Collaborators

We are the Makers

Generations-worth of skills passed down through families and colleagues brought us here, to the creation of this company and the extraordinary footwear we make. Through collaborations between our staff and trusted suppliers, we are able to source outstanding tools and materials from around the world.

World-class Tanneries

We directly source our leathers from esteemed tanneries renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Among our carefully selected partners are industry leaders such as Horween Leather Co., Charles F. Stead & Co., and J. & F.J. Baker & Co. Ltd.

In addition, we seek out materials that are truly exceptional - those that are rare, challenging to work with, or hard to find in the general wholesale market. These materials inspire new ideas and designs, driving our commitment to creating extraordinary footwear.

“The suppliers and their knowledge of the product leads my design. It’s our job to do justice to the materials and showcase them at their best.”

— Chris Woodford, Founder E.Woodford

Horween Leather Co.

E.Woodford head to the windy city to visit the specialists in Shell Cordovan, The Horween Leather Co.

J. & F.J. Baker & Co.

E.Woodford visit rural Devon to speak with the experts in oak bark leather tanning, J. & F.J. Baker & Co.

Charles F. Stead & Co

E.Woodford head up to the Yorkshire Dales to visit suede leather specialists, Charles F. Stead & Co.

The Last Last Maker

Spring Line Limited is a Northampton based last maker, celebrated worldwide. Founded in 1982, it is the only remaining last manufacturer in Britain. They are well known for their traditional skills, craftsmanship and knowledge.

E.Woodford worked in partnership with Spring Line to create a range of hand-crafted wooden lasts for our collection of footwear.

Springline Ltd

E.Woodford pop round the corner to speak with Michael James from the UK’s sole surviving last maker, Springline.

Tools of the Trade

A lot of our hand tools have been used for generations and are impossible to replace. We have quite a collection of heritage pieces and are always on the lookout for more. Contact us if you have any items you think we’d be interested in.

We put them back to work or on display in our showroom. When sourcing new tools, we look to the UK first, but ultimately, our quest ends with the best, wherever that may be found.

Ancillaries

Your footwear is delivered in a beautifully crafted box wrapped in paper, handmade in England.

Accompanying shoe trees, our dust bags and cloths are also made in England – the shoe trees just five minutes’ down the road from us in Northampton.

The leather cream included with your purchase comes from France and the hand sewing thread is from Germany.

All those we work with are selected according to the quality of their craftsmanship and it is our privilege to partner with them.

Partners

We don’t always meet face-to-face with all the people who work to make E.Woodford what it is.

Opportunities come through many channels – influencers who delve passionately into the details of our products and ethos; guests and contributors to our regular podcast; local and international media outlets; events such as Stitchdown Boot Camp, New York; Isetan’s British Fair, Tokyo. So many people provide our shoemakers opportunities to show their craft to the world.

Sincere thanks to all we have worked with and those we are yet to work with – you are part of how and why E.Woodford works and grows.

A brief history of a brand

The E.Woodford Story

Built on a heritage family shoe business, E.Woodford & Sons is a combination of old and new.
Five generations, three centuries, and two world wars brought us here.

Discover The History of E.Woodford