John Lobb shoes have graced the feet of the discerning famous and infamous across three centuries. Our shoes are made using only the finest quality leather and are all individually crafted by the most experienced artisans. Each pair is a work of art, entirely unique to its owner.
The Double Monk style is a symbol of freedom and expression. Created by William Lobb, the Double Monk was born in the frisson of 1920’s Paris; the extra strap and buckle representing a step away from the austerity of the Victorian and Edwardian design epochs. An instant classic, today the shoe is still relevant; favoured by those who aren’t afraid to be bold.
An equilibrium of security and flexibility. Here, the elastic under the tongue does the work of keeping you comfortably secure, whilst the minimalist frontage creates an understated and sophisticated appearance. To our mind, these shoes are best crafted with a thin sole to retain maximum flexibility.
The classic brogue in perhaps its most refined incarnation. Sometimes named the ‘Churchill’, the story goes that, fed up and far too busy to tie his own shoes, the late Prime Minister had this style specially commissioned. Here, laces are replaced with slashed leather and elastic gussets; allowing the foot to simply slip into the shoe. A shoe that takes heed from the classics, but with a modern twist, it’s long been a favourite amongst those who value effortless style.
Born in the highlands, today the Ghillie makes a statement around the world. This lace shoe is fully brogued; with a wing cap and a punched design on the toe. It has an open instep with lacing overtop. Leather tassels and intricate design work make this the perfect shoe for those unafraid to make a statement.
Norwegian in origin, here is a shoe that speaks to a Scandinavian sensibility: casual, refined, elegant. This shoe has a prominent raised lake which stands up around the front of the shoe; allowing for a relaxed fit and feel. The eye cut on the top band is a single aesthetic flourish on a shoe otherwise characterised by its simple sophistication.
The pinnacle of understated elegance; the Hilo is one of our most classic styles. Its refined silhouette means customers can select a variety of bespoke elements to fit their individual style and, no matter how bold or reserved their taste, always be presented with something sophisticated.
Rumour has it, this Monk Shoe was first developed by a 15th century alpine monk. Gaining mainstream popularity in the roaring 20’s, it’s been a classic for decades. Today the Single Strap Monk offers an answer to the very modern ‘smart casual’ dilemma. Less formal than an Oxford but more so than an open Derby, the Single Strap Monk is your go-to shoe for any situation. In leather, it’s an elegant partner to a fine cut suit. In suede, it’s a stylish weekend shoe.
Classic, streamlined, sophisticated; a shoe for those who step confidently and surely into any situation. The timeless style of The Navvy Cut Cap makes it a shoe germane to all environs; the single row of broguing on the toe cap making it a perfect partner to both a suit, or a relaxed weekend trouser.
Perhaps the most iconic classic style, the Oxford can trace its origins through over 200 years of British history, and is thought to be named after the students of Oxford University. At John Lobb, it’s been our most popular style for over 170 years; a trend that doesn’t look set to change.
Simplicity makes a statement, as evidenced by the sleek lines of a Plain V Front. This lace shoe is made with flaps on either side of the instep, with facings cut away to give a V shape and only three lace holes. A fine shoe in traditional materials, its refined structure also makes it a perfect canvas for a more vibrant material and colour.
A light-weight shoe for smart, but not strictly formal, wear. This style, which has been copied all over the world, was first created by John Lobb when shoes first began to take the place of boots. It was designed to meet the demand for a shoe less severe than the plain Oxford yet lighter in style and weight than a fully-brogued shoe. A pair of shoes in this style was made for the Paris Exhibition of 1937, at which the Firm was awarded the “Diplome d’honneur”.
Our boots can be found everywhere from gardens to boardrooms. Made using only the finest leathers, our boots are as robust and loyal as a well-trained gundog, yet stylish and scintillating as any work of art should be.
With a name that conjures images of the battlefields, today this durable boot is more often enjoyed by those who appreciate the great outdoors. Buckled at the upper instep, ankle and lower leg, and with a rugged sole, this boot makes for a sturdy and secure outdoor companion. The bellows tongue and good waterproofing helps to protect both the boot and foot when exposed to the elements.
The button boot first rose to prominence in the ateliers of Victorian-era London and Paris, and has been considered a classic ever since. Over time, the style has been increasingly watered down from the original; something we at John Lobb think is a shame. Our Golosh Button Boots harken back to those that would have walked the Boulevard Saint-Germain over 100 years ago and look just as striking today as they would have then. Wholecut, and with a toe-cap, the golosh has 6 buttons, which will require a button hook.
With 18th century origins this sophisticated boot, germane to us today as it has ever been, blends comfort, ease and classic style. The elastic at the side allows for a seamless step into the boot and adds extra flexibility and comfort for the wearer. A loop at the front and back can be used to help the foot slide in and then if desired, be discreetly tucked away. The streamlined silhouette of this boot makes it a perfect canvas for experimenting with colour, leathers and other materials.
Few boots speak more directly to the delicate art of the bootmaker with the word golosh thought to be derived from the old French and Latin word galoche and originally referred to the bootmaker's last. Our Golosh Oxford Cap is a refined boot, with the galosh leg stitched onto the wholecut shoe. The front has a toecap complete with a row of broguing.
Curved lines, a long front and reserved but expertly realised finishes make for a boot that feels both soft and architectural – especially when created in a natural stone palette. This Hilo Boot is brought together with fine stitching where front and back meet, whilst two or three lace holes on the facing add support across the top of the foot and ankle. A favourite amongst our customers with more minimalist predilections.
This style, designed many years ago by John Lobb for the late ruler of the state whose name it bears, differs from the “Jodhpore” of general manufacture in its method of fastening; laces being used instead of ankle straps. In practice, this gives a neat fitting round the ankle. A bastion of enduring elegance, the Lace Jodhpur has long been a staple of many a sophisticated wardrobe. Loved for its ability to be dressed up or down, here is a boot suited to all environs. This incarnation has a plain front and two lace holes on the instep.
Named for the ‘Navvies’, the civil engineers and manual labourers of a time long past, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the Navvy cut has endured. A sturdy boot in every sense, this boot is thickly soled and has a straight toe-cap with a row of broguing across its edge. It is laced all the way up the instep and front of the leg; providing extra security for the wearer.
We’ve always made shoes for those that ‘do’. In fact, we got our start over 170 years ago making sure that Australian gold prospectors were suitably shod. Today, that spirit is still very much alive, as evidenced by this simple, sturdy, step-in boot. Cut high and wide at the ankle, the wearer can step into the boot with ease and feel secure and protected at the ankle. A good working boot that is stylish enough to be paired with jeans or a casual trouser.
A sturdy, versatile boot made for doing. This boot is suited to a wide number of tasks and environments, from the garden to the street, to the saddle. The ankle strap goes through a hole on either side of the leg fastening the boot onto the wearer’s foot and lower leg, meaning whatever the day has in store, you can step into it with confidence.
In 1863, the original John Lobb found fame by producing a pair of riding boots for the then Prince of Wales. So exquisite were they that he was instantly awarded a Royal Warrant. To this day we produce Riding, Wellington and Field boots for those who have a predisposition for adventure and exploration.
Here is a boot that is sure to garner much attention. The striking combination of laces, flap and buckles do more than make a stylish statement. Lacing at the upper instep and ankle creates a secure and comfortable fit, whilst the flap and buckles allows the leg part to be loosened or tightened to the wearer’s preference.
This cut was originally the preferred choice of field grade officers and above in the British Army. The added flexibility and adjustability provided by lacing on the instep mean it but has long been popular with customers who enjoy a wide range of riding disciplines, as well as country pursuits out of the saddle. Most often realised in black, when made in brown the detailed stitching and the beautifully cut lines can look even more striking.
Previously used almost exclusively by the Royal Artillery, this boot was made for many other regiments when war broke out in 1939. The three straps fasten the leg over a folded “bellows” tongue, a piece of whalebone being sewn into the front of the boot to prevent gaping. These straps, together with the laced throat, enable the boot to be put on or taken off quickly and easily. For those with a large calf, its advantages are obvious. As the boot may be used for marching the sole is made slightly curved from the back to front to give increased comfort on long marches. For the civilian, it makes a workmanlike field boot for either riding or walking.
The original John Lobb earned his first Royal Warrant by producing a pair of riding boots for the Prince of Wales in 1863. Cut to finish just below the knee, this long boot offers full protection to the inner calf whilst allowing the wearer to maintain comfortable flexibility in the leg. Entirely free of embellishment, it is an elegant and sleek boot, snuggly fit and with tugs that aid with putting the boot on.
A minimal, sophisticated boot, our Step-in Boot is practical and stylish in equal measure. Cut mid-calf for maximum comfort, it can be easily put on thanks to a tug on either side of the top. This can be pushed down so that it is not visible after the boot has been put on, ensuring the boot retains its sleek aesthetic.
The Wellington Boot became a staple of the British aristocracy and middle classes in the early 19th century, shortly after the first pair were invented by their namesake, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington and created on St James’s street – just a stone’s throw away from the John Lobb premises. Today, the original prototype, a miniature model kindly gifted to us, sits proudly in our museum case at the shop. Our mid-calf boot can be cut to different heights according to the customer’s wishes; usually 12” reaching just above the centre of the calf. It features a tug on either side which can be pushed down once the boot is on.
John Lobb slippers ensure that the signature comfort of John Lobb can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
Perhaps the slipper most synonymous with relaxed sophistication, it is commonly agreed that the Albert Slipper was named for the husband of Queen Victoria. Gaining popularity in the early 1800s, its primary purpose was to protect the fine rugs that were commonplace in England’s grandest homes. Made in velvet, with the edges roll bound with Petersham, the Albert Slipper is commonly embroidered in gold with initials appropriate to the wearer. Other designs or emblems can be embroidered on the front in different colours according to the customer’s wishes. With a thin sole and low heel, this shoe provides the ultimate in at-home comfort.
Proving that comfort, warmth and practicality needn’t come at the expense of style, our Bath Slipper – made with felt and roll bound with Petersham – enjoy striking and contrasting embroidered lattice pattern.
Few civilisations did relaxed sophistication as well as the ancient Greeks, whose influence can be seen in this effortlessly stylish slipper which takes their name. With a low heel and thin sole, this makes for a wonderful indoor shoe.
Originally known as Pantofles, the mule slipper can trace its lineage back almost five hundred years. In that time, it’s not once fallen out of favour with those who appreciate a sophisticated, effortless house shoe. An icon of comfort, the sole has a foam rubber covered platform.
Perhaps the most formal of all slippers, it’s believed the modern Pump – sometimes referred to as an Opera Pump – was popularised in the early 19th century by ‘The Original Gentleman of Style', Beau Brummell. It was he who removed the traditional silver buckle seen on the vamp of earlier slippers and replaced it with a simple black bow; often wearing them with white bow tie and tails as part of his formal evening wear. To our minds, the thin sole and low heel make this shoe a perfect choice for refined, indoor social occasions.
At John Lobb, we make shoes and boots to last a lifetime. Since our very first pair of boots over 170 years ago, we’ve maintained a commitment to care for and repair all of the shoes and boots we make.
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9 St. James’s Street
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SW1A 1EF
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