Tricker's — Handmade in Northampton Since 1829
R.E. Tricker Ltd is the oldest surviving shoemaker in Northampton, founded in 1829 and still producing every shoe and boot in the same factory on St Michael's Road. Holders of a Royal Warrant to HRH The Prince of Wales, Tricker's are best known for their robust country shoes — the Bourton, Stow, and Keswick — built on heavy-grade calf leather with double leather soles, designed to outlast their owners. English Brands stocks a curated selection from the Country and Town collections, all in authentic Northampton-made construction.
What we stock
Tricker's at English Brands focuses on the heritage country and town ranges:
- Country brogues — the Bourton in Acorn Antique calf, plus other classic full brogues on the heavy-soled 4444 last
- Country boots — the Stow and Keswick derby brogue boots
- Town shoes — refined Oxfords and Derby shoes on slimmer lasts
- Chukka and Chelsea boots — in calf and suede
Most Tricker's at English Brands are on the 4444 Country Collection last with double leather soles, designed for outdoor wear over years rather than seasons. Town-collection styles use slimmer lasts and single soles.
Why Tricker's
The oldest shoemaker in Northampton — founded 1829, when Loake, Barker, and Cheaney didn't yet exist. Almost two centuries of unbroken family ownership and consistent factory production. Few makers anywhere can claim this.
Royal Warrant — holder of the Royal Warrant to HRH The Prince of Wales. A genuine signal of build quality, not a marketing claim.
Heavy-grade construction — Tricker's are noticeably heavier and more solid than other Northampton brands at similar price points. The leather is thicker, the welt deeper, the sole double-stitched. Built for hard use; rewards the buyer prepared to break them in over weeks rather than days.
Made to last decades — Tricker's offer factory resoling and refurbishment for the lifetime of every shoe. Pairs regularly come back for their third or fourth sole after 20-30 years of wear.
Caring for your Tricker's
Goodyear welted country shoes need a routine:
- Break them in slowly — Tricker's are firmer than most. Wear them for 2-3 hours at a time for the first two weeks, gradually building up. The leather will soften and mould to your foot.
- Use cedar shoe trees after every wear — absorbs moisture, maintains shape, prevents creasing.
- Polish regularly — apply a quality wax polish such as Saphir Medaille d'Or in matching shade, allow to dry, buff with a horsehair brush. Country leathers like Acorn Antique respond beautifully to consistent polishing.
- Rest between wears — allow at least 24 hours between wears for the leather to dry fully. Rotate with other pairs.
- Resole when needed — the Goodyear welt means soles can be replaced multiple times. Send to Tricker's factory service, or any competent cobbler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tricker's shoes made in England? Yes. Every Tricker's shoe and boot sold at English Brands is handmade at the Tricker's factory on St Michael's Road, Northampton, where the company has been producing footwear since 1829. They are one of the few remaining shoemakers to do every stage of production — clicking, closing, lasting, finishing — in a single English factory.
How long does it take to break in Tricker's? Longer than most. Plan for 2-4 weeks of regular wear before they feel truly comfortable. The heavy-grade leather and substantial construction are firm initially but soften and mould to your feet remarkably well. Wear short stretches, with thick socks, and don't rush the process.
What is the 4444 last? Tricker's 4444 is the standard last for their Country Collection — generous through the toe box, comfortable with thick socks, and sized for all-day wear over uneven ground. Most Tricker's brogues and country boots are built on this last. Town-collection shoes use slimmer lasts for a more tailored profile.
Are Tricker's worth the price? Tricker's sit at the top of the affordable luxury bracket for English shoemaking — above Loake, Barker, and Cheaney; below Edward Green and John Lobb. The price reflects heavier construction, longer manufacturing time, and the longevity of the result. Owners regularly report wearing the same pair for 15-25 years with periodic resoling. On a cost-per-wear basis, Tricker's are economical.
Can Tricker's be resoled? Yes. The Goodyear welted construction allows for multiple resolings. Tricker's run a factory resoling service in Northampton; alternatively any skilled cobbler can resole Goodyear welted shoes. With proper care and timely resoling, a pair of Tricker's can last 30+ years.
