Herring

Richard Herring founded the company in 1966, opening the first shop in Montpellier, Cheltenham. Rather than establishing independent production facilities, Herring developed a collaborative network with established shoemakers in Northamptonshire, the historic center of English shoe manufacturing.

The company formed partnerships with notable manufacturers including Andrew Loake, William Barker, and the Church cousins, William and Jonathan. These relationships allowed Herring to access traditional craftsmanship while developing distinctive product lines.

Richard Herring's son, Adrian, furthered the family business by working directly at the Barker shoe factory to learn shoemaking techniques firsthand. This experience enabled him to launch Herring's own range of footwear, combining inherited knowledge with the company's design vision.

Herring produces most of its shoes in partnership with established British factories, including Barker, Cheaney, and Alfred Sargent. These manufacturers produce shoes to Herring's own designs, maintaining quality standards while allowing the brand to offer diverse product lines.

The company primarily uses Goodyear welt construction, a method employed by Northamptonshire shoemakers since the 1870s. This technique provides durability, repairability, and long-term comfort through its cork-filled construction that molds to the wearer's foot.

Herring's manufacturing process involves approximately 200 individual operations per shoe, with some styles requiring up to six weeks to complete. This traditional approach emphasizes handwork and attention to detail throughout the construction process.

Herring offers a range of dress and casual shoes including brogues, Oxfords, derby shoes, monk straps, and loafers. The company maintains both formal and casual lines, serving varied customer needs while focusing on traditional English styling.

The product range reflects classic British footwear traditions with contemporary refinements. Herring's designs draw from the heritage of Northamptonshire shoemaking while incorporating modern materials and finishing techniques available through its manufacturing partners.