Loake vs. Allen Edmonds

Just wondering how these two brands stacked up against each other. Are they of similar qualities?

Also, what are the differences between the Loake 1881 and Loake Shoemaker Collection.

With the strong Canadian dollar against UK pounds, it is very tempting to buy some Loake from Pediwear.

Thanks in advance....

Originally Posted by bellyhungry

Click to expand...

Just wondering how these two brands stacked up against each other. Are they of similar qualities?

Also, what are the differences between the Loake 1881 and Loake Shoemaker Collection.

With the strong Canadian dollar against UK pounds, it is very tempting to buy some Loake from Pediwear.

Thanks in advance....

I'm not in a position to compare AE with Loake.

Loake 1880 is the best of the Loake ranges, made in UK, reasonable calf leather.

Loake's lesser offerings are a significant step down from AE's usual stuff. I would not consider any Loakes outside the 1880 line, which seems roughly on par with AE in terms of construction and finish.

Overall, I'd give a slight nod to AE vs. 1880, but some will find the Loake styling preferable.

E is a bit (just a bit) better in terms of leather quality and construction. If I choose to buy Loake, I would not buy any non-1880. Be careful though, both have some sinfully ugly lasts albeit nice pictures on their websites. So make sure that you can see the shoes at different angles before committing to buy.

I wish both companies made more boots and less shoes

Have both. AEs are definitely better made (even than the 1880s) IMO , albeit less sleek and stylish than the Loakes. I've been disappointed with my Loakes.

If you are considering Loakes from Pediwear, also consider The Shoe Healer. I've received outstanding personal service from them when ordering Loakes and Alfred Sargents. Beware that Canada Customs will extract a pound of flesh from you, however! - Mike

Originally Posted by mjc

Click to expand...

If you are considering Loakes from Pediwear, also consider The Shoe Healer. I've received outstanding personal service from them when ordering Loakes and Alfred Sargents.

Beware that Canada Customs will extract a pound of flesh from you, however!

- Mike

Does anyone know a store in canada that ships english shoes at reasonable prices? or rather, an overseas store that reliably dodges customs?

Thanks to all the insights....Much appreciated.

Originally I was looking at a pair of AE Delray, then got redirected here while doing some Google searches.

Then, I was looking to get a pair of the Loake Knightsbridge, but with all the input, it looks like I should probably just spend ~$150 more for a pair of C&J Edgware.

Originally Posted by asdf

Click to expand...

Does anyone know a store in canada that ships english shoes at reasonable prices? or rather, an overseas store that reliably dodges customs?

Customs didn't treat me terribly last time I ordered from Herring. You can get factory seconds from them at reasonable prices, the supposed defects not being noticeable on my last 2 orders. I think on a $200 order I got charged about $30 in shipping for 3-4 day delivery and $37 in additional tax and customs (this was via UPS, but "Saver" mode which meant that brokerage was included). Which, for an item that retails in perfect condition in the US at $400 before tax and shipping didn't seem all that bad.

Originally Posted by mjc

Click to expand...

If you are considering Loakes from Pediwear, also consider The Shoe Healer. I've received outstanding personal service from them when ordering Loakes and Alfred Sargents.

Beware that Canada Customs will extract a pound of flesh from you, however!

- Mike

+1 Shoe Healer has excellent service.

Originally Posted by asdf

Click to expand...

Does anyone know a store in canada that ships english shoes at reasonable prices? or rather, an overseas store that reliably dodges customs?

When ordering from international, you need to make sure that the local postal service is used (i.e. Royal Mail, USPS, etc) - Most of the time, when Canada Post takes the handoffs, CBSA will "forgive" your purchases.

If you're willing to accept the (low) risk, you can request the seller to send the parcel to you and declare it at a much lower value, this way if you do get hit with duties/taxes, then it will be at the lower value. The only downside to this is you are insured for less if the parcel is lost/stolen.

The one time I ordered from Pediwear, they used non-expedited shipping, and I got it through Canada Post. No customs duties.

My loakes through pediwear also managed to dodge customs

Originally Posted by osc

Click to expand...

When ordering from international, you need to make sure that the local postal service is used (i.e. Royal Mail, USPS, etc) - Most of the time, when Canada Post takes the handoffs, CBSA will "forgive" your purchases.

If you're willing to accept the (low) risk, you can request the seller to send the parcel to you and declare it at a much lower value, this way if you do get hit with duties/taxes, then it will be at the lower value. The only downside to this is you are insured for less if the parcel is lost/stolen.

Yeah, definitely. You also dodge goddamn brokerage fees that couriers charge.

Originally Posted by osc

Click to expand...

declare it at a much lower value, this way if you do get hit with duties/taxes, then it will be at the lower value. The only downside to this is you are insured for less if the parcel is lost/stolen.

No, the real downside is that Canada Customs notices the false value and holds your shipment for weeks while you deal with paperwork and fines.

Indochino sent me a suit with a declared value of $10. Canada Customs wasn't impressed. It took weeks to get the shipment released. (Indochino reimbursed me for the fees and fines.)

Anyway, beware.

- Mike