Thorpe

Gaziano & Girling founded the company in 2006 after gaining experience at Edward Green and George Cleverley. The brand received the Royal Warrant of Appointment as shoemakers to His Majesty The King, recognizing dedication to traditional British shoemaking standards. The Thorpe boot exemplifies the company's Art Deco aesthetic with clean lines and versatile styling that transitions between formal and casual wear.

The Thorpe employs Goodyear welted construction with a 360-degree storm welt that provides weather resistance and structural integrity. The boot features hand-sewn split-toe detailing as a distinguishing artisanal element. Each pair is made by hand in the company's Northampton workshop, continuing the region's centuries-old shoemaking heritage.

The construction allows for resoling and long-term maintenance, extending the boot's functional lifespan. The storm welt adds a protective barrier against moisture while contributing to the boot's refined profile.

The Thorpe is built on the MH71 last, characterized by a soft square toe shape with balanced proportions and subtle aggression through the midsection. In-stock Thorpe boots are produced with an "F" fitting, the company's wider width option. Custom orders can accommodate other width specifications.

General sizing guidance suggests selecting a half size down from standard American sizing, though individual fit varies depending on foot shape. The company provides sizing consultation services through their retail locations and authorized stockists.

The Thorpe is available in multiple leather selections including Rioja hatch grain, Oak Hatch Grain calf, Chestnut/Tan Hatchgrain, Racing Green Hatch Grain, and oak kudu leather. The hatch grain leathers display textured surfaces that develop distinctive patina characteristics with wear. Rioja hatch grain features a deep purple profile that catches light at varying angles.

Custom make-to-order options expand material choices to include fox suede and polo suede, either as single-tone construction or two-tone combinations. Different leather selections affect the boot's formality level and seasonal appropriateness.

The Thorpe offers multiple sole configurations including double Dainite rubber soles with storm welt attachment, double Wensum rubber soles, and crepe sole options for custom orders. Dainite rubber provides traction and weather resistance suitable for autumn and winter conditions while maintaining a refined appearance.

The double sole construction adds durability and ground insulation, contributing to the boot's functionality as an all-season option. Sole selection affects both the boot's stack height and overall aesthetic proportion.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label commissioned a variant of the Thorpe marketed under the name "Garnell." The Garnell maintains the essential design characteristics of the Thorpe while incorporating speed hooks as a distinguishing modification. The collaboration demonstrates the Thorpe's design adaptability to luxury fashion partnerships.

Some customers prefer the Thorpe over the similar Nevis model due to additional stitching detail on the boot's side panels, which provides visual interest compared to the Nevis's plainer construction.

Ready-to-wear Thorpe boots include Gaziano & Girling lasted shoe trees matched to the specific last shape. The shoe trees help maintain the boot's form during storage and aid in moisture absorption after wear.

The Thorpe is available through Gaziano & Girling's retail channels including their Savile Row location, authorized stockists, and make-to-order services. As of 2025, standard make-to-order pricing begins at £1890 excluding value-added tax, with variations based on leather selection and customization requests.