Although the name Edward Green may not be widely known to most, this relatively small English shoemaker produces some of the best quality ready-made shoes available. Crafted in Northampton since 1890, Edward Green shoes have graced the feet of icons, from the Duke of Windsor to author Ernest Hemingway. With unwavering attention to detail and the world’s finest leathers, Edward Green has crafted a quintessentially English style shoe to withstands the tests of time, not only in style but also in durability.
Mr. Edward Green, the firm’s eponymous founder began his shoemaking career at the age of twelve as an apprentice. Driven by ambition and a motto of “excellence without compromise,” Mr. Green sourced the finest materials and assembled a team of the most devoted craftspeople; a philosophy the brand upholds to this day. During the 1930s Edward Green became one of the most significant suppliers of officers’ boots to the British Army. Following a period of relative anonymity, the Green family sold the business, and despite some challenging years the brand found its way into the hands of John Hlustik, who is widely credited with Edward Green’s spiritual revival and surge in recent popularity.
THE GALWAY
IN BURGUNDY SUEDE AND
CORDOVAN ON THE 82 LAST
Now run by Hlustik’s partner, Hillary Freeman, Edward Green produces a range of popular models coveted around the globe. Still focused on Goodyear welted shoes, some of the brand’s most iconic models include the Dover, a split toe Derby style shoe and the Galway, a unique boot which is capable of rough terrain, but equally suitable for wear in town. Today over sixty skilled artisans work away to turn out about 350 pairs of shoes per week from their workshop in Northampton.
Edward Green offers a range of widths and last shapes to allow customers to select a superior fit and a style to suit their preferences. With options that include the chiseled 890 last and conservative 202 last, Edward Green produces a range of styles to suit many tastes. And if the website, shop, or retailer doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you can order it through Edward Green’s custom made program. In our experience, this tailor made process takes 6 months to a year and allows you to select from a range of patterns, lasts, and leathers to ensure a pair that suits your foot as well as your personality.
THE DOVER
IN UTAH LEATHER
Shoes from Edward Green often enjoy a unique patina delivered through a hand finishing process to the workshop’s finest French and Italian calfskin. Another highlight of craftsmanship often overlooked are the leather soles of many Edward Green shoes, which are oak barked tanned for nine months to deliver superior comfort and longstanding durability.
Edward Green shoes are available for men and women and have a starting price from 390 GBP for slippers, but expect to pay at-least somewhere between 900 and 1,300 GBP for a typical pair of Goodyear welted shoes. Edward Green shoes are available from their website (www.edwardgreen.com) as well as their own shops in London and Paris; in addition to locally at J. Lawrence Khakis of Carmel on Ocean Avenue.
Images courtesy of: Edward Green
