British men’s shoes are our DNA. When Richard Herring launched the business in 1966, its purpose was to sell top quality shoes from English manufacturers, such as Barker, Cheaney, Church’s, Loake, Paul Sargent and Tricker’s. As the Herring brand developed and the family business passed to the next generation, we began designing our own shoes. What many people do not realise, is that these designs are often still made by these ever so English manufacturers
Backing the British shoe industry
The reason we return to these Northamptonshire-based shoemakers time and time again is the quality of the workmanship. These people are not factory workers; they are craftsmen and women. Most of them having been making shoes all their lives and come from a family of shoemakers. They are proud of their work…and, believe us, it is serious work. A pair of shoes or boots from these factories goes through at least 160 processes and checks before they are deemed worthy of sale.
These artisanal experts help us create exquisite footwear using the finest materials and time-honoured construction methods. They use the very best leathers, so your shoes or boots give you the comfort and the depth of colour you want and need.
Our British-made shoes and boots are Goodyear-welted too to ensure you can repair them with ease once you have worn the sole out from wearing them so much! While the leather upper will be nicely moulded to the unique shape of your feet, your sole can be removed and replaced without damaging the structure of the shoe. This is a sign of quality…and is a sustainable choice to boot.
Our designs made by British manufacturers
This is why 175 of our shoes and boots are made by these manufacturers and household names in the shoe world. This means you may receive your footwear in a blue Herring box but your shoes or boots inside are, in fact, made by these world-leading shoemakers who are so steeped in British manufacturing history.
So, while you may not find a Herring store on the high street, unlike many of these traditional businesses, you will be able to buy their shoes from us online or choose shoes made exclusively for us by them. If you are not so worried about brand names but still want quality, I can assure you, our British-made collection is a wise choice. My brogue boots made by Tricker’s for Herring always attract positive comments. They even have a Tricker’s logo inside!
If you want to know where our shoes have been made, simply click on the product details drop-down on each style. Where it says “UK” then you know your choice comes from one of these Northamptonshire factories. If you want to know which one, contact our customer service team!
Limited editions made with British manufacturers
Less clandestine are our collaborations when we bring our customers something a little bit special. Our Herring x Tricker’s collection launched a stunning range of boots that were simply exemplary. Quality oozed from eyelet and brogue detail! We were able to offer bespoke Herring versions of the famous Tricker’s Bourton and Stow while also introducing the Allan, Gregory, Mike and Stephen…quite the gang below!
British-made Herring styles
To press the point, let me take you through some of our best-loved Herring styles that have been made by English manufacturers.
The Knightsbridge men’s black Oxford
The Knightsbridge is a traditional toecap Oxford shoe made by Barker to our own high specifications. Incorporating the finest calf leathers for the upper, a full leather lining, leather insoles and Goodyear-welted sole it has everything you expect from a classic English shoe.
The Belgravia men’s semi-brogues
The Belgravia is a great example of a classic quarter brogue shoe, also made by Barker. All our usual Herring features abound from a full leather lining and insole to the use of the finest calf leather and Goodyear-welted sole. Made to our exact specification and handcrafted in the UK, they’re formed on the 386 last for a distinguished and elegant shape.
The Charlton loafer
The Charlton is a timeless penny loafer crafted on a classic last by Loake. Each pair is made from rich calf leather with a full leather lining and Goodyear-welted sole. Individually hand burnished they’re a great example of fine English shoemaking.
The Taverner suede Chelsea boot
The Taverner is a gorgeous and elegant Chelsea boot that is handmade in Britain by Paul Sargent. It uses a spectacular, rich suede upper and the perfectly proportioned 109 last. This is a must-have for the well-dressed.
The Churchill II men’s black Oxford
The Churchill II is a classic Oxford toe-cap design that is handmade from start to finish in Northamptonshire by Cheaney. It is made on a modern, well-fitting last, that brings it in line with contemporary styling. The upper is made of finest quality calf leather and the sole is Goodyear-welted offering great repairability and comfort from the cork lined midsole.
The Bernwood laced boot
The Bernwood is a classic Tricker’s Derby boot that we have engineered to our own specification. To make it exclusive we have changed the sole to a Vibram lightweight unit that offers the chunky look without the weight. We have also raided the Tricker’s leather store to use their fantastic waterproof suede – hydro nubuck. This material is buttery-soft to touch, hard-wearing and gorgeous to look at.
The Monarch black velvet slipper
The Monarch is a classic velvet slipper, handmade in England by Bowhill & Elliott. Featuring a luxurious quilted lining and hand embroidered Herring crest, they’re not your regular slippers.
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