Norman Walsh Trainers Review: I Tested the Ensign and Alta Sneakers
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The story of Norman Walsh is one of true British craftsmanship. Norman Walsh himself was born in Bolton in 1931 and started his career in shoemaking at just 14 years old. After years of perfecting his craft and even creating footwear for British Olympians, he decided to launch his own brand in 1961. From that moment, Walsh became known for producing high-quality running and lifestyle shoes that combined performance, durability, and style.
What’s remarkable is how the brand has stayed true to its roots. While some of their sneakers are now made overseas to meet growing demand, many are still crafted by hand in Bolton, using techniques passed down through generations. Every design, however, still begins in the same northern English town where it all started — keeping that heritage spirit alive.
First Impressions
The first thing that caught my attention was the packaging. Everything felt neat and well thought out — nothing flashy, just clean and elegant. Each pair came perfectly packed and even included a spare pair of laces in a different colour, which I always appreciate. It’s a small touch, but it says a lot about a brand that cares about the details.
When I opened the boxes, I was genuinely surprised by the overall quality of the trainers. The materials, the stitching, the finish — everything felt solid and premium right from the start. Honestly, my first impression was excellent. From presentation to craftsmanship, Norman Walsh made it clear from the moment I unboxed them that I was dealing with something special.
Norman Walsh Ensign (White & Black)
Let’s start with the Ensign in White and Black. The first thing you’ll notice is how light they feel — and how beautifully designed they are. I find them genuinely stylish, with that perfect blend of retro and modern appeal.
Let’s talk about sizing. On the Norman Walsh website, they recommend going one size up, so I followed their advice. I’m normally a UK 9 / EU 43, and I went for the EU 44 (UK 9.5). It turned out to be spot on — the fit is absolutely perfect. They’re super comfortable right out of the box, no break-in needed.
The Ensign has an interesting story too. It was originally crafted by Norman Walsh for British marathoner Bolton Harriers’ historic 1981 New York race. Over the years, this hiking-inspired silhouette has evolved through four decades of refinement — and you can really feel that heritage when you wear them.
I recently drove from Bristol all the way to Foix in the south of France — around 1,400 km each way — for my dad’s 90th birthday, and I wore these shoes for the trip. Honestly, they were the best travel companion I could’ve asked for: light, supportive, and stylish enough to wear anywhere along the way.
The attention to detail is excellent, and I love the contrast between the black and white tones. They feel as great as they look — a perfect match for chinos, jeans, or even smart joggers.
If you’re after something versatile, comfortable, and beautifully made, I can’t recommend the Ensign enough. The Ensign are available at Normanwalsh.com (here)
Norman Walsh Alta (Bean Green & Moss)
Now let’s talk about the Alta in Bean Green and Moss. Before anything else, I have to mention the colour combination— absolutely stunning! It’s such a refreshing mix that stands out without being too loud. The tones work beautifully together, and I honestly can’t stop looking at them.
One of my favourite details is the branding on the back — that slightly imperfect, handwritten-style font gives the sneakers a unique and personal touch. It’s small, but it adds character and reinforces that sense of craftsmanship I love about this brand.
Born from British athletic heritage, the Alta blends that DNA with modern urban functionality. The leather and nylon upper paired with Canberra lining creates the right balance between durability and breathability, while the Freudenberg midsole technology keeps them lightweight and flexible underfoot.
Just like the Ensign, the Altas feel super light and incredibly comfortable from the very first wear. And in this Bean Green and Moss colourway, they look smart, sophisticated, and versatile. I’ve already had a few people comment on them — always a good sign that you’re wearing something stylish!
If you’re after a pair of sneakers that feel premium and a bit more refined, the Alta is the one to go for. Smart enough to pair with chinos or a jacket, yet casual enough for everyday wear — they strike that perfect middle ground. Available at NormanWalsh.com (here)
Final Thoughts
I have to say, I’m genuinely so glad that Norman Walsh reached out to me. It turned out to be one of the best surprises of the year. These trainers completely exceeded my expectations — from their comfort and craftsmanship to their design and personality.
I’ve been talking about them constantly since I started wearing them because, honestly, they’re just that good. Both the Ensign and the Alta are beautifully made, incredibly light, and genuinely stylish. Each pair has its own character — the Ensign with its retro charm and the Alta with its smart, modern edge — and I’ve been rotating between them non-stop.
Norman Walsh has truly managed to keep that British craftsmanship spirit alive while offering sneakers that feel current and wearable for everyday life. If you haven’t already, I really recommend visiting their official website and checking out their collection. They have so many beautiful designs, from classic runners to more refined lifestyle sneakers — it’s hard not to fall in love with at least one pair. Please visit: normanwalsh.com (here)
Jerome
Disclaimer: Norman Walsh kindly sent me these two pairs of trainers for review purposes, but as always, all opinions are completely my own. I only recommend products that I genuinely like and believe in — and these shoes truly impressed me. If you decide to purchase a pair through one of the links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support my work and help me continue sharing honest reviews like this one.
Norman Walsh Trainers Review: I tested the Ensign and Alta sneakers — stylish, lightweight, and crafted with British heritage quality.