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About The Golden Boot

An extraordinary history of the UK's oldest family owned shoe shop.

Attention to detail for over 200 years

The Golden Boot was founded in Maidstone in 1790 and has been serving the people of Kent for over 200 years. Today, seven generations on, it’s still in the hands of the same family and run by father and son team Lawrence Martin, Chairman and Edward Martin, Managing Director.

The original site was at Number 36 Gabriel’s Hills, opposite where the present shop is now sited. In 1845 the shop moved to number 25 and then, 35 years later, following a disastrous fire at the premises of Mr Ralph’s the grocers, the business was moved into the newly built premises on the site now occupied by present Ladies and Gentlemen’s departments.

In 1845 we opened workshops in Palace Yard, where some twenty craftsmen were employed making half of the stock sold in the shop. About this time, the famous 6 foot Wellington boot was mounted on the front of the building. Most shoe shops of this period had this type of sign outside, but few remain today.

Since then The Golden Boot has seen many changes and today boasts a comprehensive ‘family store’ with separate Ladies’, Men’s and Children’s departments set in a modern environment with the traditional service that has been renowned for the past 200 years.



Our ethos

The foundations of The Golden Boot are built on passion, individualism and innovation. We are truly passionate about shoes, living and dreaming about them every day.

With our years of experience we still believe that balancing fashion with fit is paramount. We source styles from all over the world, and strive to offer you the best and one of the most diverse product ranges available.

At The Golden Boot we value your custom and want to ensure that you are entirely happy with your purchase. Our willing sales assistants are on hand at all times. Each member of the team is professionally trained and wants to ensure that you have a memorable visit.

The Golden Boot continues to innovate in both product and store design; it continues to stand out from the crowd in today’s homogenised high street, allowing you to be who you want to be.



Awards

27 May 2010, We have won the Drapers Family Footwear Retailer of the Year Award.

The Drapers Footwear Awards are the most prestigious awards for the footwear industry, and bring together around 400 industry leaders to celebrate and recognise the achievements of 13 of the most innovative and passionate footwear retailers, brands and students in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The Awards proved to be a fantastic night with stand up comedian, presenter and actor, Rufus Hound hosting the evening and presenting the awards.

Jessica Brown, editor of Drapers magazine commented:
"Although the last 12 months have been challenging for the footwear market, we've witnessed significant consolidation in the sector, which has helped lift sales and drive market share into more of the specialists....This year's shortlist was particularly strong and if you are up for an award you should feel very proud."
Draper Footwear Awards 2010
Drapers Footwear Awards website
More photographs of the event


The Golden Boot

The Golden Boot at the Drapers Footwear Awards
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