Tricker’s
OF THE TRIO OF TOP SHOEMAKERS in London, Tricker’s is the most unassuming. Less awe-inspiring than John Lobb and less dashing than George Cleverley, it’s nevertheless carved out a niche for itself as a purveyor of bespoke, semi-bespoke and ready-to-wear footgear to squires and heritage hipsters alike. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, Tricker’s, which was established in 1829, has occupied the same premises on Jermyn Street since 1938. Instead of shelving, one wall is lined with tiers of hatches bearing tiny blackboards. Each hatch opens to reveal nine pairs of shoes packed like sardines in a can. This unique storage system proved its mettle in the Blitz, when it protected the merchandise from flying glass.
Although that old adage about ‘no brown in town’ long ceased to have any application to the 21st century wardrobe, Tricker’s remains the go-to store for the kind of stout country shoes the characters of Mitford and Wodehouse would have deemed indispensable. Its signature ‘Bourton’ model is a heavy brogue with a ‘bellows’ tongue to keep the water out, as well as a dainite rubber sole for extra grip and all-round durability. Traditionally the preserve of the landed gentry, Tricker’s, in yet another example of the evergreen appeal and adaptability of ‘classic’ English style, is now frequented by international menswear fanatics as likely to sport tattoos as they are tweeds.
See also: George Cleverley, John Lobb
