Sanders & Sanders — Northamptonshire Since 1873
Sanders & Sanders has been making shoes in Rushden, Northamptonshire since 1873 — five years before Loake and thirteen years before Cheaney. A long-standing supplier to the British military, Sanders combines that quiet, functional heritage with modern interpretations of mid-century chukka and derby silhouettes. The exclusive Sanders Military Collection at English Brands brings this heritage directly to the customer: clean, robust designs at prices that make Northampton-made Goodyear welted footwear genuinely accessible. Many English Brands customers consider Sanders the best-value English-made shoes available anywhere.
What we stock
Sanders at English Brands centres on the exclusive Military Collection and Sanders' best-selling unlined chukka range:
- Sanders Military Collection — exclusive to English Brands. Includes the 1128B and 1128R military derby shoes in black and burgundy, the 1130B and 1130R apron-front derbies, and other military-inspired styles
- Hi Top Chukka Boots — lined suede chukkas in Polo Snuff, Navy, Moss Green, Grey, Dirty Buck, and other heritage colourways
- Chelsea boots — Liam, Adam, Marylebone, Bucharest, and the Sanders Chelsea range in suede and polished leather
- Marvin unlined chukkas — soft-finish unlined construction in Milkshake and other suedes
- Oxford shoes — Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo in black and ebony
- Gibson and derby shoes — Lo Top Gibson in grey and tan suede, Henry Apron Gibson
- Brogue shoes — London Wing Cap and London Brogue Oxford
- Factory Seconds — discounted Sanders with minor cosmetic imperfections
Why Sanders
The Military Collection is exclusive to English Brands — no other UK retailer carries this range. The 1128B and 1128R, in particular, have become a quiet cult favourite for understated, premium-quality plain-toe derby shoes.
Genuine military heritage — Sanders has supplied the British armed forces for decades. The same standards of build quality and durability are applied to the civilian range. These are shoes built to specification, not to fashion.
Outstanding value for English-made Goodyear welted — Sanders sits at the lower end of the English-made price spectrum while offering construction comparable to brands costing 30-40% more. If the budget is the limiting factor in buying Northampton-made shoes, Sanders is the answer.
Unique suede colours — Sanders' Hi Top Chukka comes in colours other shoemakers don't attempt: Moss Green, Polo Snuff, Indiana Tan, Milkshake. Distinctive without being garish.
Caring for your Sanders
Sanders span polished calf to unlined suede, so the routine varies by material:
For polished leather (military derbies, Oxford shoes):
- Use cedar shoe trees after every wear
- Polish with quality wax polish such as Saphir Medaille d'Or in matching shade
- Rest at least 24 hours between wears
For suede (Hi Top Chukkas, Liam Chelseas, Marvin):
- Apply suede protector spray before first wear and reapply each season
- Brush regularly with a suede brush to maintain the nap
- Use a suede eraser for scuff marks; avoid water where possible
- Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape — especially for unlined styles
- Allow at least 24 hours between wears
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sanders Military Collection exclusive to English Brands? Yes. The Sanders Military Collection is an exclusive range available only at English Brands, inspired by Sanders' long heritage of supplying footwear to the British armed forces. The collection includes styles not sold by any other UK retailer.
Are Sanders shoes made in England? Yes. Every pair of Sanders shoes sold at English Brands is made at the Sanders & Sanders factory in Rushden, Northamptonshire, where the company has been making footwear since 1873.
Are Sanders Goodyear welted? Yes. All Sanders shoes sold at English Brands — including the casual chukka and Chelsea boot range, where Goodyear welting is unusual at this price point — use Goodyear welted construction. The soles are fully resoleable by Sanders' factory service or any skilled cobbler.
What's the difference between the 1128 and 1130? Both are part of the exclusive Military Collection. The 1128 has a plain-toe three-eyelet derby design; the 1130 has the same silhouette with an additional apron-front toe seam. Both are available in black (1128B / 1130B) and burgundy (1128R / 1130R), and use identical construction.
Are Factory Seconds worth buying? Sanders Factory Seconds are full-quality Goodyear welted shoes with minor cosmetic imperfections — small leather marks, slight finish irregularities, sometimes a paired pattern mismatch. Construction is identical to standard production. For the price reduction, they represent excellent value if cosmetic perfection is not the priority.
