Edward Green

In 1890, an industrious man named Edward Green began making men's shoes in his Northampton workshop. He soon gained a great reputation. The company remained in family ownership and a major employer until the 1980s, when the company's finances were in dire straits. A certain John Hlustik was found as the savior, promising to buy the factory cheaply because debts came with it. Under his leadership, EG gained its current reputation, which has only grown over the decades. As have the prices.

Today, EG footwear is made in England, using the best possible materials and a wide range of models. There are hundreds of last sizes and widths, of which the 202-last, designed a hundred years ago, is legendary. You can also have your own pairs made to order, and the factory has a service department that restores used pairs. The oldest of them are still in use after more than 30 years.

Green's slogan is "The finest shoes in England for the discerning few."