Crown Northampton: Over a Century of English Shoemaking
In a world dominated by mass production, Crown Northampton stands out for keeping English shoemaking alive in its birthplace. Founded in 1908 by the Woodford family in Northampton—England's historic shoemaking capital—the brand represents more than a century of continuous family craftsmanship.
What makes Crown Northampton special isn't just longevity. It's the way they apply traditional benchmade techniques to both classic dress shoes and modern sneakers. Every pair is made-to-order in their Northampton factory, with a focus on durability, repairability, and materials normally reserved for high-end dress footwear.
The Woodford Family Legacy
Crown Northampton has been a Woodford family business since 1908. Today, Managing Director Chris Woodford, Earnest Woodford's great-great-grandson, continues the tradition.
The company has survived wars, economic upheavals, and global industry shifts while maintaining a core commitment to handmade excellence. Northamptonshire shoemakers as a whole supplied millions of boots during World War I, and that heritage of durability and function still informs the region's standards today.
In 2016, Crown Northampton relaunched as a direct-to-consumer brand, bringing their products to a worldwide audience without the traditional retail markup.
Made in Northampton, To Order
Crown Northampton takes pride in its Made in England philosophy—every shoe is crafted from start to finish in their factory by skilled craftspeople. Unlike brands that outsource components or assembly, they maintain complete control over production.
Each pair is made to order, with a current lead time of 9–12 weeks. That approach eliminates overproduction waste, ensures fresh materials, and allows careful attention to detail.
Their construction methods are clear and distinct:
- Hand-welted dress shoes: Traditional benchmade construction, fully resoleable, designed to last decades.
- Sidewall-stitched sneakers: Built more like fine dress shoes than typical trainers, also resoleable—a rarity in the sneaker world.
Premium Materials
Crown Northampton sources leathers from some of the best tanneries worldwide:
- CF Stead (UK): Renowned suedes, kudu, and specialist leathers
- Horween (Chicago): Chromexcel, shell cordovan
- Italian calf and deer: Premium smooth and textured options
Other details show their refusal to cut corners: full-grain uppers, leather linings, natural counters, and components chosen for breathability and longevity. Almost everything you see or feel is leather—except the rubber outsoles.
Sneakers With a Dress Shoe Soul
What sets Crown Northampton apart is how they've brought traditional shoemaking into the sneaker market. Their sneakers use the same materials and methods as benchmade shoes, but in contemporary silhouettes.
Most importantly, they can be resoled. That makes them one of the only brands offering sneakers designed to last decades with proper care—a direct challenge to disposable fashion.
Why They're Worth It
Crown Northampton blends heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation in a way few brands attempt:
- Family-run since 1908
- Entirely made in Northampton, England
- Made-to-order, minimizing waste
- Premium leathers usually reserved for dress shoes
- Resoleable sneakers and shoes built for longevity
From a value perspective, buying direct means the price reflects craftsmanship, not middlemen. Compared to other luxury sneakers or benchmade shoes, their quality often exceeds what you'll find at similar price points (typically £200–600 depending on materials and construction).
Crown Northampton isn't about chasing trends. It's about buying once, maintaining for life, and wearing footwear that respects English craft while fitting into a modern wardrobe.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1908 by Earnest Woodford
- Location: Northampton, England
- Ownership: Fifth-generation family business
- Production: Handmade to order, 9–12 week lead time
- Materials: Horween, CF Stead, Italian calf
- Specialty: Resoleable luxury sneakers and hand-welted shoes
Ready to explore handmade English footwear? Browse our Crown Northampton collection featuring dress shoes and their innovative resoleable sneakers—each piece representing over a century of Northampton shoemaking expertise.
Want to discover more heritage footwear? Browse our complete collection of premium boots and shoes from heritage makers worldwide.