Top 7 Best of British Brands at AllSole

Clarks

A household name and a British institution, its likely your first ever pair of shoes were Clarks. The brand is a high street staple, fitting shoes for the whole family from first steps to heels and formal footwear. Founded by brothers James and Cyrus Clark in Somerset in 1825, the brand has been a go-to ever since. Creating their first shoes from off-cuts from their rug-making business, Clarks are motivated by making clever designs, never compromising on comfort when crafting stylish pieces.

The Clarks range includes so many iconic styles, from the classic brogue to cult favourite Clarks Original styles including the Wallabee which is an unlikely favourite in the hip-hop scene and has been seen on icons of all industries including Kayne West, Oasis and LeBron James. Not just for school shoes, Clarks is beloved and trusted to create beautifully crafted, incredibly comfortable shoes for any and all occasion. 

Style

Clarks Originals Wallabees: Hip Hop’s Unsung Icon

Since the dawn of television, music icons have relied on fashion--and particularly footwear--to define their image. AllSole takes a look at the Clarks Originals Wallabee's rise to becoming hip hop's most coveted shoe.

2020-12-05 09:00:20 • By Sarah Atkinson

Dr. Martens

Producing over 10 million pairs per year, you’re never too far away from a pair of Dr.Martens. Always in style and always reliable, Dr.Martens are a cornerstone of British fashion. After suffering a broken leg during WW2, doctor Klaus Marten stole some leather from a cobbler and created himself the first-ever air-cushion sole to help aid his recovery. Combining his sole with the classic sturdy, long-lasting boots being produced by the Griggs family in Northamptonshire, and the original 8-holed 1460 boot was born and remains a bestseller today.

From their origins as a £2 reliable workwear boot to their unlikely adoption into the British Ska and Punk subcultures, Dr.Martens represent the best of the British working class; strong, rebellious and unique. Rumour has it, even Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama owned a pair, so the punk boot has religious endorsement.

Grenson

Another brand with a rich heritage is Grenson. Over 150 years old, the business began in a loft in Northhamptonshire, with William Green making shoes by hand. Without enough money for a factory yet, Green would walk around town visiting his workers at their homes and handing out jobs on a daily basis by visiting each person individually. 8 years later, the first factory was open and the company has been producing steadily since. Creating sturdy functional boots, Grenson created shoes for British soldiers and their allies in both WW1 and 2, before moving into softer, more trend-led styles in the period of post-war cultural revival.

Still thriving today, Grenson is best known for their sturdy hiking-inspired boots, sticking true to their origins in practicality. The brand has seen a huge revival lately, with celeb endorsement from Jodie Comer, Keanu Reeves and Holly Willoughby whose styling of the Nanette boot on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here caused it to sell out. Whether you wear them with hiking gear or a soft mini-dress, Grensons are an iconic go-to. 

Kurt Geiger 

Even though Kurt Geiger himself is Austrian, the company lay their roots in London after the founder fell in love with the style and practicality of British life. Opening their first store on Bond Street in 1963 the brand has been based in the city ever since in their bold red HQ in Clerkenwell. Creating the best in premium footwear, Kurt Geiger is motivated by making its wearers feel beautiful, show in their perfect stilettos and sleek ankle boots, making the British public walk a little prouder.

Representing the British love for all things classic and simple, Kurt Geiger does the basics very well, opting for timelessness over trends.

Paul Smith

Dressing some of the most iconic figures in British history including David Bowie and Led Zeppelin, Paul Smith couldn’t be left out of this list. From his Midlands upbringing to his training on Savile Row, Paul Smith’s career is deeply rooted in British culture as his designs are infused with technique full of heritage and details full of playful wit and humour. Despite being a global fashion superpower, Paul Smith is firmly based in London, always returning to his simple life with his wife and grandchildren.

Just as Paul Smith is an iconic part of British culture, he gives back to it too, partnering with Penguin Classics to redesign the covers of great British novels and even designing school ties for his old primary school. With his heart always in his home country, Paul Smith’s classic shapes and pristine craftsmanship is always touched by a bit of British charm. 

Ted Baker

With humble beginnings, Ted Baker began as a little shop in Glasgow specialising in shirting and tailoring. Though they’re now a huge international brand, you can definitely see elements of their origins sticking around in their designs. From the clean shape of their loafers and brogues to their signature florals incorporating many of the blooms found on the Scottish highlands, Ted Baker stays humble.

Updating timeless shapes with delicate feminine detailing, Ted Baker proves our penchant for florals and commitment to tradition.

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