Why Japan Loves a Tiny English Sneaker Brand.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Check out Asket's permanent collection. It's the bee's knees. They never discount, no sales and just opened back up from a Black Friday break.
www.asket.com/us
www.asket.com/...
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SNEAKERS/BOOTS IN THIS VIDEO (this is an affiliate link, I earn some money from your clicks BUT your price is the same):
The Regent: ktku.co/dX
The White Harlestone: ktku.co/dW
The Shell Cordovan Harlestone: ktku.co/dY
The Abbey: ktku.co/dZ
The Everdon: ktku.co/e0
My coat! www.sehkelly.c...
What goes into the world's greatest white sneaker? What on earth is virgin rubber milk? I was going to say this is the world's most expensive white sneaker but...there are some covered in diamonds...so there goes that title. I could have said minimalist sneaker too but perhaps there are ones even more minimal. Do I even wear white sneakers or just 10lb heavy boots on trips to the grocery store? The answer to that? Not so easy to discearn.
Today we dive into Crown Northampton, one of the greatest sneaker brands on planet Earth.
Can I interest you in a hot bowl of following ME and The Snail in other places??
The Iron Snail Clothing Website: theironsnail.us
The Iron Snail Clothing Instagram:
/ theironsnail
My Instagram:
/ michaelkristy_
My Other Channel:
/ @michaelkristy1868
Need to reach out to me outside of TH-cam?
info@theironsnail.us
#theironsnail
The Iron Snail is a men’s fashion vlog starring a young man named Michael and featuring a snail no bigger than a quarter. The two are set on taking over the world of fashion by creating a clothing line to end all clothing lines. Until then, we’re here to tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about the best clothing out there, from the highest quality raw denim jeans to the warmest jackets to the sturdiest boots…the Iron Snail has got you covered. (written by Taylor, though Michael is sometimes known to talk about himself in the third person… xoxo)
*I just want to note, there are MANY oak trees around me in the shot where I said there are none...* HAPPY SATURDAY! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and are doing well. Taylor's birthday was last Wednesday! Talk soon! Also, coat is here: www.sehkelly.com/shop/coats/balmacaan/
Happy birthday, Taylor! I still can't believe you moved to Maine, and you didn't even tell me. Well, Michael should have. We're pretty much old friends at this point. I'm excited to get my new Chapter 1 jeans and The Prologue jacket. I will finally be able to say I have supported the Snail! Even though I have been following for a couple years now, I didn't have the money at release times and I didn't really start to get some selvedge denim yet. It took multiple videos from Michael to confirm I was doing the right thing. Now, just a year and a half since the first pair, I own about 45 pairs of Japanese raw denim and a few other materials, like pique pants and jaquard weave pants, but I only have 2 denim jackets. One is a Levi's type 1 so probably 12oz and the other is a 22oz type 3 from Unbranded Brand, so I'm excited to get one that's midweight. I type a lot. It's lonely here.
Taylor - the bag though! I'm a big guy, that would look kinda not small on me. What are the deets?
I was never one to care about appearance or fashion, but over the last few years I've begun to begun to look for more quality made shoes and clothes. I love your channel. you make exploring apparel fun and interesting. Thank you. Please stay away from politics.
I am from the Philippines, how can you assist me in buying one of your blogged Crown Northampton sneakers? Thank you
This channel is so good at making me interested in random shit that wouldve never occupied space in my mind for the duration of its videos
Same! I was served a video of his on sweatshirts and then watched a bunch of other of his videos and now I'm subbed. I don't even care about clothes that much! 😅
My head is full of random information😅 perfect channel for me nerding about details 🤩
Northampton fact you didn't ask for: the football team, Northampton Town FC (est 1897) are nicknamed 'The Cobblers' - it runs deep.
It runs very deep; everybody I know in Northampton exclusively calls them “Cobblers” (no definite article enhances the familiarity) to differentiate them from the town’s toff-cuddling team. That might seem like splitting hairs, and I don’t know *everyone* in Northampton, but most/many footy nicknames aren’t used by the fans or locals in everyday speech.
@@siwynjonesAs someone who lives in Northampton I can also vouch for the fact that everyone calls them “Cobblers”
Oh the ties that bind!
It's funny, I knew they were the Cobblers, and I knew what a cobbler was, but I hadn't actually put it together in my head that the town was probably a hub for cobblers like Sheffield was for steel (like with Shef Utd being the blades). So this video was new info for me but after seeing this comment I have no idea why I hadn't already made the connection already
yet look at these shoes…. who’d have guessed
I genuinely believed myself to be a near top tier shoe aficionado but after seeing just 1 video from this creator, I bend to knee and bow to the subscribe button as I have met my better. Definitely not the same taste in style but I believe this channel can guide me on my own quest for my version of style in the parameter of quality manufacturing demonstrated by this video.
Bravo dude and thank you
100% GOAT
✌️
I ordered 2 pairs of sneakers and received them about 3 weeks ago. They’re the best, highest quality, and most comfortable sneaker I’ve ever owned. They’re masterful and worth every single penny!! Order the calf and horween. ❤
hows the sizing?
@ Sizing s accurate. I’m 9.5 US, ordered 42.5, perfect fit. These sneakers are also extremely comfortable. So glad I found this gem!
POV: watching the iron snail talk about expensive things knowing you’ll never own them
😭 I’m gonna do much more lower priced videos soon!
Yep…sounds right. 😅
a man can dream 🤣😂
Mood
$300 isn’t bad if they last for 25+ years. Which with this construction I’m sure that they will. that’s only $12 every year. I think it’s better than spending $75 on a pair of Nike’s or converse every year or 2.
Been a customer of Crown Northampton for a few years now. Bought and owned a few sneakers Inc Tom Ford; which after six years still make my feet hurt in so many different places. I am English and always try and support British made, Forge denim for jeans, Crown Northampton for sneakers, Edward Green and Crocket for shoes and boots; Northampton: the Mecca of footwear.
We got to see Rose anvil look at these
@@mattVmatt12 He's already taken their sneakers to bits.
@robambrose4199 can I just size up and add an insole?
@@adoboFosho Without knowing how big your feet are, or how the big the shoes are, how am I supposed to know the answer to that? I should have just said yes, shouldn't I?
@@adoboFosho They run large so you need to order at least 3 sizes smaller lol.
Random note on this brand, I got a pair of their Derby shoes, took about 2 months to get made and shipped, and when I got them, they didn't fit! Apparently I got wide feets. Their support was amazing, got the shoes returned, advised me on what shoe size to go for next (we went up half a size and got their wide variant) and when there was a small delay on sending out the second pair they threw in an expensive bottle of polish for free (it's like £30 / 40 usd). All in it took nearly 4 months, but its a pair of shoes I'm going to wear for years, and will be able to send back for a resole in the future.
Gosh you are good to watch! Truly honouring the artisans by showcasing their work in an entertaining and honourable way!
I was lucky enough to have Chris actually fit me for my pair of Uptons. They are in grey Kudu suede, and at the time were the only pair of that model made in that leather. They are amazing trainers (sneakers) and my absolute favourites.
I met Chris in his factory. He helped fit sneakers for my wedding and was very kind and patient. What a gent and true artisan.
Oh how I enjoyed this video. First time seeing this Chanel, I've liked and subscribed. As an old lady I must say that in my time most shoes were of fine quality. All things were a work of art. How I miss it.
I absolutely love these videos. My brother introduced me to them and I have really taken a great liking to the craftsmanship. It’s inspired me to start my own micro business. I would love to see a video about Yard-O-Lead also in England I think. They make luxury pencils and pens. Cheers.
Love this guy’s content. Truly passionate person who is interesting. Thank you for making great content.
I emigrated to Australia from Northampton in 1981, all of my grandparents worked in the shoe industry but it was already failing due to cheap imports even back then. My grandparents lived in a terraced house literately 100 meters from the factory which actually built the houses for their workers to rent, similar to the cotton mills & coal mines of Victorian England. Unfortunately Northampton & its shoe industry are shells of their former selves like many other previously prosperous towns before globalisation shipped the jobs offshore. Good to see a few high end makers hanging on, thanks for your story it was great to see.
I emigrated from Australia in 1991 and ended up in Northampton.
@ whaaaat, where did you end up in Northampton & where from in Australia? We were in a small village Nether Heyford, we’ve ended up in another small village called Cooran in QlD since 2019, before that in Melbourne. What are the chances?
@@curt4930 Gotta take my son to Nether Heyford in a few weeks, he's volunteered to help sort some Roman pottery on a dig there. Used to live in a town on the Murray in northern Victoria. Someone I went to primary school in the same town lives in Oxford now.
@@curt4930 I'm off to Nether Heyford in a couple of weeks time, taking my son who has volunteered to help out sorting some Roman pottery on an archaeological dig there. I grew up in a small town on the Murray in Northern Vic and emigrated to the UK in 91. One of my other classmates from primary school now lives in Oxford.
@ that s insane, I wonder if it’s close to the village ? we used to live at 13 Church lane NH, our neighbours across the rd are still there, we used to walk to the old sun every Monday & discuss how the Saints got on at the weekend. I went for a visit in the mid 90’s & nothing had changed, they even still had my tankard on a hook in the bar, the same barmaid too, when we walked is she said “ how have you been Curt, haven’t seen yo7 for a while”!
where on the Murray did you grow up out if interest?
Can’t believe an ex class mate lives in Oxford, it’s a strange strange old world😂
Seeing the growth of this channel is as gratifying as the videos themselves
I own 3 pairs of Crowns. They're the best sneaker money can buy. Absolutely worth it
Also thank you for doing a proper video on Crown and their range. The high quality close up images looked great on our 77” tv on second viewing. It’s good to see the leather and stitching in such detail. I have also met Chris, he is a lovely chap as is the rest of the team. They will actually make shoes to fit your feet if you can get to Northampton as well as make something not on their website if that’s what you want. Ie pick any leather or sole etc thanks you Mr Snail for another great video.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE KEEP MAKING GREAT CONTENT LIKE THIS. THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEOS ARE AMAZING
Finally! A Crown Northampton video! 🥹
@@zerdaquil1304 Rose Anvil featured them over 4 years ago. He talks about them regularly and has done collaborations with Northampton shoe makers
I have a pair of Asket raw denim jeans. They have aged well and are very comfortable, the company seems to deliver what they promise.
They not silly expensive either. I'm struggling to find a Levis Type 2 jacket, in a bigger size. Either very expensive (7-800) or small sizes.!!
Maybe I just mistakenly responded “you’re so weird” but I meant to write so much more. This is great. I love it. I subscribe. Please, continue this always
You popped up on my feed, I had such a smile on my face whilst watching this, your wonderfully eccentric, I'm naming you an honorary Brit.
I have 2 pairs of the Hand stitched Harlestone Derby's and concur they are insanely comfortable and luxurious, by far the best on the market and still cheaper than many "fashion" brands pumping out factory machine made sneakers.
I'm in Sheffield so I am getting you'll be working with Goral.
Great video
If you’re into oak bark tanning, check out Barnes & Moore belts (particularly their Garrison belt). Made in England, solid as a rock, looks amazing.
Northampton/Northamptonshire... both. Northampton is the county town of Northamptonshire (a little like a state capital in the US)
I live in England and never knew this about Northampton (located in Northamptonshire) - awesome content
Great to see you repping the SEH Kelly Balmacaan, that's one sweet overcoat
Just instantly recognisable with that lovely Irish tweed.
Time for my favourite style source:
The squiggly guy with the cool jeans and shoes
The best compliment I've ever recieved!
@TheIronSnail well deserved
Congrats on the coat!!! Told you it’s amazing. It weights 3KG, but I think I got the longer version
Love Crown have a pair myself. Buffalo Horween ink. Hand Stitch. Incredibly comfortable. You do need to size properly. The feel is slightly soft due to the leather inner and sole but yet it’s firm and supportive.
What’s the deets on sizing?
@@88sstraight It's a difficult one, it's the one thing that really worried me. if they were 20 quid then it's worth taking a blind risk.
However, me being me, I stupidly took a chance buying 11's when I'm really 10-10 1/2 .(depending on make) They are slightly too big but livable. Otherwise given the prices I wouldn't do that again.
Personally and if in the Uk (I live in Tenerife) I'd go to Crown direct or a seller (only a few around) and try first. OR map out your feet and send that to them.
BTW Goral is another great alternative make and extremely close quality wise
@@88sstraight Hi 88straight, I have four pair and I visited the factory in Northampton in Feb of 2024. I phoned the day before and Chris came down and we had a long chat about his new hiking boot line he was about to show in Japan. But I digress, his shoes fit almost identical to Nikes and Converse. Make of that what you will.
@@kentbishop2635 Thanks, can’t wear those brands as the toebox is too narrow…
@88sstraight I'm in exactly the same boat. But the Crowns can be ordered in a 'G' wide fitting and I wear them with light or no socks.
Heads up for people looking to buy, my own personal experience was their trainers run slightly narrow. They do do wide widths though.
Fun fact Harelston is a small village just outside Northampton, it has a small angling club which fishes a lake rented from Earl Spencer (Lady Di’s dad) which I used to belong to the membership was handed down from my Dad. In medieval times Northampton was the capital of England not London due to its central location & access to the river Nene.
Earl Spencer is Lady Diana’s brother, second Northampton having a Royal Residence hosted 32 Parliaments during the Middle Ages but was never the Capital.
Northampton was an occasional royal residence and hosted the Parliament of England during medieval times, but it was never the capital.
@@ffotograffydd Is there an echo? 🤣
@@warrenstanford7240 wasn’t her father Edward John Spencer the eighth Earl Spencer? I’m going back to the sixties when the fishing club rented the lake from the then Earl, pretty sure that wouldn’t have been her brother as he wasn’t borne then,but her father. The comment on the capital was based on a document from the guildhall stating that it was the capital after the Danes were defeated, it was then called Hammtun. However if it makes you feel better to correct people hope have a nice day.I was just trying to add some interesting background for people outside of Northampton.
just put together that onitsuka tigers are also sorta nylon or leather marshmallow shoes with the german trainer detailing. why i love them!
Have a harlestone derby from them that I bought 6 months ago and they are honestly the only pair of sneakers I wear right now, definitely make sure to get the correct size though
Great video! Really enjoyed it. I actually live very close to Northampton and hadn’t heard of Crown Northampton, I am now sold on the quality and will be looking to buy some.thank you!
I never encountered a horween shell cordovan trainer and I am freakin OBSESSED! gonna be real hard not to waste my money on these
Your the only person who can make a shoe sound super interesting. Also just bought a pair. Hope my wife understands. KEK
Another great vid, a pleasure to watch, as always. But the sneaky cheeky peeky of the RM collab was the icing on the cake.
The coat looks great, suits you, Sir. I'm waiting on delivery of a vintage Pendleton Western Wear plaid one, don't need the warmth of a Mammoth or a Mackinaw and for urban situations my trusty '60s Navy surplus Peacoat is Kersey Wooltastic.
very cool vid. ive never thought so much about shoe construction before. about 7 times more expensive than what i buy, so not sure if ill ever buy a pair, but thanks for sharing.
This is crazy interesting. I can feel so basic while watching this. I am all for quality and I will be mindful of my future wardrobe.
I really dig the Jazz collection! Thanks for putting it on my radar
3:15 I would love to read that 11 page doc about leather choice
Great video! Congratulations on the move. Feel better!
yes! finally someone on youtube talking about the jazz collection!
I love your videos. Please make a video about “ buy if for life items”.
Isn’t that what the whole channel is about?
Hey dude, nice to see that the coat arrived safe and sound.
you are correct Northampton is the town were the shoes are made and is the main market town in Northamptonshire
Asket is pretty cool. I own a couple of pieces and they fit me really well. I like that they give you the option to choose between e.g a longer or shorter shirt. I'm not knowledgeable enough on clothing to say if the price is justified, but I am happy with the items that I have.
I have a love for Victorian shoes. Especially for wearing during Autumn. I wear American Duchess and now I'm curious of these.
Well that was absolutely fantastic, thank you !
I have never heard of any of these things, or you, good video.
WOW did I enjoy this! Feel better, thanks for giving back a (tiny) bit of renewed faith in the internet.
I live in northampton and wish i had this entire collection
The Iron snail is good , very ! I Utterly enjoyed it .
Superb content. Wish you full recovery.
The other 20 million were probably made in the other towns and villages of Northamptonshire like the one where I grew up where there was one very small factory now closed down.
I live in Northamptonshire (btw that’s the county) and Yh Northampton (the town the county is located around) is filled with cobbler history.
A lot of massive shoe brands started there and still are there such as Doc. Martens from Wollaston or Crown Northampton. They even have a shoe museum. It’s also where the gas stove was invented and radar was first tested.
I don’t know why I added this comment but why not it’s fun history about the place I live. 😀
Oh Yh and Mr Bean lives in Northamptonshire
Looking forward to more videos in this series, but mostly I'm looking forward to hearing more about your footwear projects!
i am now going to sub to this channel just because you're an American that pronounced Shire Shur and not Shyuuuuurrrr. you're a rare breed ;) The thing about these trainers/sneakers, and it seems to be the thing to do these days, is the sole being a different colour than the rest of the trainer/sneaker, i might be odd, (no might about it) but i like both to be the same colour, i,e, Black. they're hard to find in a dressy trainer these days.
Don't worry about about the mess. Excellent video. Take care of your health!
welcome to Maine, hope you enjoy the forests!
Gorgeous stuff, nice to see SEH hiking gear under hard use.
Wow, that's crazy that Asket is now a sponsor of yours. They're one of my favorite brands.
You make the best videos!
Well put together video. You should do videos like this, but for watches.
My hometown. good old Northampton aka N-town. we love our shoes/sneakers.
Dude, how about a video about shoe trees? I've been searching for (affordable) bespoke shoe trees for a while now but couldn't find any. Maybe you're the answer!
"The Marshmallow" is possibly the most desirable shoe I have ever seen. 😮
Well done Michael, you nerdy, nerdy man! Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Michael - great stuff, always enjoy your content and your style!
That was a top quality video, had to watch it all the way through, thanks
NORTHAMPTON MENTIONED RAHHHH 🔥🔥🔥WTF IS A FUNCTIONING COUNCIL
good vid mike. review some high end japanese boots next. clinch, john lofgreen, white kloud, brothers bridge etc
Another excellent video Michael, keep them coming!
i got that SEH Kelly coat too. really nice piece
Whoah, the colabs look great!
truly a pleasure to watch, loved the socks btw, where are they from?
I smell a Dehen deck jacket review coming! Also is that an LL Bean tote bag you were using?
Great video Michael! Where'd you get those black HBT pants? They look fantastic
Hi, great channel.
I’m here to ask when you’ll make the video on the vintage Woolrich Mackinaw. We really want that!!!!!👋👋👋
I love this video, thank you!
Ive been to the jfj baker tannery. You should visit if you ever go to england
As someone who needs tall sized shirts and wide shoes, I’m fascinated by the fashion options shorter people have. It’s a whole world of choices and decisions that are meaningless to me, but it’s all so interesting. I wonder how much I’d spend if I actually had to make such choices 🤔
Northampton is in Northamptonshire... 👏✌🖖🤘👍👌🤙🍻
as a native mainer we welcome you!
WOW I ALREADY WATCHED 10 TIMES IN 100X SPEED
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT
Can you do review some watches too? I miss you talking about time pieces
very interested in that hiking shoe you briefly showed near the end
Northampton is in Northamptonshire, so both are right.
3:16 What a boss XD I love when people have really thought out reasons for doing stuff
Great video, as ever. Which brand is the white/off-white tote bag please?, good sir
I was actually really hoping you would twirl, thank you for doing that.
Man this video is beautiful
You should do a video on hats, like flat caps, pork pies and of the sort.
Just an idea for the seires of "the worlds most fantastic" how about looking into John Smedley, an effing awesome (IMO) knitwear company, from England, if memory serves it's also the UK's oldest.
Anyone else in this comment section have a manufacturing facility where you make really cool products from scratch and are hoping and praying that Michael reaches out to do a profile? 😅
I have a clothing and footwear manufacturing facility and we sell em in India. But since it's India the quality is very cheap.😅
Babe, wake up! My favorite youtuber posted
I think those woods in Maine are awesome. I wouldn't be too sad about leaving your previous location. One day, you should go to Thailand or Myanmar to see latex rubber being harvested. It's cool. I've got some Thursday Boot Company sneakers that I've been wearing on cobblestone streets here in Belgium. They are starting to look thrashed. Maybe it's because I weigh 220 lb. Cannot see myself spending $400 on some sneakers anytime soon. I was crazy to spend €150. Do you think the leather Crown uses might stand up to punishment better? BTW, Asket lost me when I found that they don't make W38 jeans in L30. I'm not interested in buying jeans that need alteration.