Sledgers Story

John Sledgers

An English man who had a wealth of experience in selling footwear, John Sledgers identified both a necessity and an opportunity, to make shoes that were both comfortable and stylish, without ever comprising one for the other. He pursued his idea in the UK, but was turned down by shoemakers in his local Northampton. This led him to explore the possibility of developing his idea in Fougeres, a popular shoe making region in France, and eventually to him settling in the neighbouring city of Vitre where he met Henry Noël.

Our French Heritage

Born from a shoe-making family in Vitre, Henry Noël moved to Paris to expand and enrich his knowledge by working under a master shoe maker. After World War I, he decided to move back to Vitre to establish Noël Frères or Noël Brothers, alongside his son, Edouard.

Steps in Time

1921 Sledgers’ and the Noël Brothers’ paths meet, and quickly production and distribution of the Sledgers brand begins.

1970 The Noël Brothers expands outside of Europe, successfully entering into Middle Eastern Markets.

1990 The Sledgers brand is launched internationally.

For almost 100 years, the brand has remained true to John Sledgers’ commitment to bring to market a shoe that combines style and comfort perfectly.