The Best Value to Quality Goodyear Welted Shoes in Britain? Berwick 1707 Reviewed
Berwick 1707: Can You Really Tell the Difference from the Competition?
When you first handle a pair of Berwick 1707 shoes, there’s a moment of quiet surprise. The heft of the leather, the precision of the welt, the richness of the finish, all the hallmarks of heritage shoemaking are there. Yet the price tag isn’t sky high. Which naturally raises the question: can Berwick 1707 really stand alongside the premium brands?
Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief Introduction to Berwick 1707
Berwick 1707 is crafted in Almansa, Spain, a region with a long shoemaking tradition of over 300 hundred years. The factory is family run, vertically integrated, and entirely focused on Goodyear welted construction. That means every pair is built for longevity: cork filled footbeds, full leather insoles, stitched welts, and soles that can be replaced for decades of wear.
What’s striking is how Berwick mirrors the principles of high end shoemaking, traditional methods, natural materials, and meticulous finishing, but without the layers of middlemen that drive up prices elsewhere. The result? Exceptional value for Quality, built to last.
Construction: Goodyear Welted Through and Through
Berwick 1707 shoes rely on the Goodyear welt, a hallmark of premium footwear. This construction method ensures flexibility, durability, and easy resoling.
| Feature | Berwick 1707 | Premium Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Welt Type | Goodyear | Goodyear |
| Sole Materials | Leather or Dainite | Leather or Dainite |
| Cork Filling | Natural cork | Natural cork |
| Insole | Full leather | Full leather |
| Resoleable | Yes | Yes |
The technical similarities are clear. Berwick also offers country styles with split and storm welts, details that appeal to those who want both ruggedness and refinement.
Leather Quality and Sourcing
Berwick sources leathers from the same high quality European tanneries used by top shoemakers, including Annonay, Du Puy, and CF Steads of Leeds.
While some premium brands use only the very top 2–3% of hides, Berwick selects slightly more natural leathers, often with subtle variations, something many enthusiasts actually prefer for its character and beautiful patina over time.
Design & Aesthetic
High end shoes tend to have a classic, conservative look. Berwick 1707 blends timeless structure with a modern edge: slightly bolder shapes, deeper shades of tan and chestnut, and more experimentation with texture and detail.
For today’s smart casual wardrobe, this combination of style and heritage makes Berwick shoes versatile enough for office wear, weekend outings, or a refined casual look.
Finishing and Feel
Berwick’s finishing department is excellent and always looking at high quality improvements. Hand burnished toes, natural edge welts, and mirror polished finishes are now standard across many models. The attention to detail rivals far costlier shoes, with burnished quarters, waxed edges, and precise stitching that stand up to close inspection.
Comfort and Fit
Fit depends more on the last than the brand. Berwick’s latest lasts, such as 207 (for country styles) and 915 (for sleek Oxfords & Derbies), strike a balance between elegance and comfort.
Cork footbeds mould to the wearer’s foot over time, creating a personalised fit, one of the key advantages of Goodyear welted shoes. With regular wear and care, the comfort only improves.
Longevity and Repair
Every pair of Berwick 1707 shoes is fully resoleable and refurbishable, ensuring a long life of reliable wear. With proper care and rotation, you can expect your shoes and boots to last & last, making these a truly sustainable investment.
Price and Value
Here’s where Berwick 1707 really shines:
| Brand | Typical Price (UK) | Construction | Leather Quality | Made In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berwick 1707 | £150–£240 | Goodyear welted | Premium European hides | Spain |
| Premium Competition | £550+ | Goodyear welted | Top tier European hides | Europe/UK |
You’re getting nearly all the craftsmanship and durability for roughly half the price. For most wearers, that’s the perfect balance of attainable luxury and serious quality.
So, Can You Tell the Difference?
In the hand, you'd be hard pushed. In the mirror, no chance. On the foot, not at all.
Berwick 1707 delivers authentic materials, traditional methods, and a commitment to quality at a price that makes sense in 2025. For anyone who appreciates the beauty of well made shoes without paying a premium just for the name, Berwick 1707 is a smart, stylish, and long lasting choice.
Discover Berwick 1707
Explore our full collection of Berwick 1707 shoes and boots from classic oxfords and derbies to rugged country styles, exclusively at A Fine Pair of Shoes
