Top 5 wholecut styles

Nelson is a wide-fitting wholecut on an elongated last with a Goodyear welted leather sole.

As we never tire of explaining, the wholecut is at the pinnacle of handmade shoe making. Firstly you need a large and flawless piece of premium calf leather. Then you need to carefully stretch the leather ver the last without splitting it and hope than no imperfections in the hide become visible. Finally you have to finish the shoe and polish it to its best appearance. Ruskin is a great example of this art, with the added embelishment of punching around the lacing and collar of the shoe.

Rodington is something a little different for the shoe connoisseur. We have detailed a beautiful wholecut with a line of stitching to emulate a toe cap but without adding the bulk. The elegance of this approach is clear from the sleek profile and the lack of a "step" in the leather from toe to vamp. Only a shoe fanatic would notice but, just like the expensive lining on a suit, it matters to the wearer.

If you want to experience the ultimate shoe then we would suggest a wholecut has to be a contender. To make this shoe you need a flawless piece of leather, a skilled craftsman to expertly pull the leather over the last without ripping it and a superb hand-finisher to give it the colour and shine it deserves. None of that comes cheap so Shrewsbury represents amazing value for money.