personal favourites among both the countryside elite and urban professionals who prefer classic, high-quality, durable, and timeless footwear.
7. Solovair
Overview:
Solovair is the perfect combination of traditional shoe-making business with modern technology. The name Solovair stands for “Sole of Air” design that combines durability and comfort making it a versatile choice for footwear lovers.
This famous shoe-making brand has built shoes with air cushion soles for a very long time.
History of Solovair:
- The brand’s origins were from back to 1881 when the Northamptonshire Productive Society was formed.
- In the 1950s Solovair developed its unique air-cushioned sole, licensing it to Dr Martens for production.
- After that Solovair manufactured the first Dr. Martens boots from 1960 to 1990.
- After the license expired, NPS continued creating their line of boots under the Solovaír name, and till now the company has focused on producing shoes and using traditional English craftsmanship.
Reputation of Solovair:
- For those who are looking for an alternative to Dr Martens, or shoes and boots with superior quality and construction, for them Solovair is a great choice.
- Solovair is highly praised for creating comfort, sturdiness, and timeless designs.
- This British-made Boots and shoes by Solovair is a great blend of tradition with functionality and style.
Conclusion
In the end, you can see that all these above-mentioned shoe-making companies are the legacy of British shoe-making history.
For years companies have maintained the tradition of creating shoes with great craftsmanship material and style.
Making it even more suitable for everyone these manufacturers UK adapting to modern demands while preserving the traditional methods.
So if you want to be a part of this British shoe brand’s legacy you can visit their stores or website to purchase the perfect pair for yourself.
