It’s a good week here at the factory. Two new styles are joining the Rambler collection. The Everdon Rambler Mid, first launched in 2024, has been hugely popular as the Crown version of a walking boot. Alongside it now sit the Harlestone, a low, and the Brampton, a boot. A collection made for being a little off-road, or on it in the best way possible.
The inspiration for the Rambler collection
The Rambler came out of a simple question: how do we keep the feel of our luxury leathers and the structure of our Hand Stitch collection for rougher terrain?
The first answer came with the Everdon Rambler Mid in 2024, after a year of testing on Chris’s walks with Forrest the dog. Two years later, Charles F. Stead got in touch.
They had found a little more of the 12-year-old shrunken Norwegian Ox, a rare leather that is difficult to get hold of. Our first response was straightforward: how much do you have, and can we have it all? Then came a question for ourselves. How do we present this leather in sneakers in a way that does it proud, and sits right alongside the Everdon Rambler Mid as the collection grows?
Our customers’ input shaped where we went next. They had been asking for a higher boot to go with the Everdon. That became the first of the two new styles. We added a low alongside, because not every day calls for a boot.
All three styles from the back, which we think look like three wagging tails. The reinforced back seam is a Northampton touch, hand stitched in a tradition the town has carried for over a century.
Why materials and heritage matter for footwear that lasts
Boots and shoes of this standard need time, care and wear to come into their own. The structure of the Rambler is the same as boots made over 200 years ago. Oak bark tanned leather that moulds and sets to the shape of your foot. Mass producers adapted these methods to synthetic components to bring the price down. We’ve stayed with and stand by the old methods, because they work best for your feet and for longevity. We care about that more than the margin.
That knowledge still lives in Northampton, with a little help from our friends at J. & F. J. Baker, the last oak bark tannery in the UK.
The only tannery with leather to match is Horween Leather Co. Their Chromexcel is made for long walks in different climates. We’ve brought it into the collection in two classics: No.8 and Natural. Just as thick as the Norwegian Ox at 2 to 2.2mm, Chromexcel has a different character. A smooth surface, oils that move in the skin, each pair developing its own pull-up over time. That’s the way the surface lightens where the leather bends, as the oils shift and the leather settles back.
Three heritage names sit behind this expansion, each established in the Edwardian era. Each has adapted through everything the years have brought, with generations of knowledge and commitment to our trades. All still run by the same families.
- Charles F. Stead & Co., established 1904
- Horween Leather Co., established 1905
- Crown Northampton Ltd., established as E. Woodford and Sons in 1908
Still at the trade, doing our ancestors proud.
1220 Vibram sole
For a sole to match the quality of the leathers and do the job they’re made for, Vibram is the answer.
We choose leathers by fibre structure and tanning process, picking materials best suited to each component. The same applies to the sole: we need the right structure and design to complement the leathers above it. For the Ramblers, we went with the Vibram cup sole in the 1220 design.
The 1220 was created by Italian climber Vitale Bramani in 1937. The tread is shaped with purpose, engineered for grip and traction. Those small rubber cleats dig in on uneven ground. The shape itself is made for rocky terrain and dusty trails, and it works equally well on the flat.
More on how we got here lives in our 2024 launch blog: Welcome to the World of Rambling. Welcome to the World of Rambling – Crown Northampton
Sizing your ramblers
As we are made to order, we can adjust the Brampton and Harlestone to nearly every foot shape. Both use a derby construction, named after the Earl of Derby, whose feet were said to need more room than an Oxford could give him.
For us, that distinction isn’t quite the point. We can adjust the lasts and patterns to you. The open-laced throat also means a little more give for the way feet change through the seasons.
Rambler FAQs
Can leather sneakers be worn in winter?
Yes. For more severe weather, we recommend the Rambler collection. The leathers have been chosen for their durability, matching the quality of the dress shoes Northampton is known for. Leather sits around your foot from upper to insole, moulding to your foot over time.
Are leather sneakers rainproof?
With the right leather, they handle rain well. No leather is 100% waterproof. The leathers we have chosen for the Rambler collection have a tight fibre structure and a tanning process that keeps moisture on the surface rather than letting it soak in. With the right care products, that performance holds for years.
If you want a uniform look over time, we would steer away from veg tan leathers. Veg tan develops a character of its own and is more susceptible to rain spots. If you prefer that weathered look, veg tan might be for you.
How do I get the right fitting boots for winter?
For most feet, our standard sizes work well, and you can order straight from the website. If you’d like a more precise fit, we can make a pair to your own measurements. That’s especially helpful for a winter boot, so we can allow for thicker socks. Email us and our in-factory team will guide you through the process.
What sole is best for a winter boot?
For winter walking, you want grip and durability against the cold. A natural rubber sole with an aggressive tread tends to hold best on wet, muddy or icy surfaces. That’s one reason we chose the Vibram cup sole in the 1220 design for the Rambler collection. Its tread grips on rocky trails and loose ground, and holds steady on wet pavement too.
Can I choose the leather of my Crown sneakers?
Yes. Because we make every pair to order, we can offer options beyond what’s shown on the website. If you’ve seen a leather you like, whether it’s one of our regulars or something you’ve spotted in an older collection, we can usually source it. Email us to talk through what you’re after, and our in-factory team will guide you through what’s possible.
Can Crown Northampton Ramblers be resoled?
Yes. Every Rambler is made with resoling in mind. We can replace the Vibram cup sole with a fresh one when it wears down, and check over the welt and upper at the same time. Send your pair back to the factory and we’ll take care of it. Check out our resole services.
How do I look after my sneakers in wet and cold weather?
A little care goes a long way. When your sneakers come in wet, wipe off any mud, grit or salt with a damp cloth. Dry them at room temperature with newspaper or a shoe tree inside, never on a radiator or with a hairdryer, since direct heat can crack the leather. Give them a full day or two before wearing them again, and rotate between pairs if you can.
For leathers like Chromexcel, a wax-based conditioner every few months keeps the surface fed and water-resistant. We’ve put together care bundles curated for each of our leathers, so you have the right products for your pair.
