If you’ve been following Bespoke Unit, you already know we’re big fans of Crown Northampton.
We’ve previously reviewed their Harlestone Derby dress sneakers and stitch-down desert boots, both of which impressed us with their craftsmanship.
Now, we turn our attention to one of their newer designs—the Everdon “Rambler” mid-size boots.
Is it a sneaker? A boot? A “snoot” or worst of all… a “beaker”? This Rambler blurs the lines.
While it shares the same upper as the Everdon high-top sneaker, two key differences set it apart: a rugged Vibram cupsole and durable ring-style eyelets.
Marketed as a versatile, all-season, go-anywhere boot, it’s time to put them to the test via the following categories:
Crown Northampton Desert Boots
- Brand: Crown Northampton
- Made In: Northampton, England
- Style: Mid-Size Boots
- Formality: “Sporty” Casual
- Upper: Forest Green Horween Chromexcel (Chicago, USA)
- Construction: Hand-Stitched Upper
- Vibram All-Weather Cupsole
- Stitched Sidewall
- Cork Footbed
- Price: $475 USD [Shop From Official Site]
The forest green Chromexcel was what caught my eye first—and seeing these boots in person didn’t disappoint. The leather has this rich, deep olive tone that begs to be worn and scuffed up. Every little mark brings out lighter shades underneath, giving the boots more character over time.
Style & Appearance
Crown Northampton has been crafting shoes in England for over a century, with the same family at the helm for five generations.
According to their website, wholecut shoe construction was historically a mark of a master cobbler’s skill. Working with a single, unbroken piece of leather required both high-quality material and expert craftsmanship.
The benefits? No seams to fail or leak, and an undeniably sleek, elegant appearance.
The Everdon Rambler applies this tradition to a more rugged design. Crafted from a single massive piece of Horween Chromexcel leather, it wraps around the foot seamlessly, with only a small stitch at the back.
I’ve already waxed poetic about Chromexcel in my review of the BLKBRD Fenrir boots, but it’s worth repeating: this leather develops character beautifully, showing scuffs and scrapes that can easily be buffed back to a pristine finish.
It’s exactly what Crown Northampton had in mind when designing a boot that blends refinement with an outdoorsy edge.
Adding to the craftsmanship, the Everdon Rambler features precise French binding along the edges of the upper, even extending down the vamp. This detail hides raw leather edges and must be done by hand—every stitch is flawless.
Despite these refined touches, the boot has a tough, no-nonsense appeal. The brass ring-style eyelets and speed hooks make for easy on-and-off while further blurring the line between sneaker and boot. Rounding it all out is the Vibram cup sole, which not only adds durability but also provides excellent traction—ideal for wet Pacific Northwest days and even light trails.
Fit & Comfort
One detail I didn’t mention earlier is that the Everdon’s interior is lined with vegetable-tanned leather—exceptionally fine veg-tan leather, in fact.
According to Crown Northampton, this is the same quality leather used by some brands for making luxury bags. Sliding your foot into the boot is a treat—soft, buttery, and far superior to the synthetic linings often found in sneakers.
Unlike those, this leather only gets better with wear, molding naturally to your foot over time. After a month of wear, I can already feel the fit adapting in all the right places.
Beyond the lining, Crown Northampton integrates oak-tanned leather toe stiffeners and counter covers to reinforce high-wear areas. Two premium leathers, hidden inside for structure and comfort—impressive.
The toebox leans narrow, but thankfully, Crown Northampton offers both wide and narrow sizes. If you plan to wear thick wool socks, I’d recommend either going for the wide fit or sizing up.
Similar to the desert boots I reviewed earlier, these sit on the lower end of ankle boots. They wear more like sneakers than traditional boots, making them a great lightweight alternative.
As for the sole, the Vibram cup sole is firmer than a standard sneaker sole but more comfortable than a heavy Vibram wedge sole. It’s lightweight, and the addition of a traditional cork footbed enhances comfort, allowing the boot to mold to your foot even further. With wear, these only get better.
Closing Thoughts
The Crown Northampton Everdon Ramblers remind me of Land Rovers—built on centuries of English tradition, crafted from premium materials, and ready to tackle any terrain in style.
Last year, my wife and I traveled to Germany, indulging in sausages, scenic train rides, and endless walking—about 15,000 steps a day, to be exact. I wore some beautifully made heritage hiking boots, which kept my feet dry but left them blistered and battered. These Ramblers would have been a far better choice—equally handsome but far more forgiving on long treks.
Versatile enough to dress up with a blazer for a refined yet effortless look, these boots channel the understated elegance of icons like Gianni Agnelli and Ralph Lauren.
While the price tag might give some pause, consider this: a factory resole from Crown Northampton costs just 100 GBP, meaning these boots are built to last a lifetime. With each wear, they mold to your feet, growing even more comfortable over time.
I’ve always believed in buying once and crying once—and the Everdon Ramblers make a compelling case for that philosophy.
"Blending rugged durability with refined craftsmanship, the Crown Northampton Everdon Rambler is a versatile, all-terrain boot that only gets better with every step."
Further Reading
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