Crown Northampton

Crown Northampton stands as a distinguished British footwear brand deeply rooted in a rich family heritage that dates back to 1908. Originally established as Earnest Woodford & Son, the brand has evolved into the flagship name for the Woodford family business, proudly maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the storied Northampton shoe trade. This legacy is upheld through a unique combination of time-honoured handmade methods and the use of the world’s finest materials, resulting in footwear of exceptional quality that reflects centuries of expertise. Now in the hands of the fifth generation of the Woodford family, Crown Northampton continues under the leadership of Managing Director Chris Woodford, the great great-grandson of Earnest Woodford. Chris has played a pivotal role in expanding the brand’s reach, notably fostering strong distribution partnerships with leading stores and boutiques in Japan. This international exposure has influenced the brand’s identity, helping it to evolve while retaining its core DNA rooted in British shoemaking tradition. A cornerstone of Crown Northampton’s philosophy is its unwavering dedication to producing all footwear entirely in England. The brand insists that ‘Made in England’ truly means from start to finish, with no outsourcing to overseas factories. This ensures complete control over every stage, from initial design to final quality checks, preserving the integrity and craftsmanship that define the brand. They are proud to be among the few remaining manufacturers who create 100% of their shoes and boots in England, employing skilled shoemakers and apprentices who learn and perpetuate the local, time-tested methods. Crown Northampton’s business model is built on the principle of ‘Every Order - Made To Order.’ By crafting each pair only upon receiving an order, they avoid the accumulation of stock and the need for seasonal sales or discounts. This approach not only reflects their commitment to quality and customer loyalty but also aligns with a more sustainable production ethos, focusing on timeless, classic designs made from premium materials rather than fleeting trends. Their access to world-class materials is bolstered by Northampton’s status as a hub for elite leather merchants. Crown Northampton uses only the finest leathers, including European box calf, Chromexcel, Buffalo, and Shell Cordovan sourced from renowned tanneries like Horween Leather Company in Chicago and Charles F Stead in Leeds. This ensures every product meets the high standards expected within the local footwear trade. The brand’s name itself carries significant weight. The use of ‘Crown’ required official clearance from Buckingham Palace, underscoring the brand’s respect for its royal connotations and its commitment to uphold the highest standards. Incorporating the town and county’s coat of arms and rose further cements their proud connection to Northamptonshire’s shoemaking heritage. Crown Northampton’s design ethos marries timeless style with a progressive mindset. All collections honour traditional British construction and finishing techniques while embracing a direct relationship with customers by manufacturing exclusively in their Northampton factory. This dedication means that every detail is carefully crafted, reflecting the company’s passion for quality and authenticity. Chris Woodford, Managing Director and Master Shoe Maker, expresses pride in carrying forward the family’s shoemaking tradition established over a century ago. His message highlights the brand’s deep appreciation for Northampton’s nearly 900 years of shoemaking heritage and the community of skilled artisans who contribute to their craft. For Crown Northampton, it is a privilege to remain among the few artisans continuing these traditional trades, crafting individual, made-to-order footwear that embodies their enduring values.