Crown Northampton Grove Desert Shoe - Sand Janus Calf Suede

Founded in 1908 under the name Earnest Woodford & Son, Crown Northampton remains a flagship brand of the Woodford family, combining traditional handcrafted artistry with the finest materials to produce high-quality shoes. Now in its fifth generation under the leadership of Chris Woodford, the company has established strong distribution ties with the best stores in Japan, influencing its evolution while maintaining its commitment to "Made in England" from start to finish. 

Crown Northampton takes pride in operating a strictly "made-to-order" business model, eliminating the need for sales or discounts and promoting sustainability by producing only what is ordered. The company uses world-class materials, including premium European and American leathers sourced from elite tanneries to ensure the highest quality. The use of the name "Crown" is a badge of honor and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of English shoemaking.

The Stitchdown collection is handcrafted in England from beginning to end. The Grove Desert shoe features a four-eyelet design, derby lacing, and a natural crepe sole that is both extremely durable and lightweight, offering superior comfort. The upper is made from English-tanned Janus suede sourced from the famous Charles F. Stead tannery in Leeds, UK. This Janus calf suede has an exceptionally soft and superior feel while maintaining significant durability. The shoe is unlined on the inside, as the foam suede upper enhances the wearer’s comfort. The insole is traditionally half-lined with natural leather and includes a soft, cushioned heel pad. The Grove Desert Shoe undergoes several complex and skilled processes before completion, but none is more important than the stitching step. This process uses a Number 10 sole stitcher, an essential machine used in the production of traditional Northampton shoes and boots. This technique not only creates the bold stitches that secure the natural crepe sole but also ensures the shoes' strength and flexibility.

The Grove Desert shoe is expertly crafted from Sand Janus suede, sourced from the renowned Charles F. Stead tannery. This high-quality suede is used for the upper, providing both softness and durability. The shoe features a classic desert derby style, complemented by a lightweight yet durable natural crepe sole that ensures long-lasting wear and comfort. Made using the Number 10 Stitchdown sole process, the strength and flexibility of the shoe are enhanced by the bold stitches securing the sole. It also includes a leather-lined insole for added comfort, premium laces for a refined touch, and a four-eyelet lacing system. Available in unisex sizes, the shoe is handmade in Northampton, England, an area famous for its exceptional shoemaking craftsmanship.