John Lobb
MakerAbout
John Lobb is a bespoke footwear maker based in London, established in 1849. The workshop produces shoes and boots by hand. The company provides footwear to clients in various countries.
About
John Lobb is a bespoke footwear maker based in London, established in 1849. The workshop produces shoes and boots by hand. The company provides footwear to clients in various countries.
History
John Lobb was born in Tywardreath, Cornwall, in 1829. After completing an apprenticeship in shoemaking, he traveled to Australia during the gold rush. During this period, he made boots for gold prospectors. In 1863, he produced a pair of riding boots for the Prince of Wales and earned a Royal Warrant.
In 1866, Lobb opened a shop at 296 Regent Street in London. The company opened a Paris branch in 1901 under the direction of Lobb's son, William Hunter Lobb. Hermès acquired the French branch in 1976 and launched a ready-to-wear line in 1982. The London workshop at 9 St James's Street remains family-owned and operates independently.
Manufacturing
John Lobb's ready-to-wear shoes are produced in Northampton, England. The manufacturing process involves 190 steps. The company uses both hand skills and machines to make each pair.
Construction and materials
The company selects full-grain leathers for shoe production. Production methods use techniques common to bespoke bootmaking. Each pair passes through a 190-step sequence and is made by trained workers.
Products
John Lobb produces models such as the William double-buckle monk strap shoe, which appeared in 1945. The company also makes the Lopez leather penny loafer. John Lobb introduced the Grove chukka boot in Autumn/Winter 2015. The company provides bespoke shoemaking for customers with specific requirements.
