Gaziano & Girling — Bespoke-Quality Northampton
Tony Gaziano and Dean Girling founded Gaziano & Girling in 2006, bringing together two of the most respected names in modern English shoemaking. Both had trained at the bespoke benches of Northampton's elite makers — Tony at George Cleverley, Dean at Edward Green — and they set out to produce ready-to-wear shoes of bespoke quality and finish. Two decades on, Gaziano & Girling are recognised as one of the finest shoemakers in the world. The hand-finishing is exceptional, the lasts are remarkable, and the leather selection rivals any maker at any price point. English Brands stocks a curated selection from the ready-to-wear range.
What we stock
The Gaziano & Girling range at English Brands focuses on the brand's celebrated ready-to-wear collection:
- Refined Oxford shoes in hand-burnished calf
- Full brogue patterns in distinctive Gaziano & Girling shapes
- Loafers and slip-on styles
- Country boots in heritage finishes
All Gaziano & Girling shoes are Goodyear welted, made entirely in Northampton, with hand-finishing of the kind normally associated with bespoke makers.
Why Gaziano & Girling
Bespoke training, ready-to-wear pricing — Tony Gaziano (formerly of George Cleverley) and Dean Girling (formerly of Edward Green) bring bespoke-level skill and standards to a ready-to-wear range. The result is shoes that finish substantially closer to bespoke quality than the ready-to-wear lines of most heritage Northampton makers.
Distinctive lasts — Gaziano & Girling have developed their own house lasts, with characteristic profiles that distinguish their shoes from other Northampton makers. The MH71 in particular has become a modern classic.
Exceptional hand-finishing — the brand's hand-burnishing, antique finishing, and patina work is among the best produced anywhere in the world. Pairs from Gaziano & Girling are often compared favourably to John Lobb and Edward Green at significantly lower price points.
A modern Northampton maker — at twenty years old, Gaziano & Girling are the youngest of the major English shoemakers. The brand combines respect for traditional Northampton methods with a willingness to innovate in last design and finishing.
Caring for your Gaziano & Girling
Premium Northampton shoes need premium care:
- Use cedar shoe trees after every wear — non-negotiable for shoes at this level
- Condition with Saphir Renovateur every few weeks — feeds the leather and prepares for polishing
- Polish with Saphir Medaille d'Or Pate de Luxe in matching shade — work in small circular motions, allow to dry, buff with a horsehair brush
- Build a mirror finish on toes and heels with Saphir Mirror Gloss for special occasions
- Rest at least 48 hours between wears — allow the leather to recover fully. Rotate with other pairs.
- Resole through Gaziano & Girling's factory service — the brand offers full resoling and restoration for the life of every pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gaziano & Girling shoes worth the price? Gaziano & Girling are positioned as a premium ready-to-wear maker, with prices reflecting the level of hand-finishing and the quality of materials. Customers who appreciate hand-burnishing, distinctive lasts, and the kind of finish normally seen only on bespoke shoes will find the value proposition compelling. For customers who simply want a well-made English shoe, more accessible Northampton brands (Loake, Barker, Cheaney) offer similar Goodyear welted construction at lower prices.
Are Gaziano & Girling made in England? Yes. Every Gaziano & Girling shoe is made entirely in Northampton, England — the brand's own factory and finishing facility.
What is the MH71 last? The MH71 is one of Gaziano & Girling's signature ready-to-wear lasts — characterised by an elegant slim profile, gently rounded toe, and refined waist. It has become one of the most recognisable last shapes in modern English shoemaking.
Do Gaziano & Girling offer bespoke? Yes — Gaziano & Girling produce bespoke shoes alongside their ready-to-wear range, with the bespoke service operating from their Savile Row workshop. The ready-to-wear range sold at English Brands is the same construction quality, on standardised lasts.
