[Geoff Gander]

While researching balmoral boots, I came across a thread on another forum (FNB, London Lounge - can't remember) that mentioned a firm called John Spencer which made the item in question. I did a quick search, and came across the following website:

https://www.johnspencershoes.com/en/index.html

Does anyone here know about them? They are apparently setting up an online shop, and their gallery of styles doesn't look too bad.

Geoff

 

[eagle2250]

Just a caution but, I've tried to access the website referenced and it keeps locking my computer up...not sure why? Sorry Geoff, I don't have any experience with the Spencer shoes to share with you.

 

[omairp]

A British shoe-maker with no showroom in London?

 

[trolperft]

John Spencer shoes were made by The Tecnic Shoe Co Ltd in Northampton. But the shoemaker has no longer existed. It went bankrupt in 90s, I think.
I saw some shoes of the brand in person years ago. My impression was that they are on par with Alfred Sargent or Cheaney.
I have no idea if the John Spencer shoes on the website referenced are what they were, though.

 

[bengal-stripe]

John Spencer shoes were made by The Tecnic Shoe Co Ltd in Northampton. But the shoemaker has no longer existed. It went bankrupt in 90s.

John Spencer used to be a Northampton manufacturer of mid-price shoes, who went under, maybe in the early 90s.
Last owner of the company was Marks & Spencer (no relations).

The brand (maybe the name only) has survived in Spain, just like 'Lotus', another traditional Northampton manufacturer.
If those John Spencer shoes, made in Spain or further afar, share anything but the name with the former Northampton company,
I wouldn't know.

 

[Leather man]

The shoes look good - Cheaney sort of quality - but that doesn't mean they are! Like a lot of things we are not familiar with - better to see them in the flesh before buying.

I've had experience before of photos looking better than the real thing - and not only with lower end shoes - sometimes well respected brands on our fora can do the same thing.

Worth having a look though I would think -and then taking it from their - wish their "shop" was up and running then we could see prices!

 

[Trimmer]

There's a curious photo link on the website to 'old times' which shows (quite nice) pictures of a factory which appears to be in Spain in the 1920s.

I have a pair of John Spencer shoes which have seen a lot of wear since the 1980s and have held up well through several high street resolings.

 

[bengal-stripe]

There's a curious photo link on the website to 'old times' which shows (quite nice) pictures of a factory which appears to be in Spain in the 1920s.

Yes, you're right! Doesn't look anything like Northampton! - LOL!!!

Check the series of production pictures. On the last picture, the heel that is getting attached, is marked 'Finsbury' (a French brand).

 

[meister]

I have a pair of Boateng welted wholecuts and someone somewhere said they were made by John Spencer and that he was a 'lesser' Northhampton makerFWIW

 

[whistle_blower71]

John Spencer were made by Technic and were justly known for excellent boots, particularly the "george" boot. John Rushton (of Wimpole St fame)was a fan and stocked them in his "Soho Shoes" shop in Brewer street in the 90s.
Many blame M&S for the closure of Technic but that depends on who you talk to.
If the current range of John Spencer are made in the same factory as Sancho boots on the west coast of Spain (not far from Almeria) they will be good quality and properly goodyear welted. A very clean make.
My experience with Spanish/Portugese shoes has been positive and although they are not as refined as my EGs or Cleverleys they represent excellent value. Ideal for a casual loafer or chukka.

W_B

 

[Geoff Gander]

Interesting thoughts, everyone.

I've sent a message to their sales department, asking whether they can confirm the presence of a balmoral boot in their lineup. If the price, look, and quality are right, I have no qualms about buying a pair.

Geoff

 

[Groover]

The shoes look good - Cheaney sort of quality - but that doesn't mean they are! Like a lot of things we are not familiar with - better to see them in the flesh before buying.

I've had experience before of photos looking better than the real thing - and not only with lower end shoes - sometimes well respected brands on our fora can do the same thing.

Worth having a look though I would think -and then taking it from their - wish their "shop" was up and running then we could see prices!

+1

LM are you a detective? If I'm not mistaken the picture on the homepage, 3 one down of the welt being stitched is very similar if not the same (but cropped) of a welt being sown taken from the Cheaney catalogue. I'm going to go and dig it out to compare....

 

[Leather man]

+1

LM are you a detective? If I'm not mistaken the picture on the homepage, 3 one down of the welt being stitched is very similar if not the same (but cropped) of a welt being sown taken from the Cheaney catalogue. I'm going to go and dig it out to compare....

Mmm - interesting - do let us know your findings!

 

[The Sartorial Executive]

John Spencer shoes available on sale here https://www.gorgeous-sales.co.uk/private-sales/John-Spencer/Masculine-16-1.html

 

[Groover]

Mmm - interesting - do let us know your findings!

It's not the same picture, just very similar, taken from the same angle.

 

[mikevienna]

Hi all,
My first post here. I'm an Australian guy living in Vienna, Austria.

I just got a pair of John Spencer shoes (monks) here yesterday. In Vienna at least they are sold by a company called Abba www.abbaschuhe.at Maybe the two companys are working together these days? I paid around €245 for the shoes-too much do you think? To wear, they feel like they are around the same quality as Loake-I'm no shoe expert though.

Mike

 

[trolperft]

Hi all,
I paid around €245 for the shoes-too much do you think? To wear, they feel like they are around the same quality as Loake-I'm no shoe expert though.

Mike

I agree with you. Their Spanish made shoes are obviouly of less quality than What they used to make in Northampton. Still solid construction(good-year welted) but poorer leather upper & sole. That said, They are at least better than Loake. I think €245 is a fair price.