At Lilley And Skinner®, we believe that shoes have the power to transform and uplift. For over 150 years, we’ve been crafting beautiful, high-quality footwear designed to make women feel confident, stylish, and comfortable.
Our History
The Lilley And Skinner® story begins in the 1860s in Fakenham, Norfolk. It was here that business partners George Lilley and Jeremiah Skinner opened their first shoe shop. Using traditional shoemaking techniques, the duo quickly earned a reputation for their well-made, elegant ladies’ boots and shoes.
Demand for Lilley and Skinner footwear grew rapidly. By the late 1800s, the brand had opened shops in London and other major UK cities. Lilley And Skinner® shoes were worn by fashionable ladies across Britain.
In the early 1900s, the company expanded manufacturing operations to meet increasing consumer appetite for Lilley and Skinner products. New production facilities opened in Norwich, Leicester, Stafford and beyond.
During World War II, Lilley And Skinner® temporarily halted production of ladies’ shoes to contribute to the war effort. Our factories were retooled to produce essential footwear for soldiers and manual workers.
After the war, we resumed our focus on women’s shoes. The 1950s and 60s were an exciting time for Lilley And Skinner® as we evolved to match changing trends and tastes. Classic court shoes, kitten heels and slip-ons became brand staples.
In the 1980s and 90s, Lilley And Skinner® was at the forefront of bold new footwear designs. Our innovative wedge heels, platform soles and lace-up boots perfectly captured the spirit of the times.
Today, from our headquarters in Leicestershire, we continue the Lilley And Skinner® legacy. Our expert in-house designers blend timeless British shoemaking heritage with contemporary styling. The result is beautifully-crafted, on-trend women’s footwear, including sandals, ankle boots, court shoes and occasion shoes.
Our Ethos
Since the early days of George Lilley and Jeremiah Skinner, certain principles have guided everything we do at Lilley And Skinner®.
We are passionate about creating stylish, high-quality ladies’ footwear. Our shoes are designed to make women feel amazing.
We believe in the power of traditional British craftsmanship. Our Leicestershire factory houses generations of shoemaking expertise.
We value innovation and originality. Though inspired by our Victorian founders, we’re not afraid to break with convention.
We embrace sustainability. From packaging to procurement, we’re committed to ethical, eco-friendly choices.
We focus on accessibility and inclusiveness. We want to empower women of all ages, sizes and means to discover their confidence.
Our Footwear
The Lilley And Skinner® collection offers gorgeous shoes for every occasion. With new styles added each season, we provide lots of inspiration to transform your wardrobe.
Sandals
From dainty florals to chic monochrome, our selection of summer sandals brings a designer twist to warm weather footwear. Platforms, wedges and block heels abound, alongside pretty ankle straps and on-trend toe-loops. Available in synthetic leather, gleaming metallic and tactile snakeskin finishes.
Ankle Boots
Transition seamlessly from day to night with our adaptable ankle boots. Choose between cowboy, biker and Chelsea styles in soft nubuck, buttery suede and printed pony skin. Statement gold zips, buckles and eyelets add biker chic. Stiletto, block and chunky heels strike a balance between fashion and function.
Court Shoes
Rediscover the retro elegance of the classic court with our collection of court shoes. Flattering round or pointed toes, sleek lines and stiletto, kitten or block heels create a sophisticated silhouette. Metallic jacquards, mock croc and lush velvets put a contemporary spin on vintage glamour. Wear to the office, occasions and everywhere in-between.
Occasion Shoes
Make a sensational entrance at your next special event in our occasion shoes. From barely-there straps to romantic floral appliques, each pair makes a glamorous statement. Shimmering two-tone satins, glossy patents, and iridescent lizard prints guarantee red carpet worthy sophistication. Show-off on-trend Perspex details or delicate bow accents. Heels range from dizzying stiletto to stable block options.
All Shoes
View our full range of women’s shoes including:
- Boots – ankle, knee high, biker, Chelsea
- Sandals – embellished, toe-post, platform, espadrille
- Trainers – lace-up, slip-on, fashion
- Shoes – court, work, occasion
- Slippers
We also have a small collection of handbags, hosiery and shoe care essentials.
Browse all Lilley And Skinner® footwear, accessories and offers online today.
Our Design
Our in-house design team brings immense passion and creative flair to every Lilley And Skinner® collection. They find inspiration from catwalk trends, vintage styles, music, art and street culture.
We use innovative design software to develop hundreds of new styles annually. Our designs go through multiple iterations and refinements before the final prototypes are produced. Nothing leaves our studio without meeting our uncompromising standards.
Once approved, our factories bring the designs to life with care and expert craftsmanship. We use top-quality materials like buttery nubuck leathers, soft suedes, and shimmering satin jacquards.
The result is on-trend, feminine footwear packed with beautiful details and elegant touches. When you wear Lilley And Skinner®, you step out with confidence, flair and comfort.
Our Craftsmanship
From design concept to finished product, every pair of Lilley And Skinner® shoes reflects generations of artisanal shoemaking skills.
Though our headquarters are in Leicestershire, our manufacturing base remains focused in East Anglia, the historical home of the brand. Here, highly-experienced machinists, cutters and finishers ply their trade in state-of-the-art facilities.
We’re proud to still operate a small production line from our factory in Norwich. Though capacity is limited, we consider it important to retain a tangible link to our Victorian shoemaking roots.
Watching a Lilley And Skinner® shoe come to life is a fascinating process:
- Premium leather is cut using hydraulic presses, guided by the digital patterns from our designers
- Components are meticulously stitched together by hand
- The upper is carefully bonded to the sole
- Skilled workers finesse the finishing touches
- Final quality inspections ensure perfection
From stitch to sole, our manufacturing blend of traditional techniques and modern technology results in beautiful, flawless shoes.
Our Quality
At Lilley And Skinner®, we go above and beyond to deliver exceptional quality footwear. Our commitment to quality spans everything from materials and construction to packaging and service.
We source our leather and textiles from trusted UK and European suppliers. Stringent specifications ensure durability, breathability and comfort.
Our components are robust and made to last. Heels are fiberglass-reinforced for strength. Footbeds are padded for underfoot luxury.
We reject imperfections. No matter how minor, every pair must pass our rigorous multi-point checks before deemed ready for sale.
We provide a 12 month manufacturing guarantee for peace of mind. If any issues arise from a production defect, we will happily repair, replace or refund.
From cushy boxer packaging to our friendly in-house customer care team, we attend to every detail so you enjoy an amazing Lilley And Skinner® experience.
Try our shoes for yourself and step out in quality.
Our Legacy
2022 marks 160 years of Lilley And Skinner®. What started as a small Norfolk shoe shop is today a cherished British heritage brand.
We feel immense pride in continuing the legacy of George Lilley and Jeremiah Skinner. Though the world has changed remarkably since their first footwear creations in 1862, the foundations remain the same.
We still believe in the joy of beautiful, well-made shoes. Our Victorian heritage inspires us, not limits us. We embrace forward-thinking design and technology, while retaining traditional quality craftsmanship.
As we celebrate our 160th landmark anniversary, we’re grateful to every customer who has chosen to walk with us in Lilley And Skinner® shoes. Here’s to the next 160 years of helping women step out in confidence and style.
Shop The Collection Today
View the full Lilley And Skinner® range online today. From gorgeous sandals to statement ankle boots, we have stylish footwear options for every occasion.
Visit our official website lilleyandskinner.co.uk to shop now. Feel free to contact us or visit our social channels through the website.
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Find your nearest Lilley And Skinner® stockist using our store locator. We have an extensive network of retail partners around the UK.
We offer free delivery on orders over £50. Try our shoes for size at home and return free within 28 days if needed.
Join the Lilley And Skinner® family today!
