Since 1880, Loake Shoemakers has been one of the pre-eminent English shoemakers. The firm was founded in the Northamptonshire town of Kettering, located within that pocket of England’s green and pleasant land that is renowned for its shoemaking tradition and which has given the world a number of footwear brands of great distinction. Loake may be considered to be amongst the best of them. The brand was founded by three brothers, descended from a shoemaking dynasty, who set about making the very best handmade shoes a gentleman could desire. The brand’s custodians today are descendants of the original founders with the house controlled by the Loake family.
Category Archives: SHOEMAKERS
CAMBRILLÓN
A highly sought-out bespoke shoemaker, Cambrillón makes its shoes by hand in the traditional fashion from their workshop in Almansa, the heart of Spain’s historic leather industry. In addition to beautiful, fully custom footwear, the brand also produces a range of luxury leather goods.
JAMES TAYLOR & SON: A LEGENDARY LONDON SHOEMAKING FIRM
James Taylor & Son is a renowned British bespoke shoemaker that has been crafting exquisite footwear since 1857. Over the years, they have established themselves as one of the most respected shoemakers in London, renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, unparalleled comfort, and timeless elegance. The house was founded by a well-regarded Norfolk shoesmith of the same name, who established himself in London, bringing with him that great shoemaking tradition for which that region of England between Northampton and Norfolk is so famous.
HESCHUNG: THE GRAND ALSATIAN SHOEMAKERS
Heschung is an iconic, luxury French shoemaker that has been handcrafting high-quality shoes in Alsace since 1934. The company is known for its timeless designs, reverse welt construction, and use of premium materials. Heschung shoes are made with a variety of leathers, including Anicalf, a full-grain leather that is known for its strength and durability. The company also uses hydrovelour leather, which is a water-resistant leather that is ideal for boots and other shoes that will be exposed to the elements.
BOWEN: FRENCH SHOEMAKERS IN THE BRITISH TRADITION
Bowen Shoes is a French shoemaker that specializes in Goodyear welted shoes. The company was founded in 1988 by Francois de Virieu, who wanted to create a brand that combined the best of English shoemaking with French design. Bowen shoes are known for their high quality, classic styling, and comfortable fit and are a subsidiary brand of the French footwear specialists, Manfield.
FITZGABRIELS 