When it comes to finding truly high-quality dress sneakers, craftsmanship isn’t always guaranteed by a high price tag. Generally, designer brands dominate the high end of the market with elevated prices, but often, you’re paying more for the logo than the materials or construction.
Among these peers, Crown Northampton stands apart. Based in England’s shoemaking hub of Northampton, they bring forth authentic English craftsmanship and time-tested quality with their Harlestone Derby sneakers.
Using traditional methods and premium materials, Crown Northampton creates shoes that, while not overly dressy, have a level of refinement and quality that’s difficult to find in sneakers. In this review, I’ll evaluate the Harlestone Derby sneakers in detail, covering:
Crown Northampton Derby Review
- Brand: Crown Northampton
- Made In: Northampton, England
- Style: Dress Sneaker
- Formality: Semi-Formal
- Upper: Horween Buffalo Leather, Tan (USA)
- Construction: Hand-Stitched Sidewall
- Lactae Hevea Gum Sole
- Price: $461 USD [Shop From Official Site]
Crown Northampton offers a diverse lineup of styles centered largely around the low derby sneaker silhouette, like the Harlestone, alongside a few boot options.
Pricing across their collection varies depending on the materials used for the upper. I opted for the tan Horween buffalo leather, which kept the price just under $500. For those interested in something more luxurious, Crown Northampton also offers models in Horween shell leather, which can cost more than $800.
Style & Appearance
The Horween buffalo leather on these Harlestone Derbys is seriously impressive. The upper’s texture is unique, and I was surprised to find different hide patterns on different parts of the shoe.
The crafters at Crown Northampton are evidently familiar with the intricacies of buffalo hides and, therefore, arranged the leather of the upper in a specific manner.
Specifically, the segments of the leather that have pronounced “striations” were used on the inside of the foot, whereas the more pebbled segments are found throughout the rest of this derby.
Another critical design choice is the French binding along the edges, which hides the raw middle layer of the leather and ties in nicely with the derby construction. This detail gives the shoes a clean, polished look that feels more refined than basic painted-edge dressing
Additionally, the stitching across the shoe is perfect—no loose ends or missed spots. It’s clear they put a lot of care into making sure each stitch lines up, and is even more impressive when you realize these are done by hand.
In terms of color, the tan Horween leather is even and rich, creating a warm look that’s grounded by the black waxed laces. These laces contrast nicely against the tan upper, while the raw gum Lactae Hevea sole blends well with the leather.
Although the black rubber sole option was tempting and would definitely pair nicely, I think the gum sole has just the right amount of balance. On the flip side, I’d probably avoid the white sole, as it might bring too much contrast and take away from the earthy, classic style of the leather.
Fit & Comfort
The internal lining of these Harlestone Derbys is a high-quality, smooth, veg-tanned leather that feels comfortable right out of the box. The structured toe box and thick heel counter provide solid support, giving the shoe a defined shape that is sure to hold up well over time.
However, this also means that the entire leather upper feels a bit stiff at first. For me, after almost a dozen wears, it has already started softening up, but you should know to expect some discomfort at first.
The fit is roomy, especially in the toe box, which allows the toes to move freely without feeling squished. There’s little to no arch support built into the shoe, so if you’re planning on adding inserts, sizing up might be a good idea to maintain comfort. I’ve got plenty of space in the toe box, but inserts for additional arch support could make the fit a bit tight.
The French binding along the top edge, which hides the raw leather, does create a stiffer edge at the shoe’s collar due to the extra leather used. While it’s a bit firm initially, I expect this to soften up with more wear.
So far, after under a dozen outings, the leather is breaking in nicely, with the cork-filled soles adding a level of comfort that’s great for longer wear. This comfort is also enhanced by the natural-rubber Lactae Hevea soles.
Dress Code & Formality
When it comes to situations that call for a dressier pair of sneakers, the Harlestone Derby sneakers are a solid choice. They’re versatile enough to elevate more casual outfits, adding a bit of sophistication to something as relaxed as jeans or selvedge denim.
They work particularly well for those times when you want a refined look without going full formal. In business-casual or professional settings, they’re an ideal match for casual trousers, making them a great option for offices that lean more relaxed on dress codes.
The choice of leather with these sneakers also affects the formality.
For instance, a pair in Horween shell would lend a sleeker, more polished look, making them feel dressier and better suited for upscale events or business casual environments.
On the other hand, the tan Horween buffalo leather on this pair gives off a slightly more rugged, earthy vibe, making them a bit more laid-back while still retaining an air of refinement.
Presentation
Crown Northampton has put real thought into their packaging, making the unboxing experience feel quite premium.
Each pair arrives in a sturdy shoe box with paper packed inside to keep the shape of the shoes during transit. Alongside the shoes, they include a handwritten note, a keychain made from the same leather as the shoes, an extra pair of laces, and high-quality shoe bags for storage.
Since every Crown Northampton order is made-to-order in England, there’s a bit of a wait involved, but it’s worth it.
The brand uses an express shipping service, so once the shoes are crafted, they arrive fairly quickly. It’s the production time that takes the longest, a necessary trade-off for the custom-made quality you’re getting with each pair.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re considering a pair of Crown Northampton shoes, I’d highly recommend checking out some factory tour videos on YouTube. They really showcase the artisanal quality behind each pair and give a deeper understanding of the craft, which you might not fully grasp just by wearing them. Crown Northampton is crafting more than just leather sneakers—they’re putting more than a century of shoemaking expertise into every stitch and finish.
These Harlestone Derbys are as good as it gets for leather sneakers, especially considering the construction methods and quality materials like Horween leather.
Crown Northampton balances tradition with modern styling to create sneakers that feel right at home in both casual and semi-formal settings. For anyone who appreciates genuine craftsmanship, these shoes deliver the luxury and longevity to make them a worthwhile investment.
"Crown Northampton’s Harlestone Derby sneakers deliver refined style and craftsmanship, making them a top-tier choice for anyone looking for true quality and a premium feel in a pair of sneakers."
Further Reading
Once you’ve finished reading our review, feel free to peruse our wide range of shoe content such as the following resources:
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