Since 1866 Grenson has been hand crafting traditional brogues, shoes and boots from its Northampton factory. Built using Goodyear Welting and made from the finest leathers, each pair of Grenson shoes is built to last and can take up to six weeks to create, making these shoes that will last a lifetime. Add in distinctive contemporary style details (a chunky platform here, a contrasting sole there) and you’ve got a collection of unrivalled modern classics. We sat down with creative director and owner Tim Little to find out what has given Grenson its longevity, his design inspiration and the songs currently on his playlist.
Grenson has over 140 years of history. Why do you think it’s stood the test of time?
At times, it has hung on by its fingernails but the single thing that has always saved it in my view is quality. People will forgive a lot but ultimately, they won’t forgive poor quality.
Tell us a little about the traditional way you manufacture Grenson shoes
Our shoes are made pretty much the same way that they have been made for well over 100 years. We use a process called Goodyear Welting that is time consuming but makes for a sturdy, long lasting shoe. Whilst we do have machines, all the processes require a high level of skill and hand/eye coordination. There aren’t many products that haven’t been bettered for 100 years or more, but this is one of them.
A lot of brands have moved all their manufacturing out of the UK over the years – why has Grenson remained?
We do make shoes overseas but we have kept our UK factory because it’s what we are here for. It’s the heart and soul of the company, it’s why we started. We believe that as long as you tell the story and keep the quality, people will understand why an English shoe is so good.
How do you see the future for British-made products?
It’s up to the manufacturers. Being made in England doesn’t necessarily make something good. You have to make sure it’s better made than anything else in the world. I think it’s tough but it will always have a place.
You worked in advertising before moving on to shoe design. What prompted the change?
My main clients were Adidas and Timberland but my dad was a lace maker and had a factory in Nottingham when I grew up. I think the mix of shoes, marketing and manufacturing collided in my head and created a direction for me. It certainly wasn’t planned!
What were your biggest challenges in changing career?
Learning about shoemaking was the biggest challenge. Terrance Conran once told me (name drop) that you need to know how something is made before you can design it.
After that learning how the fashion business worked was a huge leap. I turned up at my first appointment with Barneys without a price list!
And biggest highlights?
Taking over Grenson. I had worked there for five years before I had the chance to take it over. It felt like a privilege and a responsibility.
Where does inspiration for your designs come from?
Everywhere. Films, colours, music, history, the archive, the shower, literally everywhere.
What’s your favourite pair of Grenson shoes?
That’s unfair. It’s like asking who my favourite child is. OK I’ll say Archie. I did him nearly 10 years ago and he’s still our best seller.
How would you style them?
They are chunky so they work with everything. Selvedge denim, rolled up chinos or even a narrow leg suit will all be finished off perfectly with Archie.
What can we expect to see next from Grenson?
It’s a big secret. We have collabs, accessories, and even a dog collar hand made in the factory. Basically, we are just having fun!
Finally, what’s currently on your playlist?
The Decemberists, June Hymn. This is the band that Mumford and Sons must have been inspired by. The song is a lovely dreamy folk song that takes you somewhere, a long way from your desk.
Nick Lowe, True Love Travels on a Gravel Road. Nick Lowe is one of my all-time favourites and someone who I have made shoes for. His blend of Country and English rock is in full force here on this gorgeous track, once also performed by Elvis.
Bob Dylan, Mr Bojangles. Occasionally, one of your favourite artists covers one of your favourite songs. This was the result for me.
Donovan, Catch the Wind. An old folk classic made in the Bob Dylan-inspired folk wave that swept the world of music in the mid-1960s. Donovan was known as the British Dylan.
Eric Bibb, Needed Time. This is a form of modern blues, played by the acoustic guitar master himself. This song is a gentle anthem, if there is such a thing.
Tom Petty, Learning to Fly. He died this year and I shed a tear or two. I love American Rock and Tom Petty is at its epicentre. This was the first song I heard of his, and the first I listened to when I heard he’d died.
John Coltrane, Blue Train. A jazz classic by the best sax player of all time.
Eels, Mrs E’s Beautiful Blues. Great Californian Indie band, this is my favourite song of theirs.
Sam Cook, A Change is Gonna Come. Cook wrote this when he heard Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind”, saying that he was moved that such a poignant song about racism was written by a white man, and he needed to write the same himself.
John Lee Hooker, Whiskey and Wimmen’. I once made a pair of shoes for him as he was my hero. I called them Whisky and Wimmen after one of his songs. He passed a message back to me that it made him smile when he saw it inside the shoe.
Miles Davis, So What. Alongside Blue Train as one of the best jazz songs of all time. Davis was the best.
