The Brogue Shoe is a line of Goodyear welted dress shoes manufactured by NPS Shoes in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. The collection includes multiple models featuring traditional brogue detailing, fully leather lined interiors, and Dainite rubber soles. NPS produces brogue shoes across both their Heritage Collection, representing over 140 years of traditional British shoemaking craftsmanship, and their Essential Collection, offering more accessible pricing while maintaining the same construction methods.
NPS offers several brogue shoe models with varying eyelet configurations and last shapes. The 4 Eye Gibson Brogue Shoe is available in Black Grain & Calf Leather and Walnut Brown Grain & Calf Leather colorways, built on Last Shape 002 with G Fitting. The 5 Eye Oxford Brogue Shoe features Black Hi-Shine Leather Upper and uses Last Shape 10885. Standard brogue shoes are constructed on Last 2488, which features a round toe and standard fit.
All brogue models share common construction features including Goodyear welted construction, fully leather lined interiors, and Dainite Rubber Sole & Heel. The Gibson brogue represents the Heritage Collection pricing tier, while the Oxford brogue falls under the Essential Collection at a lower price point.
The brogue shoes utilize traditional Goodyear welt construction, a method where the upper is stitched to a welt which is then stitched to the sole. This process creates a watertight seal between the upper's concealed inner sole and the outer sole. A cork layer sits between the upper sole and outer sole, molding to the foot over time for improved comfort and a personalized fit. The Goodyear welt construction enables the outer sole to be replaced or repaired, extending the shoe's lifespan significantly compared to cemented construction.
All NPS shoes are handmade in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where the company has operated since 1881. Over 200 highly skilled craftsmen may be involved in making a pair of NPS shoes, with production organized into six discrete compartments, each specializing in their own part of the process. This division of labor reflects the company's origins as the Northamptonshire Productive Society, a worker-owned cooperative established by five men in the village of Wollaston.
The company's first major success came from securing a year-long production order from the Government for army boots. By the turn of the 20th century, NPS had grown to 80 employees and moved to a larger purpose-built factory on South Street, which they still occupy today, although modified and expanded. From 1959, NPS produced Solovair boots and shoes under licence for 35 years, sold under the name "Dr Martens by Solovair." In 2006, Ivor Tilley purchased NPS Shoes to save it from closure and preserve local employment and shoemaking skills.
NPS Goodyear welted footwear runs larger than most other brands. The company recommends either purchasing cushioned socks with regular size, offering about half a size extra fitting, or going half a size smaller than typically worn. For narrower feet, NPS suggests selecting half a size down or fitting according to foot length plus 5mm.
Due to unique production methods and last shapes, sizing cannot be compared with other competitive brands. NPS strongly recommends customers follow their size guide before purchasing. As of 2025, American Brogue Shoe models retail at $219.00 USD, English Brogue Shoe models retail at $225.00 USD, and Derby Brogue Boot models retail at $239.00 USD. All import duties and taxes are included in prices shown on the US website.
"NPS Heritage Black Grain-Calf 4 Eye Gibson Brogue Shoe". NPS Solovair. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
"NPS Essential Collection 5 Eye Oxford Brogue Shoe". NPS Solovair. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
"NPS Heritage Walnut Brown Gibson Brogue Shoe". NPS Solovair. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
"NPS Shoes". English Brands. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
"Size Guide". NPS Solovair. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
"Northamptonshire Productive Society NPS Ltd". Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
"Gibson Shoe Collection". NPS Solovair. Retrieved December 22, 2025.