Keeping British Tradition of Handmade Shoes Alive

There is a great deal of tradition and innovation in the world of footwear, especially when it comes to handmade and made-to-measure shoes, legacy that Poyter Shoes proudly upholds.

Northamptonshire: The Heart of English Shoemaking

Traditionally, Northamptonshire has been known as the home of premium English shoemaking. Dating back to the 1600s, the region flourished thanks to an abundance of tanned leather, an essential resource for armies during events like the Battle of Naseby.

Bigger developments occurred in the following centuries, as shoemaking families began to specialise and organise production across various towns and villages. Instead of creating shoes from start to finish, craftsmen would focus on a single stage of the shoemaking process.

Craftsmanship from Garden Sheds to Shoe Shops

Many of these artisans worked in small backyard workshops, often referred to as “shops” or sheds. Each craftsman focused on a specific stage of the shoemaking process, contributing a vital part to the final product. The attention to detail was exceptional. In fact, early manufacturers would personally visit each workshop, engaging with craftspeople to ensure consistent quality throughout.

Once completed, shoes were sent to collection hubs and distributed via the growing railway network, a significant shift in logistics during the industrial age.

The Rise of Factory Shoemaking & Technological Innovation

By the late 19th century, family-run businesses began consolidating these steps under one roof, establishing purpose-built factories. Here, everything, from cutting leather pieces to the final polish, was completed in-house.

This transition enabled the integration of new shoemaking technologies, including the iconic Goodyear Welt construction. This method involves stitching the upper to a leather welt, which is then sewn to the sole, resulting in durable, repairable, and water-resistant shoes.

Northamptonshire’s factories were among the first in the world to adopt the Goodyear Welt, and Poyter proudly continues that legacy, blending industrial innovation with artisanal care.

Goodyear Welt vs. Blake Stitch: Flexibility Meets Tradition

At the same time, another shoemaking method rose in popularity, the Blake Stitch, especially in Italy. Unlike the Goodyear Welt, Blake construction stitches the outer sole directly to the insole, resulting in a lighter, more flexible shoe.

This technique became a hallmark of Italian design and remains an elegant choice for those preferring sleek and stylish shoes without compromising comfort.

Bespoke Shoemaking Goes Global

Thanks to advancements in transportation and communication, handmade shoes were no longer limited to local customers. Retailers in London and beyond began to offer customised, made-to-order footwear, allowing clients to select their preferred materials, fits, and finishes.

This commercial evolution transformed shoemaking into a global craft, paving the way for brands like Poyter to offer personalised shoes to clients worldwide, without compromising on quality.

From Local Craft to Global Village: Poyter’s Approach

Poyter embraces both heritage and progress. The brand has built a supply chain that taps into global backstreet craftsmanship, combining the warmth of local shoemaking with the efficiency of international logistics.

Using today’s shipping advancements and digital tools, Poyter can deliver made-to-measure shoes at a third of traditional costs, without sacrificing the feel, finish, or personalised comfort.

Sustainable Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

This commitment goes beyond innovation. Poyter continues to value sustainably sourced leather, ethical production, and a highly skilled, passionate workforce, echoing the ethos of early Northampton shoemakers.

Some stories from the past, like production halting for sporting events or a salesman getting tossed in a pond for disrespecting a craftsman, are reminders of the deeply personal nature of this work. Poyter honours this history, insisting that respect, tradition, and passion remain at the heart of its brand.

Poyter Today: Footwear That Fits the Modern World

Today, Poyter’s philosophy is rooted in delivering high-quality, made-to-measure shoes by leveraging backstreet artisanship with modern scalability.

Whether you’re seeking the robustness of a Goodyear Welt, the flexibility of a Blake Stitch, or the timeless appeal of English design, Poyter ensures every shoe is crafted with precision, pride, and purpose.