Crockett & Jones, an extraordinary British shoe company, has cemented its name in the luxury market as one of the finest footwear companies in the fashion industry. The company has been family owned for five generations, established in 1879 in Northampton, England, by James Crockett and Charles Jones.
Initially, the company started with only 20 employees working out of a small factory, where one-quarter of the staff was comprised of family members. By 1891, the company had become quite successful, allowing it to expand into a larger factory on Magee Street, where production continues to this current day.
In 1911, the company was awarded the “Diploma of Honour” at the International Manufacturing Exhibition, which opened the door for manufacturing boots for the Antarctic Expedition, Shackleton Endurance Expedition, and for troops during the World War I.
By 1927, Gilbert Jones stepped into the family business as the third-generation owner, and during his leadership, the company experienced an increased demand for women’s footwear due to current fashion influences. In fact, 60% of the company’s production was dedicated to women’s footwear. In 1977, Jonathan Jones joined the family business as the fourth-generation owner, inheriting the company during a financially difficult time.
Jones took a strong position on redeveloping a product line that paralleled the changes brought on by consumer demands. C&J dedicated itself to perfecting a superior pair of Goodyear-welted shoes. By 1990, the company had received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement, which prompted it to open its first storefront in 1997 on Jermyn Street in London.
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FINELY ENGINEERED: Beginning in 1879 in Northampton, England, shoe company Crockett & Jones has been family owned for five generations and as of 2016 had exported shoes to nearly 30 countries.
/ COURTESY MARC ALLEN FINE CLOTHIERS[/caption]
In 2006, Philippa Jones became the company’s fifth-generation owner, with a vision toward retail growth. By 2016, the company had exported shoes to nearly 30 countries and continues to retain consumer loyalty within the market.
In 2017, C&J was announced as the “shoe of choice” in the James Bond film “Skyfall.” The company gained significant popularity from this film and was featured again in the next Bond film, “Spectre.”
To any New Englander who can appreciate fine quality and craftsmanship, Crockett & Jones should be your next consideration for a wardrobe investment. The company uses only the finest materials when designing their products. Their product line contains shoes comprised of waterproof, waxed leather, fine young calf, waxed suede, grain and cordovan. However, the major element that separates C&J from other brands is their extensive options of last [shape of the shoe sole]. The company offers 25 different styles made to accommodate any occasion, at any time.
In my business, I have a widely diverse clientele, each looking for a shoe that fits their lifestyle. C&J has a wide array of products, from a sharp, elegant tuxedo shoe to a strong, durable hiking boot for the countryside. In my experience, the shoes wear well over time and I’ve come to embrace the signs of wear on them.
I believe this is what gives them character and to me, that is what a well-engineered product should be able to showcase.
Next time you’re looking for a well-engineered shoe at an affordable price, think Crockett & Jones.
Marc A. Streisand is the owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers in Providence and Newport.
