Made-in-UK shoes by Swift and Co

Richard Swift is a man on a mission to bring footwear manufacturing back to Burnley in east Lancashire. His Swift & Co brand is using new technology to produce shoes that combine classic looks with the high level of comfort usually associated with trainers. The video on his site tells the story very  well.

I met Richard – a third-generation shoe man – at the annual awards ceremony for the trade charity Footwear Friends, at which he picked up two prizes, one for innovation and one for export potential.

The main difference in the construction is the sole and footbed, which combines a EVA sole with a natural rubber footbed. There is no inner sole in the classic sense. The result is a lightweight, supportive and very comfortable base. The production methods are novel, with no nasty glues involved.

Due to the almost constant rain since Richard Swift sent me this trial pair of “Lancaster” boots just before Christmas, I have worn them only once. The lightness of the boots and the softness underfoot takes some getting used to, but I like the effect. The suede boots retail for about £165; the leather options will be slightly more expensive.

With pleasing branding and its commitment to new technology, Swift & Co is a very interesting addition to the list of Made-in-UK producers. I wish Richard and his colleagues well.

< Older Blog Posts | Newer Blog Posts >