How Tricker's Makes Britain's Best Boot (Factory Visit)

* Thanks to Tricker's for having me! Here's the Stow boot: trickers.com/collections/stow...
* See Northampton's finest SNEAKER factory, Crown: • How to Make a $739 Sne...
Tricker's make the pre eminent British boot right in the country's world famous shoemaking hub of Northampton, UK. As recipients of a royal warrant, Tricker's has been officially recognized by the Royal Family as producers of footwear fine enough to shod the Royals themselves, and their flagship item is the Stow boot: a country boot made of calfskin that's as luxurious as it is hardwearing. See how it's made in this extremely special video.
00:00 Intro
00:34 Sorting the leather
01:10 "Clicking"
01:55 Skiving
02:17 Closing
03:00 Mulling
03:20 Lasting
04:45 Welt sewing
05:17 Filling the void with shank and cork filling
05:42 Sole press
06:02 Sole stitching
06:38 Heel and edge finishing
07:45 Heel socks
08:25 Quality control
09:14 The history of Tricker's
10:02 Tricker's and the royal family
10:59 Why is the Stow boot so durable?
12:25 What's distinctive about the Stow boot?

[@Stridewise]

Check out my other video from Northampton: How to make a $739 sneaker kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJXJm2qMatpoqMU

[@dontworrybout2664]

Bro if you didn’t shhhh. ill. I would trust you more

[@elitepunch1498]

No trickers video is complete without Sharon 😊 Great boots & great content 👍

[@Stridewise]

Love that Sharon content!

[@toodamnskippy6220]

My favourite all-time boot making video. You let the people behind the boots be the stars, their pride is overwhelming. Great job of photography, editing and content.

[@Stridewise]

So happy you liked it, man! I try not to make myself the star of these kinds of videos!

[@user-iz4mq4td2u]

Can't beat the quality wow hand made

[@K_j_M]

Not 'handmade' at all... These are clearly mass produced using automated processes. I'm disappointed to see this as they charge hand made prices for production line products

[@nmw6674]

Simply beautiful boots/shoes made by an iconic British company. Proud owner of these Stow boots and Bourton x2. When you get them home and open the box....ohhh... the felt bags they come with just exemplify the quality of their product and attention to detail. I usually choose the leather soles but they can be quite dodgy on certain surfaces, but the looks they attract from people give you that feeling that they are a special thing. I also wear Loakes, Sanders, Grenson's...all equally a thing of beauty. Well worth the outlay cos they last a lifetime.

[@cdakskid]

I'm one of those people who have way too many boots, so I don't wear any pair consistently. When I do get around to wearing my Tricker's, I'm always "re-surprised" at how great they are in looks, quality and comfort. I think they are overlooked by many in the US. They compare favorably with some of the very highest quality boots.

[@randynovick7972]

Same story for me. I'd like to get a bespoke pair one day, though.

[@Rigz727]

That’s because they are of the highest quality😉

[@Stridewise]

@@randynovick7972 I had a section on their bespoke department but it slowed the video down too much, but it is extremely cool

[@ayasugihada]

@@Stridewise could you put it into a separate video?

[@ivankrasimirov9334]

We need more of these videos, you are great at making them! I appreciate you just letting the craftsmen talk and work, no unnecessary fluff or interruptions.

[@Stridewise]

Haha I do so many of these videos! Got another Horween one coming up and I might just be filming in Indonesia next month...

[@SuperRocketKnight]

What timing for a Trickers video. One of the problems I have with a lot of the boot reviews I watch is they’re often only focussed on American brands. Being an Australian I have shelves full of RM Williams and got into Trickers at the start of the year, and I’ve fallen down a bit of a rabbit hole with them. Finally got my hands on a pair of acorn stows this week to wear to my collection and they are gorgeous boots.

[@jameslarue2878]

My two grail boots: RM Williams and Trickers Stow

[@arindambasu9850]

Trickers Stow, the king of country boots and a surprisingly versatile boot which goes with all kinds of outfits. Mine are in chestnut calf and they are gorgeous.

[@Stridewise]

They look so good with olive trousers and a denim shirt

[@ibbjos08]

Kinky Boots is a movie about the Northampton shoe industry and I believe parts were filmed at the Trickers factory. I enjoyed the movie.

[@MisterKnightly]

Wasn't that also the name of an odd musical?

[@ibbjos08]

@@MisterKnightly yes it's the movie based on the musical.

[@ibbjos08]

@@MisterKnightly yes!

[@MisterKnightly]

@@ibbjos08 Well, now see, I had no idea it was about Northampton! Thank you.

[@Molach101]

Good to see Sharon at 8:24 - she does all the shoe care advice for Trickers on their KZbin channel covering different leathers

[@randynovick7972]

Sharon FTW!

[@Stridewise]

Amazed at all the Sharon support in these comments, very happy/lucky I included her!!

[@chrisjones759]

Im a longstanding Trickers customer & a huge fan of the brand . It's not clear in the video whether the heel stiffener is still made of leather? I also take issue with the statement where the gentleman says the Stow has a "full bellows tongue" , when it & all other Trickers boots clearly do not & have not , to my knowledge for decades . This is a clear definition & determines that water will not immediately penetrate the full height of the boot when immersed in a puddle for instance . One of my pairs of MTO Trickers - a long wing galosh on the Stow last - was made without even the half bellows tongue we see in the above video - this is an important distinction when buying a country boot , re waterproofing/ resistance etc ; as I would wear my bespoke boots ( with a full bellows tongue) for walking in very wet conditions , but would not possibly consider any of my Trickers for this as water would penetrate once in a puddle / mud rising above the level of the where the half bellows tongue is attached to the vamp . A full bellows tongue consists of a more robust & much more water repellent construction, the leather folding back on itself on either side of the tongue & attached all the way to the ankle , therefore giving far more protection against water ingress . It would be great if Trickers would bring back the full bellows tongue - maybe they offer this via their bespoke service? In the meantime let's get these distinctions right! The video is otherwise very informative & rightly celebrates the dying craft English shoe making . Its so great to hear the enthusiasm for the profession from the young apprentice

[@sursorn5575]

They could also do with sone speed hooks on their Stow Boots

[@krystjanchanerley9288]

I recently bought a pair of Trickers stow and they definitely don’t have. a full bellows tongue ..

[@freqeist]

Just bought my son a pair of Tricker Keswick tan brogues for Xmas.

[@darrenhall7454]

Great video!! This is the video I’ve been waiting for, and I’m not disappointed. Fabulous! Nearly 200 years of shoemaking skill. Truly amazing. I’m own a pair of Tricker’s Bourton shoes and they’re my most prized pair of shoes. The calf skin is incredibly tough. So much tougher than it looks. Great job, Nick.

[@casuallyworked4698]

trickers makes amazing boots. can't go wrong. Same as cheaney and Crockett and jones. QC and style.

[@paulterry8373]

Tricker's are just amazing boots and shoes..... I have 12 pairs of Tricker's as well as many other boots from the likes of RM Williams, Truman, Wolverine, Red Wing, C&J, Bordon, Loake, EG, Carmina, AS, plus more........ I keep coming back to Tricker's as they are my favourite, perfectly combining quality materials, construction, finishing and aesthetics........

[@Mr.Canuck]

Just received my Stow Country boots, beautiful aesthetics and outstanding quality. Fit true to size 8.5 US- 7.5 UK. 👍👍I always live by these words: 'spend the money once'. Money very well spent.

[@banbaji]

It's so fun to see the little differences in production between factories. Each have their own optimized processes. Tricker's boots look great!

[@Stridewise]

Yeah the addition of the steaming room was really interesting

[@richyclubsport5155]

I'm a few miles from Northamptonshire, own Trickers, Crockett and Jones, Grenson, Cheaney, Loake and Jeffrey West, Crockett and Jones are my personal favorites followed closely by Trickers. All my collections bought from factory shops at fantastic value, if you are in Northamptonshire factory outlets are the way to go for a great deal as much as 65% of RRP

[@markspence3295]

My nana used o be an outworker for the shoe manufacturers locally. She was a clicker and had a marble slab and an a scarily sharp clicking knife.

[@OeyvindH]

Great to see you over the pond! British boots are great! Less work boot, more countryside leisure. Crockett & Jones Islay is my personal favorite.

[@Stridewise]

Will definitely visit Crockett and Jones next time I'm there!

[@williamkazak469]

Awesome tour. What a process. Thank you to everyone involved in making this video.

[@rossmcfarlane6687]

I love my Stows and Bourtons. Brilliant insight behind the curtain.

[@Czechbound]

I bought a pair of suede, derby walking shoes with Dianite soles. They were expensive, but the quality reflects the price. Beautiful "rabbit" suede I think they call it. Very fine nap. And builetproof construction. These shoes will definitely outlive me. And great to know that when the time comes that they need to be resoled, that I can return them to Tricksters for renewal. And although they are expensive, they do have a decent sale which is worth looking out for. If you have the spons, I can't recommend them enough

[@randynovick7972]

I have a pair of Stow boots in that same camel color. They're lovely, but the one thing I wish I could have had from them are commando soles. The only option was Dainite, which is alright, but when the time comes, commandos will go on.

[@Trickers-Shoes]

Fantastic. Thanks, Nick!

[@MrDuojet]

Excellent video. Making quality boots/shoes takes time and quality craftspeople.

[@Brajin1]

Great video, love seeing the process aspects. It’s good to see the heritage and how proud the members of that community are in working at this company.

[@Stridewise]

Northampton is a special place, workers there are so passionate about making good footwear.

[@elreydelmundo8499]

awesome video! Great to see the various steps in the making of the shoes and boots.

[@Stridewise]

It's interesting how much the process can differ between factories!

[@chrishb7074]

Thank you for making this fascinating video - a real gem on YT - from someone born in Northampton (many years ago).

[@Stridewise]

Delighted you liked it! Hope you saw my other Northampton video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJXJm2qMatpoqMU

[@benjaminkenobi21]

I very much want a pair of these now, every shoe shown in the video is awesome.

[@elizabethingram9784]

Now THAT’S a beautiful boot!

[@user-iz4mq4td2u]

Wow love that boot love the color

[@IvanOsikin]

Excellent video. So interesting.

[@waxedearth5425]

That man has been stitching since 16 years old. That’s amazing. Excellent video, tour, love what I’m seeing here. Also, the way they warm up the beautiful colored calfskin in the heating room. Shows they take time, instead of rapidly heating and possibly deteriorating the leather like some companies. Stridewise 👍🏻

[@Stridewise]

Thanks so much! Yeah the boot sauna was a really interesting element I hadn't seen before. They're definitely made with love and I agree, guys working there for their whole careers is really inspiring.

[@StrickenBiged]

I love my Trickers. I’ve got 4 pairs. One of their lasts just fits my foot so well I had to get all the leather shoes and boots I’ll ever need in that last.

[@Stridewise]

it's a special moment when you find a brand with a last that's just right for your foot! I love the last too

[@StrickenBiged]

@@Stridewise I should have added, it was your video on the Stow boot from a few years ago that first made me aware of Trickers. Thank you for that!

[@martinsmith1525]

That was a great watch and thank you. I always love watching factory clips of boots getting made. While you are in Northampton, you should pay a visit to NPS shoes in Wollaston and see solovair boots getting made and also nps footwear. I would love to see that. 🙂👍

[@Stridewise]

I would like that! My sister lives in London so I'm over there pretty regularly, will return

[@martinsmith1525]

@@Stridewise Excellent. That would be great to see. 🙂👍

[@ayasugihada]

I was lucky recently and bought Stow in acorn for about £200. Gorgeous boot, but I couldn't justify the full price. Looking forward to wearing it in autumn.

[@jonstern7511]

Those things are built like tanks!

[@angrybanana6223]

Frightening coincidence that I was watching your Country Boot review for the second time earlier today.

[@Stridewise]

Haha! I'll have to do an updated review on that one day

[@philmulrooney7020]

Trickers are great British boots.

[@haraldhoffmann6752]

Great Video, I would like to see where Cullum is going to. A Guy with ambition ! Best Regards H

[@Stridewise]

I loved seeing dudes fresh out of school who were all excited about a career in shoemaking!

[@secondhandcindarella5205]

Crocket & Jones calling, Coniston is on the line for you...

[@fallingwickets]

howcome tricker chelseas never make any of the 'best' lists? look much nicer than williams and only a few dollars more expensive!?? thanks for the great content

[@Stridewise]

I don't know, here in the US they're like 50% more expensive than RM Williams!

[@tommysmith7031]

Would it be a ridiculous idea to do a video about Stridewise origin story? It would be interesting to know more about the man behind the boot.

[@Stridewise]

that always felt self serving to me haha

[@tommysmith7031]

@@Stridewise I don't believe you have done a Q&A also.

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

These look nice. The brogue boots remind me of Grenson “Fred” boot.

[@frenettaoneal2482]

Good video.

[@Stridewise]

Thanks boss!

[@brianwarner44]

Awesome video!! I was always curious about Trickers and this video was perfect! Keep up the factory tours!!

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Anybody have a pair of Tricker's that isn't murder on the small outside toes? I'm wondering if they have any lasts that come close to a Trubalance or Munson in ergonomics, because they look really angular in the toe box...but I would love to have a pair.

[@booleann___]

It looks like the toe puff and the heel counter (what they call heel stiffener) are both some sort of heat activated synthetic material, instead of leather? Is this correct?

[@oliverk191]

I've tried other brands but I always go back to trickers. They are dependable and not overly fussy. You really can't break a pair of trickers. It's easy to pick them up at a 30-40% reduction making them a bargain

[@euanhaines9296]

I've seen lanx boots popping up a lot recently, you should review them, they're from England too.

[@krisjonesuk]

I’ve watched several factory tour videos before but hitherto I’ve never heard of a ‘mulling room’ before. I’ve got a pair of Tricker’s Axton Super Boots, which I adore. I think what sets them apart from other boot makers is the quality of the leather they use. Even the leather linings seems to be better quality.

[@GavinHitchens]

Interesting isn't it? I guess others spray or soak leather to make it easier to work, and the mulling room is their version. What do you think, probably less aggressive to the leather?

[@krisjonesuk]

@@GavinHitchens It seems like a good idea but I’m not aware of other shoemakers using one. The only other reference I can find to a mulling room is in the making of cigars.

[@Stridewise]

I've BEEN to many factory tours and never seen a mulling room! I love finding all these variations in the way companies make their boots. Just because two boots are Goodyear welted doesn't mean they're made the same way!

[@1114gabby]

Some of the most beautiful boots in the world. Would love to have a pair. Not like traditional American boots at all. Great tour.

[@EdAb]

Thank you for the video, Nick! Too bad Tricker's doesn't make anything larger than E widths. Very sad.😢

[@Stridewise]

you can get bespoke ones made!

[@EdAb]

@@Stridewise Yes, true... But, at £3500.00 a pair, I think I might choose to go a different route. 🙂

[@trevorhirst5096]

in your video 4 years ago, you mentioned that $585 was expensive for these- they are over $700 now on their site. Would you say they're now overpriced? Are they cheaper in other places?

[@MisterKnightly]

Great video as always, and amazing boots. But surely Britain's Best Boot won't be one that comes only in limited widths?

[@Stridewise]

Haha I couldn't get to them this time around but my sister lives in London so I'll be back again soon and will get back up to Northampton!

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Absolutely one of the best shoe making and boot making company in the the world. Very few or no equals anywhere once you see the difference carefully. Rebuildable for years. The only ones that compare are Joseph Cheaney & Son. Nothing else out there. Except private shoemakers Rest is hype marketing

[@berndr4650]

You are now tapping at shoe enthusiasts off USA. I own already 4 pairs of Trickers. I live in France (German citizen) and I follow your channel. Totally different from US/Canada) brands (which I love as well - do not ask for the number of Redwings , Vibergs I have ) But if you talk of "bespoke" style Trickers is the choice, more elegant, not talking about the sophistication of the build. Great idea to jump over to Europe.

[@certainstrength]

Literally the only issue I have with Trickers boots is that the quarters are far too close together. Does anyone know if one can special order with quarters farther apart?

[@thedemonnemo]

These lads are wearing high end tool watches, they must be paid well, they deserve it.

[@MrMarcob73]

I have dozen of pairs of Tricker’s shoes&boots and i’ll sure keep buying more and more! So much love for their products

[@MrZanzibar123]

Love these boots but nervous to buy without trying them on! When I was in Oxford, England, I looked all over the place, but couldn’t find them there. Maybe you can do a video about sizing on these sweet beasts? Thanks!

[@Stridewise]

For me it's my normal British size! 10.5. I'm 11 in US boots and 11.5 on a brannock device, so it's just normal British sizing :/

[@Mr.Canuck]

They fit true to size. Im 8.5 US and 7.5 UK was a perfect fit. Tricker's sizing chart is spot on.

[@MrZanzibar123]

@@Stridewise Thanks! Took the plunge and love the boots I got!

[@ash36230]

Some love for traditionally made British boots, of which they still exist. I'd love to own a pair, but my feet are always awkward sizes and makes me a bit more reluctant to spend the extra

[@jt1559]

I find it's usually these types of makers who do offer different widths (narrow and wide). I'm a US 8.5 E (wide) so all my leather shoes and boots are all US or English made by traditional makers. They all usually provide feet measuring guides that you can print to find your size. That said, your awkward shaped feet may be something other than width.

[@drhientran]

So what’s your Tricker size. I have 8.5 wide feet also

[@nahidkhan1234]

Thank you!! Now Grenson 😭

[@brunonjezic6208]

Do you still own your pair? How does it fit this days? My pare feels a bit short

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I absolutely love their Stow boots so much but can’t get a pair because they don’t offer US equivalent eee widths in their ready to wear options. I reached out to their customer support with my measurements and was told I’d have to go their bespoke route. Alas, not meant to be.

[@timedwards8171]

Where can I get my feet measured for me to be able purchase these boots

[@_bats_]

I wonder how much money they have saved by wrapping the shoes in plastic like that (which I assume is to prevent scratches or preventing the edge dressing from getting on the upper, turning a fine shoe into a second or something that would get returned).

[@jsa-tg3ht]

if my AE Higgins Mill is Size 10 EEE, what should be my size in a Tricker's Stow Country Boots?

[@Stridewise]

HM is true to size so you'd be a 9 in Tricker's. If Tricker' does wide sizes you'd be a 9 wide, I think. If they don't go EEE wide I'd go up a half size in them, so like 9.5 wide

[@loki1066]

Do they make any that aren't calf leather?

[@sursorn5575]

Kudu leather

[@jefffarmer9200]

I cannot find a Stowe with a commando sole anywhere. Where can I find one?

[@randynovick7972]

I ended up going with Dainites because there was no commando choice. I'll wear 'em in and have them replaced at some point.

[@Stridewise]

divisionroadinc.com/collections/trickers/products/trickers-stow-boot-4497-commando-acorn-antique

[@stevenrance5320]

The Milton is what you are looking for.

[@branchclan6112]

Allen Edmonds Dalton. Amazing boot. 🇺🇸

[@martyn420]

I've got several pairs of Tricker's boots and buying a pair without wonky eyelets and misaligned facings is getting tiring. Quality control has deteriorated rapidly and Tricker's are letting any old dross be sold as first quality. I thought I'd try another manufacturer but was similarly disappointed.

[@benjaminmatte5225]

Great vid, nice boots

[@K_j_M]

For the price, I expected these to be hand lasted

[@lgroves336]

I would order a pair of Tricker's but figuring out the sizing is challenging. MOST of the dealers do not allow a return for full credit. Most do a return for store credit. When your playing with such an expensive item you need options. If I order a size that doesn't fit they do not always have the size you wanna try next in stock. NIGHTMARE. Thhis alone keeps from from buying a pair. I have no dealers within 500 miles to evem try on a pair.

[@AJ-by6pd]

Where does Tricker’s source most of their leather?

[@krystjanchanerley9288]

I believe they keep it a secret

[@JamesandRibble]

Cows

[@AJ-by6pd]

@@JamesandRibble genius!!

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I've asked but they keep it secret!

[@janerkenbrack3373]

I can't tell if this fellow is saying that brogue on shoes started to let water out of shoes, but I dispute that claim. I've spent countless hours trying to find support for that claim, and all I get is modern references. Let's be real. Holes in the top of shoes will not only let water get in, it will let mud get in too. At that point you'd be better off with sandals. It would only offer real function if the holes were along the bottom edge of the shoe, or in the soles themselves. And then you'd still end up with filthy and muddy feet. Brogue on shoes as always been decorative and cosmetic. Cosmetic in that it hide scratches and damage marks through camouflage.

[@jasonk6298]

i find the trickers brogue holes (also most other uk wingtips) to be too large for my liking. triggers my trypophibia. i prefer the alden wingtip boots.

[@Stridewise]

Surprised you have ANY wingtip boots with trypophibia! but glad you found a pair. i've got alden wingtips too, shoes not boots

[@14s0cc3r14]

10:15 They provide for the staff for the Royals in exchange for them to wear their boots? So it’s literally just paid advertisement 😂

[@Stridewise]

Every shoe company on Earth would do everything in their power to be the supplier to the royal family, but they selected Tricker's because they meet a high standard. It's not a 'highest bidder' thing, Tricker's doesn't buy the warrant

[@ibbjos08]

Waiting for someone to lament the use of celastic toe and heel stiffeners, lol, jk.

[@Stridewise]

Some people get so weird about things like that haha

[@qnikqsy3085]

I would say Cheaney are better.

[@Rigz727]

Why would you say Cheaney are better? I would say they are on par, they are certainly of super high quality also.

[@qnikqsy3085]

@@Rigz727 more slick look, better heel cup. Jarrow R model is pure perfection.

[@krystjanchanerley9288]

I disagree

[@Molach101]

I've heard reviews of Cheaney's veldtschoen models that suggest they are not as robustly made as Tricker's

[@caduceus33]

Dear Stridewise, you don't need music added to this video. In fact, it's annoying and unpleasant.

[@TFM8]

I enjoyed it

[@Stridewise]

you're annoying and unpleasant!!!!

[@Cotivity]

I've had an eye on this brand recently, so it's good to get my initial curiosity out of the way. Solid look.

[@Stridewise]

Happy this was useful for you my friend