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THE HISTORY:
John Lobb has been making bespoke shoes and boots since 1866, and
ready-to-wear shoes since 1984. In 1994 the John Lobb workshop opened in
Northampton, a town in Britain with a long-established shoemaking
industry, in order to produce the ready-to-wear styles.
Since 1866, men including Sir Winston Churchill and Mr Alfred Hitchcock
have turned to John Lobb for the finest-quality shoes and boots. The
enduringly elegant double strap 'William' model, developed in 1945 and
named after Mr William Lobb, is still in production today, a testament
to its timeless appeal. Rumor has it that Lobb began producing
monk-strap shoes in the 19th century to accommodate the wide feet of
Prince Edward, who had granted Lobb a Royal Warrant to supply him with
shoes.
THE LEATHER:
The full-grain calf leather is put through an oak-bark tanning process
for six months until it is perfectly supple and just the right shade of
rich chocolate brown. The leather is stretched on the lasts for five
days to ensure a smooth shape before being stitched.
THE GOODYEAR WELTING:
In common with all fine English shoes, the Goodyear welting method of
connecting the top of the shoe to the inseam and leather sole has been
used. This results in a durable shoe that molds to the shape of the
wearer's foot. It also allows leather soles to be replaced easily.
THE CRAFTSMANSHIP:
There
are 190 steps involved in the production of each pair of John Lobb
shoes. All manufacturing is carried out in Northampton, England, with
much of it done by hand. The entire process takes approximately three
months from start to finish.
THE HERITAGE:
Mr John Lobb learned his craft making boots for miners in Australia
during the gold rush. When Lobb returned to London in 1863 he made a
pair of riding boots for the Prince of Wales. The future King was so
pleased he granted the shoemaker a Royal Warrant.
[Source]
MR PORTER
