About WALSH
For over six decades, WALSH has remained one of Britain’s best-kept secrets in footwear—a brand rooted in craftsmanship, performance, and quiet excellence. Founded in 1961 in Bolton, England, by Norman Walsh, the brand carries a legacy of meticulous shoemaking, blending heritage with modern sensibilities. But Walsh’s story begins even earlier, shaped by a passion for precision and an unrelenting commitment to quality.
Norman Walsh’s journey into footwear started at the age of 14 when he was apprenticed at Foster & Sons, a prestigious English shoemaker known for crafting running shoes for some of the world’s top athletes. Under the mentorship of skilled artisans, Norman quickly developed a reputation for his meticulous craftsmanship, and by the age of 16, he was personally selected to work on running spikes for the British team in the 1948 London Olympics. His natural talent and attention to detail set the foundation for what would become a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
In 1961, Norman Walsh founded his own company with a singular vision: to create footwear that married innovation with tradition. From the very beginning, Walsh was more than just a brand—it was a commitment to performance-driven design, technical expertise, and the belief that true quality is in the details.
Walsh quickly gained recognition for producing high-performance shoes tailored to the specific demands of various sports. The brand became particularly renowned in fell running—a demanding sport that requires agility, grip, and durability to navigate the rugged British landscapes. Walsh’s lightweight, precision-crafted fell running shoes set a new benchmark in the field and were trusted by elite athletes who needed footwear they could depend on. This dedication to sport extended beyond running, with Walsh creating specialized shoes for rugby, cycling, and even military applications, solidifying its reputation as a brand built on function, durability, and British ingenuity.
Despite shifting trends in the footwear industry, where mass production and automation became the norm, Walsh remained steadfast in its approach. It continued to uphold the values of meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring each shoe carried the same spirit of quality and authenticity that Norman Walsh established decades ago. Whether handcrafted in the UK or produced with the same high standards elsewhere, Walsh shoes are made with an uncompromising attention to detail, maintaining the legacy of the brand’s commitment to excellence.
But while Walsh’s history is deeply embedded in performance footwear, its influence has grown beyond sports. Today, Walsh represents a bridge between heritage and modernity—offering sneakers that combine classic design with a refined, understated aesthetic. The same principles that defined Walsh’s early years—quality, craftsmanship, and simplicity—continue to guide its designs, making each pair not just a shoe, but a statement of timeless elegance.
At The Weekend Project, we share this appreciation for thoughtful craftsmanship and quiet confidence. Our collaboration with Walsh is a celebration of that philosophy—melding British heritage with contemporary sensibilities. It’s about creating footwear that doesn’t chase trends but instead stands as a testament to authenticity, longevity, and refined style.
Whether worn for sport, leisure, or everyday elegance, Walsh shoes embody a rare combination of history, craftsmanship, and effortless style. In a world where fast fashion dominates, Walsh remains a brand for those who recognize the beauty of things made well and made to last.
