Where Are Walsh Shoes Made? The Story Behind Our UK and China Production

At Norman Walsh, one of the most common questions we receive from customers around the world is: “Why is my order shipping from China? I thought you were a British brand!” It’s a fair question — after all, Norman Walsh is a heritage British brand, founded in 1961 in Bolton, England, with a proud legacy of craftsmanship and quality.

So, let’s clear up the confusion. Yes, we are proudly British. Yes, we are still manufacturing shoes in the UK. And yes, some of our products are made in China. In this blog, we’d like to share some background on why that is, how we ensure quality across both production lines, and which styles come from where.

Two Production Lines, One Standard of Excellence

Today, Norman Walsh operates two production lines — one in the UK and one in China. This dual manufacturing approach allows us to balance heritage craftsmanship with the demands of our growing global customer base.

Regardless of where a pair of Walsh shoes is made, we are absolutely committed to upholding the same high standards of craftsmanship, comfort, and quality that have defined the Walsh brand for over six decades. Every shoe is designed in the UK and made with attention to detail, using quality materials and manufacturing techniques that meet our strict requirements.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s made where — and why.

Made in the UK: Our Heritage Lines

Our UK factory, based in Bolton, continues to produce several of our most iconic and technically demanding shoes. These include styles that have been trusted by athletes, outdoor adventurers, and style enthusiasts for generations.

Horwich Series

Named after a region near our Bolton home, the Horwich was created alongside the Lostock as a trail shoe for mixed terrain. Designed for comfort and support, it excels on moderately challenging trails and road stages alike. Horwich shoes are built for those who appreciate traditional British craftsmanship and functional performance.

European Series

A classic born in the 1990s, the European series blends road and trail functionality. Its PB upper combined with our trusted trail sole provides stability and superior comfort, making it a versatile choice for urban runners, trail enthusiasts, or anyone who values timeless design.

New Glory Series

Originally released in the early 1980s, the New Glory was one of Norman Walsh’s premium road racing shoes. Featuring a lightweight, breathable mesh upper and supportive structure at both the heel and toe, this shoe was designed for runners who demanded both performance and comfort.

Please note: the description refers to the original product model’s design origins and does not represent current functional claims.

Attack and Tornado Series

The Attack and Tornado shoes were born from our focus on creating high-performance shoes for marathoners and elite athletes. First introduced in the 1980s, these models feature lightweight uppers, EVA cushioning, and specially engineered outsoles to handle the rigors of long-distance racing — including the legendary 1983 London Marathon.

PB Series

Loved by fell runners, orienteers, and cross-country racers, the PB series is all about stability and fit. The cuneiform wrap and lacing system offer even pull across the foot, helping runners feel connected to the terrain. Made in Bolton, these shoes are a true testament to our roots in performance footwear.

Made in China: Expanding Our Reach Without Compromising Quality

In response to growing international demand, we established a production line in China. Here, we produce styles that allow us to serve more customers while maintaining the quality and attention to detail you’d expect from Walsh. 

ALTA Series

The ALTA blends British sporting heritage with urban versatility. With a leather-nylon upper, Canberra lining for breathability, and a lightweight Freudenberg midsole, it’s a shoe built for flexibility and durability — ideal for city life.

Ensign Series

A reinterpretation of Norman Walsh’s 1981 marathon shoe for Bolton Harriers at the NYC Marathon, the Ensign series retains its heritage DNA. With a reinforced 600D nylon upper and thermal-regulating lining, it offers modern comfort while honoring our performance legacy.

Chicago Series

Named after the iconic American city, the Chicago celebrates the blend of tradition and innovation. Designed for the modern urban explorer, it fuses classic lines with bold details — much like the city that inspired it.

LA84 Series

A tribute to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the LA84 retro runner reflects our history of outfitting British athletes for major competitions. It’s a nod to our sporting roots, reimagined for today.

London Series

The London draws on our 1970s marathon trainers, combining German precision with British elegance. Its streamlined silhouette and T-toe detail make it ideal for both city streets and casual offices.

Sonnet Series

Inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless sonnets, this collection blends classic structure with creative freedom. The Sonnet shoes are about finding artistry in every step — just as the Bard found poetry in every line.

COB Series

The COB series pays homage to traditional building materials known for warmth and character. With reinforced uppers and lightweight soles, these shoes are as durable as they are comfortable — perfect for those who appreciate rustic charm with modern performance.

The Ensign Lite & Tornado Series: A Blend of Both Worlds

Some of our most popular models, such as the Ensign Lite and Tornado, are produced in both the UK and China.

The Ensign Lite, with its distinctive nip-tooth outsole and extra cushioning, offers exceptional traction and comfort whether it’s made in Bolton or China. Similarly, the Tornado, first developed for marathon runners in the 1970s and 1980s, continues to represent our focus on lightweight, high-performance footwear — no matter where it’s made.

Why Dual Production Makes Sense

So, why produce in both the UK and China?

The answer is simple: it allows us to offer the best of both worlds. By keeping core technical and heritage lines in the UK, we stay true to our roots and support local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, our China production line enables us to meet global demand, offer a wider range of styles, and provide our customers with great value — without compromising quality.

Every pair of Walsh shoes, whether it’s made in Bolton or China, is designed in the UK and held to our high standards. We inspect and test our products rigorously, because our goal is always the same: to deliver footwear that reflects the Norman Walsh legacy of quality, comfort, and timeless style.

A Final Word

We understand that where a product is made matters to many of our customers. That’s why we’re always transparent about our production, and why we remain committed to crafting shoes that live up to the trust you place in our brand — no matter where they’re made.

If you have any questions about our production process, specific models, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re proud of our history, proud of our products, and proud to serve Walsh customers around the world.