Proudly handcrafting quality footwear in Britain since 1980.
Proudly handcrafting quality footwear in Britain since 1980.
Donald Cooper started his journey in the world of sales on Skegness market back in 1977. He began by selling suede and leather clothing that he crafted in an outhouse at his home in Kettering. After noticing the popularity of high street moccasins, he decided to purchase some and found success in selling them as well. Intrigued by the design, Donald took a pair apart to learn how to manufacture them himself, which led to the creation of his own line of moccasins and the birth of Cooper Footwear.
In January 1980, Donald received his first significant order from a friend, Ray Giles. The order consisted of 500 pairs of moccasins. Encouraged by this initial success, Donald went on to produce an additional 5000 pairs of moccasins for Clifford James. This marked the beginning of Donald Cooper's successful career in the world of sales and manufacturing. His dedication to quality craftsmanship and keen eye for market trends have propelled him to great success in the industry.
In 1983, our company experienced a significant milestone when we successfully fulfilled our first large order and delivered it to our client. This achievement sparked new interest and generated additional orders within the footwear trade industry. As a result, we secured substantial orders from reputable retailers, totalling over 400,000 pairs of moccasins. This surge in demand necessitated the expansion of our operations, requiring us to invest in a larger factory and secure additional financing to meet production requirements. To accommodate the increased demand, we ramped up production to 10,000-12,000 pairs per week. This growth not only allowed us to meet the needs of our clients but also positioned us as a key player in the footwear industry.
In 1983, we successfully secured an order of £800,000, enabling us to purchase our 7,500 square foot factory located on Lancaster Road in Kettering. This investment allowed us to expand our operations and employ a total of 40 workers on-site, as well as an additional 40 outworkers. Our dedication to quality and craftsmanship led us to establish a partnership with Marks & Spencer for the production of all moccasins. This collaboration has been instrumental in our growth and success in the footwear industry. From 1983 to 1986, Cooper Footwear faced a heavy workload.
In the 1990s and beyond, there was a surge in imports from the Far East that were of low quality and cost. This led to the closure of several high street chains, including British Shoe, Saxons, Stead & Simpson, Shoe Friers, Oliver Timpson, and Barretts, among others. As a result, we had to adjust to smaller production runs for independent companies.
In 2004, we further expanded our product line by acquiring Carrera Dance Wear. This strategic move allowed us to diversify our offerings and begin producing ballet shoes in addition to our signature moccasins. This expansion has solidified our position as a leader in the footwear market. The focus now is on producing smaller quantities at a faster pace while maintaining high quality as a top priority, all while striving to keep prices low.
For the past 50 years, Donald Cooper has been recognised as "The Moccasin Man." .
Cooper Footwear Limited specialises in the custom manufacturing in high-quality moccasin slippers to order. For more information or to discuss your specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us
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Caring for suede moccasins requires particular attention to maintain their soft texture and appearance. Suede is a natural material that can stain, scuff, or lose its nap (the soft, fuzzy surface).
By following these simple tips, you can protect and extend the life of your suede moccasins.
If wet, allow the moccasins to fully dry at room temperature.
Gently brush off any loose dirt or debris using a soft-bristled brush, or a dry clean cloth.
To remove dry stains, use a suede brush or eraser to gently remove dried dirt or stains.
Before wearing your mocassins for the first time, treat them to a spray suede protector. This creates a barrier against water, stains and dirt.
Reapply every few months, or as required.