It’s a first for us at Crown - introducing the vibrant Shell Cordovan from Japan’s renowned Shinki Tannery. This leather embodies everything Crown Northampton is about: challenging, time-consuming, exclusive, and uniquely perfect.
Shinki Shell Cordovan - Ready to patina
20 pairs of Harlestone sneakers and 20 feather-edge belts will go live today - when they’re claimed, they won’t be back. If you’re not already part of the Crown Community, sign up for our mailing list to get advance notice. Each pair is hand-numbered and comes with your choice of gum, off-white, or black sole colour, while the belts offer a choice of antique silver or gold buckle.
For this special 10th limited edition Cordovan drop, we’ve selected shells that were specifically tanned to complement our Hand Stitch Harlestone sneaker. Just like Horween Shell Cordovan, Shinki offers different options. After sampling six or seven, we chose the tan pull-up, which is vegetable-tanned in pits and dyed through, allowing more oils to penetrate the core of the shell. The feel is ultra-smooth and soft, a cordovan that when paired with our signature oak bark and veg-tan leathers, will after a short break-in, perfectly mould to your foot. For our feather-edge belts, also made in our Northampton factory, we’ve backed the cordovan with nubuck to keep the fit spot on.
D10 Tan Pull Up Shinki Shell Cordovan - Dyed through pull up leather
We believe these are the only Shinki Cordovan sneakers in the world. To keep them in the best condition, we’ll provide the appropriate polish free of charge as a gesture of our appreciation. Thanks to the selected tanning process, the cordovan will absorb this polish, developing a deep patina over time. These sneakers are made to last, and we look forward to welcoming them back to our factory for a resole in the years to come, supporting them as a cherished part of your collection for life.
Crown Northampton in Japan
We’ve had a long and meaningful relationship with our Japanese customers, built on a mutual commitment to quality. Our visit to Isetan and Shinki reinforced our shared belief that beautiful things are worth the wait. Shinki Cordovan takes time - it’s hand-dyed, waxed, and glazed, with the entire process spanning months and rooted in techniques dating back to the Edo period in Japan. This tried and tested method ensures that cordovan is made to the highest standard, and at Crown Northampton, we are committed to honouring the skilled craftsmanship that goes into it. The result of hundreds of years of knowledge from both our companies is this sneaker, which we are proud to craft for you. With each pair, you’re not just getting a sneaker - you’re stepping into a story centuries in the making
