LOAKE APPRECIATION THREAD

[Gbg brouge]

So does Loake use Sweden as a sort of test market for new shoes?
The Swedish Loake blog is full of shoes and MTO options that the rest of us don't get.
It's a great site by the way.

I think it's thanks to a handful of shoemakers and shoe stores in Stockholm that got together to form Loake Sweden. Somehow they managed to get Loake to make some MTO's for the swedish market and is was a great success. Hopefully it will contribute to a wider range of shoes from Loake that will be available to all.

 

[SHS]

Thanks for the replies on "The Downing."

 

[RPM1]

Good to see a dedicated tread.

What are people's thoughts on the Loake Oscar from the 1880 Anniversary series, as I can currently procure a pair at a heavy discount?

 

[Gbg brouge]

Good to see a dedicated tread.

What are people's thoughts on the Loake Oscar from the 1880 Anniversary series, as I can currently procure a pair at a heavy discount?

Stylish, though a bit too modern for my taste. The last looks very nice though with the chiseled toe. Never heard of the Gallant last before, but I'd like to see some more models of it.

 

[Terpo]

Good to see a dedicated tread.

What are people's thoughts on the Loake Oscar from the 1880 Anniversary series, as I can currently procure a pair at a heavy discount?

I don't like the squareish toe. Much prefer the Aldwych.

 

[RPM1]

Stylish, though a bit too modern for my taste. The last looks very nice though with the chiseled toe. Never heard of the Gallant last before, but I'd like to see some more models of it.

I don't like the squareish toe. Much prefer the Aldwych.

Thanks for the responses, gents.

I find myself in agreement with Gbg brouge. I quite like the sleeker and squarer last on the Oscars, although I also feel the detailing is a little too modern for my taste. Furthermore, I had in fact ordered them, as they were in limited quantities at that price. But I will send them back once they arrive, and also try to provide some feedback here.

Instead, I could spend a little more and get the Loake Heston, which are also at a discounted price. But after having seen the Loake Jones, I think I will pass on the Hestons too. Comparatively, they appear to both share the upper detailing aesthetics and a similar mahogany brown shade, with the latter being something I did not like in the Jones.

Additionally, there is another shoe listed from the 1880 Anniversary series, which seems to follow a more classic design and be in what appears to be a much more versatile colour. Unfortunately, the shoe name or last have not been listed, and I have not been able to work out exactly what it is.

I must apologise as I do not yet know how spoiler tags work on this site, so will have to paste a series of images without break:











As these were also in limited quantities and appear to be exactly the type of shoe that will likely prove very versatile and hard wearing, I have placed an order. Therefore, I will likely know what they are in a few days, although someone else might be able to shed some light in the meantime?

 

[Gbg brouge]

Thanks for the responses, gents.

I find myself in agreement with Gbg brouge. I quite like the sleeker and squarer last on the Oscars, although I also feel the detailing is a little too modern for my taste. Furthermore, I had in fact ordered them, as they were in limited quantities at that price. But I will send them back once they arrive, and also try to provide some feedback here.

Instead, I could spend a little more and get the Loake Heston, which are also at a discounted price. But after having seen the Loake Jones, I think I will pass on the Hestons too. Comparatively, they appear to both share the upper detailing aesthetics and a similar mahogany brown shade, with the latter being something I did not like in the Jones.

Additionally, there is another shoe listed from the 1880 Anniversary series, which seems to follow a more classic design and be in what appears to be a much more versatile colour. Unfortunately, the shoe name or last have not been listed, and I have not been able to work out exactly what it is.

I must apologise as I do not yet know how spoiler tags work on this site, so will have to paste a series of images without break:

As these were also in limited quantities and appear to be exactly the type of shoe that will likely prove very versatile and hard wearing, I have placed an order. Therefore, I will likely know what they are in a few days, although someone else might be able to shed some light in the meantime?

Very interesting shoe! Looks like it's on the Mayfair last, and quite similar to the Hilton, but oxford style. Haven't seen it yet but it gives a very sleek and understated impression.

 

[RPM1]

Very interesting shoe! Looks like it's on the Mayfair last, and quite similar to the Hilton, but oxford style. Haven't seen it yet but it gives a very sleek and understated impression.

I couldn't find the Mayfair last in the collection posted earlier in this thread, although I did find an image of the Hilton in dark brown burnished calf and can see the similarities.

 

[Gbg brouge]

I couldn't find the Mayfair last in the collection posted earlier in this thread, although I did find an image of the Hilton in dark brown burnished calf and can see the similarities.

The Mayfair is a relatively new last, a little longer than the capital and more curved. Like a combination between the Swing and the Capital.

 

[wurger]

I quite like the quarter brogue, can't seem to find it on the Loake site anymore?

 

[RPM1]

I quite like the quarter brogue, can't seem to find it on the Loake site anymore?

Herring Shoes and Pediwear still stock some that are no longer on the main site.

Further, I finally received both pairs of shoes today.

Firstly, the Oscar comes in a reasonable shade of brown, darker than in the images but still short of dark brown. Also, the punch detail and overall design seem less pronounced in person, although still too modern for me. And I will be sending those back.

The second, unnamed pair turned out to be Loake Ledbury in brown burnished, and they are on the Claridge last. Conversely, these are not as dark brown, in person, when compared to the images. Still, I will likely be keeping these, as they seem to be quite classic in appearance and design.

Additionally, when doing a search for the latter pair, I came across a review that considers the Claridge last to be somewhere in between the Capital and Mayfair lasts.

 

[wurger]

Thanks for the update, glad you like the shoes.

 

[RPM1]

Yes, they seem to be reasonable enough for the price I paid. And once I put some neutral polish on them, they will likely darken a shade or two. At which point, I am sure they will look quite similar to the colour in the images.

 

[Gbg brouge]

Yes, they seem to be reasonable enough for the price I paid. And once I put some neutral polish on them, they will likely darken a shade or two. At which point, I am sure they will look quite similar to the colour in the images.

A good bargain by the sound of it! Do post some photos after polishing.

 

[Gbg brouge]

Sadly I can now confirm that the Loake MTO model Downing is only for sale in three physical stores in Stockholm, Sweden.



Do you share my opinion that this is a very nice shoe that should be available to everyone?