Experience with Loake Chester or any Loake 1880

Can anyone share their experience with Loake Chester (I am also interested in experience with Loake 1880 line calf leather shoes).

As far as I can see, Loake Chester is a heavy, durable country shoe for a very attractive price.
Loake website states that these shoes are made from premium grade calf leather - I suppose it means that they're not corrected grain.
Loake website also states that 1880 shoes are made in England (not exported from India like other lower line Loakes).

So if anyone could share their experience with Chester or any other 1880 it would certainly help me a lot.

Originally Posted by Andrew Wyke

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Can anyone share their experience with Loake Chester (I am also interested in experience with Loake 1880 line calf leather shoes).

As far as I can see, Loake Chester is a heavy, durable country shoe for a very attractive price.
Loake website states that these shoes are made from premium grade calf leather - I suppose it means that they're not corrected grain.
Loake website also states that 1880 shoes are made in England (not exported from India like other lower line Loakes).

So if anyone could share their experience with Chester or any other 1880 it would certainly help me a lot.

I've got three Loake 1880 pairs, but not the Chester.

Leather on the 1880's is calf - it's maybe a bit stiffer than the best on offer, but pretty decent and after plenty of leather conditioner isn't bad at all. Visible construction quality isn't bad for the price - finishing is decent without being flawless.

They're a good value shoe - not quite up there with Alfred Sargent's Premier or Grenson Rose, but then they're much dearer.

I have the Loake Chester. Made in England, calf leather. Not the most high end shoe but I'm no big timer and I love them. Like all the 1880 stuff they're great value too.

Is there any place that Loake can be kopped for cheaper than pediwear or their factory store, etc? any secrets?

I've received fantastic service from Richard at The Shoe Healer when ordering Loake and Alfred Sargent shoes. I suspect they'd be willing to match competitor's prices, or throw in a shoe tree, if you see something better... - Mike

Originally Posted by asdf

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Is there any place that Loake can be kopped for cheaper than pediwear or their factory store, etc? any secrets?

You could try Skyvalet. They have Loake and one is on sale per the following link.

http://www.skyvalet1.com/detail.aspx?ID=349

I have a pair of Loake 1880. After two months, I´m happy with them so far. A bit stiffer than expected I must admit, but after some breaking in I find them quite comfy. Good value for money IMO.

Originally Posted by Andrew Wyke

Click to expand...

Can anyone share their experience with Loake Chester (I am also interested in experience with Loake 1880 line calf leather shoes).

As far as I can see, Loake Chester is a heavy, durable country shoe for a very attractive price.
Loake website states that these shoes are made from premium grade calf leather - I suppose it means that they're not corrected grain.
Loake website also states that 1880 shoes are made in England (not exported from India like other lower line Loakes).

So if anyone could share their experience with Chester or any other 1880 it would certainly help me a lot.

I recently bought a pair of Loake Buckingham in the 1880 range from Pediwear and I'm extremely pleased with my purchase. They're in burnished tan calf leather, on the capital last (an F fitting) & they're a pleasure to wear, they broke in very easily with no discomfort at all.
The stitching & construction are both very good & the sole is quite flexible & easy underfoot, the leather is good quality too,the colour is very much as you see in the photographs, but with careful use of the three shades of tan polish available, you can further enhance the beauty of the shoe.
As for sizing, I vary between a UK 6 - 7 with an EEEE fitting, depending on shoe type & manufacturer, I was advised that a UK 6.5 would be suitable as the capital last has a slightly longer toebox & the F fitting would be a snug fit.
I'll certainly be buying more Loakes as time & finances permit.
Incidently, the British actor, Bill Nighy, favours the Chester & is seen as one of the UK's best dressed men.
I hope this has been of some assistance to you.

I am interested to buy the Chester,

I wear Size Uk 8.5 F of Clarks Desert Boot, Uk 8.5 of Sanders/Mcnairy Dirty Bucks,
UK 8G of Church's Grafton.

What size do you recommend me?

I know that 024 is a generous last, Uk 8 should be OK?

Thanks