• Website: johnlobb.com
• Founded: 1849, London, England
• Founder: John Lobb
• Owned By: Hermès (John Lobb Paris)
• Known For: Lopez Loafer, William Double Monk, Philip II Oxford, bespoke shoemaking
• Category Focus: Luxury footwear, bespoke shoes, leather accessories, belts
John Lobb is one of the world's most prestigious luxury shoemakers, renowned for its bespoke craftsmanship, timeless English elegance, and uncompromising attention to detail. Founded in 1849 by John Lobb, the house has become synonymous with handcrafted footwear that represents the pinnacle of traditional shoemaking. From bespoke commissions to ready-to-wear masterpieces, John Lobb has served royalty, business leaders, and discerning collectors for more than 175 years.
Known for combining Goodyear-welted construction, exceptional leathers, refined lasts, and meticulous hand-finishing, John Lobb has created enduring icons including the Lopez Loafer, William Double Monk, Philip II Oxford, Chapel Monk Strap, City II Oxford, Ashley Loafer, and Thorne Chelsea Boot. Every pair reflects generations of artisanal expertise while balancing classic elegance with contemporary refinement.
Today, John Lobb operates through two historic traditions: John Lobb London, continuing bespoke shoemaking from St James's, and John Lobb Paris, owned by Hermès, producing world-renowned ready-to-wear and bespoke collections.
Lopez Loafer
William Double Monk
Philip II Oxford
City II Oxford
Chapel Monk Strap
Ashley Loafer
Thorne Chelsea Boot
Bespoke Shoes
John Lobb established his first workshop in London in 1849, after building a reputation as an exceptional bootmaker in Australia during the gold rush. His handcrafted riding boots quickly attracted aristocratic clientele, eventually leading to the opening of a workshop on St James's Street, where bespoke shoemaking continues today.
In 1902, a Paris branch was established by the Lobb family. This business later became part of Hermès, expanding the maison internationally while preserving traditional shoemaking methods. Today, every ready-to-wear shoe undergoes hundreds of meticulous production steps, while bespoke shoes continue to be handcrafted using individually carved lasts created specifically for each client.
Key milestones:
• 1849: John Lobb establishes his London shoemaking business.
• 1866: Opens the famous St James's Street workshop in London.
• 1902: Establishment of John Lobb Paris.
• 1976: Hermès acquires John Lobb Paris.
• 1982: Launch of the ready-to-wear collection.
• 2026: Presentation of the Spring/Summer 2026 collection featuring refreshed interpretations of the Lopez, Philip II Oval, and the new Smith Single Buckle, blending British heritage with contemporary elegance.
John Lobb continues preserving one of the world's finest shoemaking traditions while quietly evolving classic footwear for modern wardrobes.
“John Lobb represents shoemaking at its highest level. Its strength lies in preserving centuries of British craftsmanship while producing footwear whose quality, elegance, and longevity remain virtually unmatched.”
John Lobb matters because it transformed traditional English shoemaking into one of luxury's highest expressions of craftsmanship.
Its influence can be seen across:
• Bespoke footwear
• British luxury
• Classic menswear
• Heritage craftsmanship
By combining centuries-old artisanal expertise, exceptional materials, and timeless design, John Lobb continues setting the global benchmark for luxury leather footwear.
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