Why Tourists From 30 Countries Visit a Boot Shop in Camden
A Boot Shop That People Fly To
There is a boot shop in Camden Town, London, that receives visitors from Tokyo, New York, Berlin, Melbourne, Stockholm, São Paulo, and dozens of other cities every year. They do not come because they cannot buy boots at home. They come because this particular shop — at 5 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NH — is not like the one at home.
The British Boot Company has been here since 1851. It was one of the first shops in the world to sell Dr Martens. 2 Tone Records operated from the floor above. The Clash, Madness, and Joe Strummer bought their boots here. The shop stocks brands and styles you cannot find anywhere else, including an exclusive line of George Cox creepers that exists only within these walls.
TripAdvisor reviewers call it a pilgrimage. We just call it Tuesday.
What Visitors Find
The shop is not large. It is not a department store or a chain outlet. It is a specialist retailer packed with over 400 styles of boots and shoes, many of which are not available online or in any other shop.
Solovair — the full range from the NPS factory in Wollaston, including styles and leathers that Solovair does not sell direct. Made in England, Goodyear welted, the direct descendant of the original Dr Martens.
George Cox — the full creeper range, including the Robot Range, which is exclusive to The British Boot Company. Hand-made in Northampton. You cannot buy these anywhere else.
Vintage Dr Martens — one of the largest collections of original Made in England Dr Martens anywhere in the world. Deadstock from the 1980s and 1990s, colourways that will never be produced again. Once they sell, they are gone permanently.
Loake and Grinders — completing a range that covers every style of boot and shoe from heritage brogues to steel-capped 20-hole boots.
Why Camden Town
Camden Town is one of the most visited neighbourhoods in London — roughly 250,000 visitors per week at peak season. The area is known for its markets, its music venues, and its subcultural history. Punk started here. Mod culture thrived here. Reggae, ska, and new wave all passed through.
The British Boot Company sits at the cultural centre of that history. We are not in Camden because of the tourist footfall — we were here 170 years before Camden became a tourist destination. The tourists come to Camden partly because shops like ours exist.
We are a two-minute walk from Camden Town tube station on the Northern Line. Turn right out of the station, walk along Kentish Town Road, and we are on the left before you reach the canal.
What to Expect When You Visit
Nick Roumana, the owner, is usually in the shop. His family has run the business since the 1960s. He knows every boot on every shelf — which last runs narrow, which leather breaks in fastest, which vintage Dr Martens are worth collecting and which are overpriced on eBay.
The fitting experience is the main reason to visit in person. At an average price of £220–£300, these are not impulse purchases. Nick will measure your feet, recommend the right size across brands, and let you try on as many pairs as you need. There is no pressure and no rush.
If you are between sizes in one brand, he may suggest a different brand that fits your foot shape better. If you are choosing between Solovair and Dr Martens, he will put both on your feet and let you decide. That kind of service does not exist online.
Visiting from Overseas
International visitors should be aware of a few practical points:
We ship worldwide from our online store, so if you see something in the shop that you want to buy later or in a different size, we can send it to you. We accept major credit cards and contactless payment.
Sizing in the shop uses UK sizes. If you are used to US or EU sizing, Nick will convert for you — but it is worth knowing your UK size in advance. Our Solovair sizing guide and buying guide both include conversion notes.
Due to trademark restrictions, we are unable to ship yellow-stitched Solovair products to the USA or Canada. This is noted on the product pages, but it is worth mentioning in person if you are visiting from North America.
Getting Here
Address: The British Boot Company, 5 Kentish Town Road, Camden Town, London NW1 8NH
Nearest tube: Camden Town (Northern Line) — 2-minute walk. Exit the station, turn right, walk north along Kentish Town Road.
By bus: Routes 29, 253, 274, and others stop near Camden Town station.
By car: Street parking is limited in Camden. The nearest NCP car park is on Pratt Street. We recommend public transport.
Cannot Visit in Person?
Browse our full range at britboot.co.uk. Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Worldwide shipping available. If you need sizing help, email us before you order — we respond to every message and we would rather you get the right size first time than deal with a return.
Read our heritage story to understand why this shop matters, or browse our Solovair, George Cox, and Vintage Dr Martens collections online.
