LOAKE APPRECIATION THREAD

[GuyLab]

No first hand experience of Meermin but Loake 1880 are well made and good value in my opinion. They are part made in England. Stitching is thought to usually be in India. Other Loake ranges such as Design Loake are entirely imported and may have cheaper construction methods. In my experience, their suede offerings are nice and soft. My leather boots (Lytham and Sedbergh) have still quite stiff uppers but otherwise tough and quite stylish IMHO. My favourites are my Bedale suede brogue boots.

Other less expensive traditional Northamptonshire brands that might worth considering (particularly when discounted) include Barkers of Earls Barton (I like my new Sutton Chelsea boots), Sanders and Sanders (especially my Craig in waxy suede), and NPS Boots. NPS makes both traditional Goodyear welted shoes as well as the Solovair range which are similar to Dr Martens.

It might also be worth searching put discounts on some of the otherwise pricey brands such as Cheaney.

Thanks that's helpful, I'm indeed looking at 1880 models such as bedale, burford or Anglesey. Is the leather quality good? Couldn't find where they source their leathers from

 

[Swampster]

Thanks that's helpful, I'm indeed looking at 1880 models such as bedale, burford or Anglesey. Is the leather quality good? Couldn't find where they source their leathers from

In the discussion following https://blog.loake.com/shoe-expert/a-discussion-about-made-in-england/ , Loake just say that the leather comes from a variety of European tanneries, the leather on the Beadale (sic) most likely coming from Italy or France.

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

Thanks that's helpful, I'm indeed looking at 1880 models such as bedale, burford or Anglesey. Is the leather quality good? Couldn't find where they source their leathers from

Hello

I have never had any issue (i.e. growth marks) with Loake's leather. I started my "shoe journey" with Loake at Herring's and I am very pleased.

Regards

 

[GuyLab]

Thanks for chiming in, that's helpful

 

[rakuskus]

Hello, I'd like to give a try to Loake as I want to get typically British style boots and other brands are a bit too pricey for me.
My only experience in terms of Goodyear welted boots is with meermin so far, how would Loake 1880 compare?
Thanks in advance

If I may give my advice. If you have to go with Loake stay with the 1880 collection. However, for the same price range I would prefer SANDERS & SANDERS.

 

[Pinjo]

Hello, people!

i'm looking for a versatile workhorse. My first serious shoe up to 200 Pounds. I wonder which one would You choose, since there's little info on Sanders&Sanders online.

Helsinki

The sizing of the KEN last tends to be generous. To ensure the best fit and utmost comfort, we recommend customers take a half size down from their usual size.

www.sanders-uk.com

Loake Aldwych Black Calf, Rubber Soles, F

This version of the popular Loake Aldwych has Dainite rubber soles for enhanced grip and durability. The shoe is a regular F fitting.

www.bradshawandlloyd.com

Or, perhaps, something else?!

Thank You in advance.

 

[Vevin]

Hi. I'm new to this forum. Any feedback on Loake 1880 Stonegate shoes?

 

[KOz]

They are part made in England. Stitching is thought to usually be in India.

The 1880 range? What's the source on this? Last I heard 1880 and any range above is all made in England.

 

[Northants bloke]

The 1880 range? What's the source on this? Last I heard 1880 and any range above is all made in England.

I would have preferred this not to have been the case. I am born and bred in Northamptonshire. We all used to have family and neighbours in the industry. When possible I like to buy from the factory outlets including Loake, Cheaney, and Barker. As far as I can tell, Cheaney and Sanders are stitched in their respective factories but I don't work in the industry myself.

Unless I have misinterpreted Mr Loake, it says so below. Cutting and stitching appear to be defined here as distinct from 'making' in the Q&A following this article:

Made in England - Loake Shoemakers Blog

Andrew Loake gives a frank and honest account of Loake's position on the "country of origin" question. Read more...

blog.loake.com

 

[KOz]

I would have preferred this not to have been the case. I am born and bred in Northamptonshire. We all used to have family and neighbours in the industry. When possible I like to buy from the factory outlets including Loake, Cheaney, and Barker.

Unless I have misinterpreted Mr Loake, it says so below. Cutting and stitching appear to be defined here as distinct from 'making' in the Q&A following this article:

Thanks for clarifying! Unfortunate side effect of when people cannot afford to or do not want to pay what it costs to have everything done locally. That, and declined demand in leather footwear.

 

[KOz]

Thanks that's helpful, I'm indeed looking at 1880 models such as bedale, burford or Anglesey. Is the leather quality good? Couldn't find where they source their leathers from

Owned a pair of Burfords and absolutely loved them.

 

[Vevin]

Thank you for the reply. I found these on sale in the US. Would you say USD 185 is a good price for an Oxford from the Loake 1880 collection? Pardon my ignorance.

 

[KOz]

Thank you for the reply. I found these on sale in the US. Would you say USD 185 is a good price for an Oxford from the Loake 1880 collection? Pardon my ignorance.

They retail for £285 and they're worth it at that price. So yes - $185 is a massive saving.

 

[Humpty_Dumpty_Rises]

Thanks that's helpful, I'm indeed looking at 1880 models such as bedale, burford or Anglesey. Is the leather quality good? Couldn't find where they source their leathers from

Owned this Bedale for a few years now. Quality leather and stitching and soles. Solid boot. Very positive experience with it. Well worth what you pay for them.

 

[Northants bloke]

The 1880 boots seem very well made wherever they are stitched. A bit sneaky though. I seem to remember mention of particular 'Made in England, ' boots not being entirely as described from family way back in the 70s (not at Loakes).

I would be interested to know if Barkers are fully machined in Northamptonshire given that they are sold at a similar price point? I believe that NPS and Sanders manage it (although much smaller companies). Cheaneys seem to be pushing a little more up market towards Crocketts niche.

On the other hand John White's admit to selling their (non welted) shoes with their Northampton branding when all that remains locally for decades now is the office and distribution unit.