LOAKE APPRECIATION THREAD

[Webbo]

If you need width at the pinky toe area my experience is that capital is wider than 024.

My experience too

 

[Wild Strawberry Rabbit]

Pimlico in suede

 

[SuitedDx]

I've had the Herring/Loake Chester and the fit is quite generous as it's a boot last I believe. I took a risk on a pair of shoes on the Capital last (Strand) a half size smaller... I'll see how they go!

 

[Alexandru]

I've had issues a couple of times with shoes regarding pinky toes discomfort. It's something I'll definitely consider. I might go tts, instead of going half size down.
I actually prefer when there's more space in toe that slightly tapers twards the heel.
Or perhaps I should end this whole ordeal and go with these instead
http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-info.php?shoeid=3011&brandid=6

 

[Wild Strawberry Rabbit]

Taunton in dark brown. In my opinion one of the very few Loake models with a really good looking design (along with Aldwych, Hyde and Anglesey). The only problem with these is extremely stiff heel, after year of use still very stiff. Even Meermins break in faster...

 

[Wood Street]

Taunton in dark brown. In my opinion one of the very few Loake models with a really good looking design (along with Aldwych, Hyde and Anglesey). The only problem with these is extremely stiff heel, after year of use still very stiff. Even Meermins break in faster...
View attachment 858994

I usually change the top piece on the heel to rubber. This will give you more comfort, also my heels wear very fast so this helps a lot in my case. Just a tip but it's worth trying if you like the shoes!

 

[SuitedDx]

Strand

 

[Betelgeuse]

Strand View attachment 861192

What a lovely shine those have. Nice!

 

[SuitedDx]

What a lovely shine those have. Nice!

Thank you my friend. I like a subtle burnish and it's only a few minutes of elbow grease to get the results. The left shoe's toe brogue also has some scuffs so it blends it in. Very happy with the results from my experimental 5.5F shoes (I typically wear 6 in other brands).

 

[Isiah Tongue]

Does anyone here own the Loake Export Grade? I’m trying to decide between Cheaney and Loake for my work shoes. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Northants bloke]

Does anyone here own the Loake Export Grade? I’m trying to decide between Cheaney and Loake for my work shoes. Thanks in advance for your advice.

My only beef with Loake is that they label shoes, 'Made in England' when they are machined in their closing room in India- which is quite a long way from their head office in Kettering. This might offend some and not matter to most people but as well as really liking Cheaney shoes. I also like that their shoes are made in their factory in Desborough near Kettering.

 

[mutsunake]

I am thinking of buying Loake Badminton 2 as my second pair of nice shoes after the C&J Lowndes in black. My question is, what size should I pick? In the C&J last 348 size UK 10 fits me perfect. But I have no idea what size I should pick in the Loakes, that also has a G wide fit which doesn't sound ideal since I have pretty narrow feet. Thankful for the help!

 

[Isiah Tongue]

Thanks for the reply. From what I’ve seen, the leather quality and construction between the Loake Export Grade and Cheaney mainline appear similar, though the Cheaney leather feels thinner.

I’m leaning to Loake as they offer free shoe trees!

My only beef with Loake is that they label shoes, 'Made in England' when they are machined in their closing room in India- which is quite a long way from their head office in Kettering. This might offend some and not matter to most people but as well as really liking Cheaney shoes. I also like that their shoes are made in their factory in Desborough near Kettering.

 

[Northants bloke]

Fair enough if you've seen both. I'm sure Loake make good shoes.

I have a bias for Northamptonshire made shoes. I've no connection to any particular company but many relatives and most of my home town used to work in the industry. It disappoints me that Loake, Barkers and Grensons might not be quite as local as they would have us believe. Perhaps it helps to keep them in the department stores.

AFAIK, C&J, Trickers, NPS, Cheaney, Sanders and Alfred Sargent are still made in the original factory. Church appears to be extending its factory. I wish Sanders and Sargent's had factory shops. Cheaney's range is quite diverse in terms of thickness and last shapes. I am not sure it is possible to generalise but their shop is excellent. Free shoe trees with Loakes is a nice touch.

Given this the Loake thread, I won't comment further. Enjoy.

 

[Schweino]

My only beef with Loake is that they label shoes, 'Made in England' when they are machined in their closing room in India- which is quite a long way from their head office in Kettering. This might offend some and not matter to most people but as well as really liking Cheaney shoes. I also like that their shoes are made in their factory in Desborough near Kettering.

Even their 1880 range? I always believed they are fully made in England.