Grenson x Emilia Wickstead: The Grenda Tassel Loafer Reviewed

The Grenda is a tasselled loafer made by Emilia Wickstead with Grenson, the British shoemaker. The house describes it as an exclusive, limited edition loafer, made entirely in Northamptonshire, England, and it comes in two colours: black and dark brown.

Quick answer

• Made by: Grenson, in Northamptonshire, England.
• Construction: Goodyear welted, so the sole can be replaced. The house says each pair takes up to eight weeks and more than 200 steps.
• Leather: bookbinder leather, coloured in two layers and waxed by hand, so each pair varies slightly.
• Sizing: EU 36 to EU 42. Emilia Wickstead advises taking the next size up.

What makes the Grenda different

A classic tassel loafer has small tassels at the throat. The Grenda exaggerates them: long tassels run across the vamp and give the shoe its character. The bookbinder leather has a high polish, so the shoe looks smart enough for tailoring.

Goodyear welting, briefly

A Goodyear welt stitches the upper to a strip of leather, the welt, which is then stitched to the sole. It takes longer to make than a glued shoe, but it lets a cobbler replace the sole without damaging the upper. It is the traditional method for English shoes, and the reason a good pair can last for years.

How to wear it

• With cropped tailored trousers, such as the Alix Trouser, so the tassels show.
• With a midi skirt and sheer tights: the Zeus Skirt is a good partner.
• With jeans and a cable cardigan such as the Barney at the weekend.

Black against dark brown

Black is the more formal choice and goes with black tailoring. Dark brown suits the camel check, chocolate and green pieces of the season, and looks good with denim.

Sizing and care

The Grenda is sized in EU 36 to EU 42 at Luxury Shoes . Because the leather is firm at first, the house recommends going up one size. Store them with shoe trees, and polish with a neutral wax.

Shop more designer loafers at Luxury Shoes .

About Grenson

Grenson is a British shoemaker based in Northamptonshire, the county at the centre of English shoemaking. Its shoes are Goodyear welted in the traditional way, which is why the house chose it for a loafer meant to last.

Five outfits with the Grenda

1. The Sorrel Jacket and Alix Trouser with the dark brown pair.
2. The Caliste shirt dress with the black pair and sheer tights.
3. The Milo jumper and Koda skirt with the dark brown pair.
4. The Mavis leather skirt and a grey knit with the black pair.
5. Straight jeans, a white shirt and the black pair at the weekend.

Breaking in

Bookbinder leather starts firm. Wear the loafers for short spells at home with a thin sock for the first week. The leather softens and the cork filling under a Goodyear welted sole moulds to the foot over time.

Emilia Wickstead at a glance

Frequently asked questions

Where are Grenson x Emilia Wickstead loafers made?

The Grenda loafer is made entirely in Northamptonshire, England, by Grenson.

Should I size up in the Emilia Wickstead Grenda loafer?

Yes. Emilia Wickstead advises taking the next size up for comfort.

Can the Grenda loafer be resoled?

Yes. It is Goodyear welted, a construction that allows the sole to be replaced.

Read next: Emilia Wickstead tailoring, Emilia Wickstead knitwear, Emilia Wickstead Autumn Winter 2026.