Founded in 1847, Wildsmith & Sons began making and repairing boots for the Household Cavalry. The exemplary craftsmanship caught the eyes of the Royal Family, who began requesting boots of their own for hunting, fishing and shooting excursions. With Wildsmith’s relationship with the Royalty Family firmly initiated, orders started to flow in from gentlemen keen to follow in their King’s footsteps.

Investing in our legacy
While these boots gave Wildsmith a traditional start in the industry, the business has never been afraid of innovation. The grandson of founders Matthew and Rebecca Wildsmith, Raymond Louis Wildsmith, designed and created the very first English loafer. Originally made as a house shoe for King George VI, this style was developed into the Model 98 penny loafer, which Wildsmith still manufactures and sells to this day.
By the middle of the 20th century, Wildsmith’s popularity saw the business open a store in Duke Street in Marylebone before moving to Princes Arcade, between Piccadilly and the iconic Jermyn Street, in the 1960s. The brand’s reputation for highest quality shoemaking catapulted Wildsmith into the international market, helped by President John F Kennedy, who was also a fan of the 98. The next generation of Wildsmiths began travelling the world with a team of tailors in tow to deliver their unique offering, known as The Three Ss - suits, shirts and shoes.
A new era has dawned since those early days with innovation very much remaining a key component of the Wildsmith DNA. We continue to celebrate our rich heritage by using our catalogue of classic designs as inspiration and giving them a fresh twist to ensure they are relevant for the 21st century.
What has most definitely remained unchanged is the attention to detail and the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into producing Wildsmith’s timeless footwear. Every shoe and boot bearing the Wildsmith brand tells a story of passion, skill, and tradition.

By the middle of the 20th century, Wildsmith’s popularity saw the business open a store in Duke Street in Marylebone before moving to Princes Arcade, between Piccadilly and the iconic Jermyn Street, in the 1960s. The brand’s reputation for highest quality shoemaking catapulted Wildsmith into the international market, helped by President John F Kennedy, who was also a fan of the 98. The next generation of Wildsmiths began travelling the world with a team of tailors in tow to deliver their unique offering, known as The Three Ss - suits, shirts and shoes.
A new era has dawned since those early days with innovation very much remaining a key component of the Wildsmith DNA. We continue to celebrate our rich heritage by using our catalogue of classic designs as inspiration and giving them a fresh twist to ensure they are relevant for the 21st century.
What has most definitely remained unchanged is the attention to detail and the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into producing Wildsmith’s timeless footwear. Every shoe and boot bearing the Wildsmith brand tells a story of passion, skill, and tradition.

A family tradition
A family business that has been carefully passed into the hands of another family business, Wildsmith’s unwavering dedication to excellence means every pair of shoes or boots has been made by skilled craftsmen and women, who carry forward generations of expertise.
Meet the makers
The abundance of passion and pride our makers instil in their craft is obvious whenever you open a box of Wildsmith shoes or boots. With the delicate broguing required for Wildsmith footwear, this is artistry in motion…and we make no apologies for this uncompromising intricate detail, as it is one of the qualities that sets us apart. These artisans of shoemaking recognise our desire to stay true to the Wildsmith designs and have used their expertise to help us realise our new generation of impeccable footwear.

Meet the makers
The abundance of passion and pride our makers instil in their craft is obvious whenever you open a box of Wildsmith shoes or boots. With the delicate broguing required for Wildsmith footwear, this is artistry in motion…and we make no apologies for this uncompromising intricate detail, as it is one of the qualities that sets us apart. These artisans of shoemaking recognise our desire to stay true to the Wildsmith designs and have used their expertise to help us realise our new generation of impeccable footwear.

Blake stitching
Blake stitching is one of the most revered methods used in shoemaking. When our skilled craftsmen and women sew the upper directly to the insole and outsole, each stitch is applied with precision, using the time-honoured methods passed to them by past generations to ensure every shoe is both resilient and comfortable, but also beautiful to look at. A Blake-stitched shoe is lighter underfoot and offers a clean and elegant profile. Wildsmith thinks this flexible construction is perfect for the modern-day wearer.
The finest materials
Wildsmith’s commitment to quality is illustrated using only the finest materials. Our responsibly sourced leather comes from some of the most respected tanneries in Europe. Our sturdy soles are crafted in Spain and Portugal, using durable materials designed to provide comfort and stability, no matter the terrain. We believe the best shoes start with the best materials and, together, these elements combine to create shoes that stand the test of time.

The finest materials
Wildsmith’s commitment to quality is illustrated using only the finest materials. Our responsibly sourced leather comes from some of the most respected tanneries in Europe. Our sturdy soles are crafted in Spain and Portugal, using durable materials designed to provide comfort and stability, no matter the terrain. We believe the best shoes start with the best materials and, together, these elements combine to create shoes that stand the test of time.
Timeless craftsmanship you can trust
Each Wildsmith shoe and boot is a testament to our heritage. We continue to blend traditional craftsmanship and innovation to turn 170 years of archived designs into footwear fit for today’s discerning customer. At Wildsmith, we’re not just making shoes, we’re preserving a tradition of craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. When you choose Wildsmith, you’re not only investing in a beautiful footwear but in a piece of our legacy.