John Lobb: Still on the front foot

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In 1851, 22-year-old John Lobb left his home in rural Cornwall and walked 200 miles to London wearing a pair of his own handmade boots. So taken was a well-known bootmaker with the young man's prowess that he took him on as an apprentice. This good luck would change the fortunes of the humble farmer's son forever.

Once Lobb had completed his apprenticeship, he embarked for Australia, which was in the grip of the Gold Rush. The boots with hollow heels that he was commissioned to make by canny prospectors keen to conceal their nuggets made him a very good living. A few years later, back in the British capital, he fittingly was the recipient of a gold medal at the London Universal Exhibition.

In 1863, Lobb sent a pair of boots to the Prince of Wales, who was so impressed with the workmanship that he appointed him as his personal supplier. Flushed with success, the bootmaker opened his first shop on Regent Street in 1866 and became renowned as a purveyor of the finest gentlemen's footwear.

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Some 150 years later, the company's latest service, Levah By Request, combines Lobb's traditional values of quality and craftsmanship with the modern comfort and versatility of a sneaker. The By Request service, which was previously only available for the creation of bespoke Oxford, Derby, buckle, loafer and boot styles, now allows customers to create a completely unique pair of Levah shoes from an extensive selection of premium leather options, including the finest calfskin, textured grain calf and soft suedes in a spectrum of rich colours and subtle tones to suit all tastes.

Further personalisation options include the colour of contrast binding on the tongue, the style of metal eyelets and waxed laces, and a choice of white or natural rubber soles. Initials can also be added via Lobb's monogramming service, indicating that your box-fresh sneakers are unmistakably yours.

johnlobb.com