Edward Green
Edward Green shoes are understated and elegant. You'll never find a fool in a pair of Green's. Since 1890 the firm has been based in Northampton where they continue to make hand-made shoes. For the sake of quality and consistency, Edward Green only get three pairs of shoes out of an entire hide.
Edward Green is emblematic of English shoemaking. George VI and Cole Porter were each known to wear them, as well as Ernest Hemingway. Doubtlessly many great men wear them today too, but I'm afraid we're not allowed to name them. Some of their shoes are truly iconic, such as the Oundle monkstrap and the Dover, a derby with a Norwegian split-toe that is so finely sewn it requires a pig's bristle instead of a needle.