Style review: Wildsmith shoes
Words: Violet
We’re staunch supporters of British brands here at The Gentleman’s Journal, and Wildsmith, currently run by the seventh generation of the same family, fits the bill to perfection.
Who wears Wildsmith shoes?
What shoes you put on can say a lot about you. In that regard, a pair of Wildsmiths says just the right things. For 166 years, craftsmen in Northampton have been hand-making Wildsmith shoes and sending them to London to be sold to style-minded gentlemen. First it was Piccadilly, then Dukes St. Now, they’re sold not only on Savile Row but also in New York, Beverly Hills and Hawaii to boot (pun absolutely intended). First to the military, then to nobility, city gentlemen and royalty. Some of their more famous customers include quintessentially elegant gentlemen such as John F Kennedy, Cary Grant and Prince Charles.
What’s their history?
We ardently support British family businesses, and Wildsmith may be one of the most long-standing around. It was founded in 1847 by Matthew and Rebecca Wildsmith, and is now being run by the seventh generation of the family, with a highly reputable brand image internationally. The beginnings of Wildsmith shoes are especially interesting – inspired by King George VI and his habit of wearing slip-on house shoes, it’s how the first London loafer was created.
How do they make their shoes?
Wildsmith shoes are based on heritage and the style of gentlemen between 1900 and 1950. The shoemakers, first named ‘Gentleman Clickers’ (because they worked in a starched collar and tie) have been perfecting the stages and techniques for over a century. It’s actually quite astounding to learn how many stages there are to it: lasting, clicking, closing, mulling, rounding, stitching and finishing. Not just incredibly stylish, they’re made to last you ages too.
Wildsmith shoes are available at 13 Savile Row, London W1S 3NE, and wildsmith.com.
Bit of a footwear connoisseur? Learn <what to look for when investing in shoes.
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