Faith in Craft, Faith in You
In 2020, amidst the challenges of a changing world, we took a leap of faith. The Harlestone Hand Stitch collection was born - a vision of sneakers crafted without compromise, made from materials typically reserved for bespoke luxury footwear.
Designed in Northampton by shoemakers with decades of experience, each pair embodies a level of craftsmanship that defies mass production.
It was a gamble. Could sneakers made this way resonate with you, our customers? Thanks to your faith in us, the answer was yes. And we’ve never looked back.
Your belief in what we do has allowed us to keep making footwear we’re truly proud of and the beauty of our direct-to-consumer model is that it allows us to share the story behind your shoes. This week we’re taking you behind the scenes of the Harlestone Derby.
Designed with Heritage at its Heart
The Harlestone is rooted in the rich tradition of hand stitching, a skill deeply embedded in Crown Northampton’s history. In the 1970s and 80s, Andrew Woodford hand-stitched moccasins with precision and care, a legacy we carried forward when we created this collection.
This sneaker incorporates techniques like French binding and hand-stitched details such as the distinctive dog tail and tabs, replacing machine stitches for superior durability and aesthetics.
Pattern & Design
The original clean and minimal silhouette and design of the Harlestone was inspired by the finest shoe-making materials. We began with veg-tanned baby calf leather, known for its softness and exclusivity, and evolved to include rarer choices like Horween Shell Cordovan. Each pair is constructed on custom lasts created in partnership with Spring Line to ensure a precise and comfortable fit. As a purely made to order business, this approach reflects our commitment to crafting every pair with care and attention to detail.
What Makes the Harlestone Special?
Heritage Craftsmanship: Inspired by Crown Northampton’s hand-stitching DNA, dating back to the 1970s.
Premium Materials: Veg-tanned baby calf leather, oak bark-tanned toe puffs, and the rare Horween Shell Cordovan. These materials moulld to your foot, age with grace, and last a lifetime with care.
Exquisite Detailing: French binding, dog tail stitching (replacing machine stitch for precision), and a Lactae Hevea sole that balances resilience with comfort.
Made to Order: Every pair is tailored exclusively to you.
Your Harlestone Questions, Answered…
Q. How long does it take to break in my Harlestones?
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It varies. From deer leather (1-2 wears) to cordovan (6-10 wears), the Harlestone always adapts beautifully to your foot.
Q. What’s the best way to care for my Harlestones?
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Use our paired care kits and Spring Line shoe trees to maintain their shape and quality.
Q. Can my Harlestones handle different weather conditions?
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Yes, your Harlestones will last and develop a unique patina over time with proper care.
Q. Can I have my Harlestones resoled?
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We can happily extend the life of a pair of Harlestones with our professional resoling service.
Q. What happens to leftover materials from making Harlestone shoes?
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We ensure no material goes to waste. Our Off-Cuts Collection transforms leftover leather into small goods like wallets and cardholders.
Crafting a Future for Hand-Made Shoes.
Your belief in our craft allows us to create footwear like the Harlestone Hand Stitch. Without your faith, none of this would exist.
From all of us at Crown Northampton, thank you.
“We take pride in each and every pair of shoes we make. We’re making something we’re proud to share with the world.”
Chris Woodford, Founder of Crown Northampton
Explore The Harlestone Hand Stitch Collection
Coming Next Week…
Keep an eye out for next week’s release: the Harlestone Hand Stitch in our latest Horween Shell Cordovan drop. Featuring one of the rarest Shell Cordovans we’ve ever sourced. This limited edition is a true collectors piece.
