The Northampton project started in the city of its namesake at the oldest remaining last maker in the UK. I travelled there to learn the last making process and worked with them to create the last for this shoe by hand out of a wood block in the traditional way it has been done for centuries. The asymmetrical toe shape gives this shoe its ergonomic fit.
I also prototyped the hand-painting water colour technique for this particular colourway which was later copied at the factory for production.
Made in Vietnam.
Last Design/Development
Hand-made wood last prototype
Lasted upper sampling for fit and design revisions
Colourway Design/Development
Hand-painted prototyping
Hand-painted production sampling for design approval
Construction Design/Development
Blake-stitch construction
Sole Design/Development
Leather sole with custom graphic emboss
Heel Design/Development
Leather wrapped masonite heel
Pressed rubber heel lift with custom graphic emboss
Metal nail details
The Northampton was designed under the creative direction of John Fluevog and the Design Director.
