How does Loake's regular line compare to Herring Classic and Meermin?

[nickwjd]

Herring shoes is having a sale now and among the shoes, I like the Loake Thurlestone, which is a dark brown full brogue oxford. The shoes are simply marked Loake Made In England, so I assume it's their regular line and not the 1880.

I have never bought a nice welted pair of shoes before, and up till now, I was mainly planning to get either Meermins or something from Herring's classic line. Seeing as these Thurlestones are now going at only GBP 80+ after removal of VAT, I'm tempted to get my feet wet with these for a start. How is the quality of these compared to Herring and Meermin? The Meermins would be about GBP 15-20 more per pair, so if the difference is significant, then I'll probably get those instead.

Thanks!

 

[amemovox]

Although you may be on a budget, please consider the 1880 line if possible.

 

[kashmir]

it's the shoemaker line, one step below the 1880, but I like 3625 last a lot, more than the 026 which they seem to use everywhere. I vote for Meermin though, if it's not 1880.

 

[clbcs]

A couple of years ago I bought two made in england Loakes to use as 'beater' shoes and I am impressed with their durability. I had to have one of them re-soled since they were heavily used but the upper has kept up very well.They are well worth 80+ pounds. Dont know anything about mermin though

 

[sinnedk]

i am actually curious about loake as well, i want a beater chelsea, can anyone recommend one?

 

[nickwjd]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like I should probably be satisfied with it, considering that all the shoes I have now are cheaper than that anyway.

One reason I'm hesitant with Meermin is that their shipping only makes sense if I buy 2 pairs at once. That's quite a splurge for me at the moment, so Herring's sale is quite a bit more attractive. I can also pick up some cheap loafers at only 30+ GBP and ship them together for even better value. I can probably get 2 pairs of Meermins later, hopefully thier prices remain the same till then.

 

[kashmir]

yes they are good beaters. I just bought a pair of Herring Coltham (Herring's version of Loake Bayswater chelsea boots). Looks much better than the pics on Herring website. Or you can also opt for Loake Mitchum, the chelsea boots from the cheaper line- it's on discount now in 8.5 UK at Herring but only in snuff suede. They would be even more of a beater pair.

 

[tomee]

where does design loake sit?

 

[Henry Carter]



it's the shoemaker line, one step below the 1880, but I like 3625 last a lot, more than the 026 which they seem to use everywhere. I vote for Meermin though, if it's not 1880.

You're right the 3625 is not a bad last and much nicer than the capital last as well, which quite a few 1880's come in. But absolutely the shoemaker line is not as nice as the 1880 in terms of leather quality etc. The Meermin's are popular now (and I have a pair of Linea Maestro MTO on order now too) but haven't really stood the test of time just yet being such a new kid on the block.

 

[kashmir]

personally I stay away from Loake dressy leathers as generally, after what I've concluded from this forum and elsewhere, fine leathers are really costly, meaning I'd better save up and splurge on some C&Js or something in that level. so for my Herring (made by Loakes), I chose one pair of suede and one pair of waxy leather boots.

now if OP wants dressy leather I would say Meermin, utilizing what I suppose is spanish leather, would be better. they even have a full grain plain toe derby for the lower linea classic range... and of course you have the meermin thread where you can ask more.