LOAKE APPRECIATION THREAD

[The Seeker]

A comparison with the River last would be quite useful. My experience with it was that a 10.5 on River is like an 11 on Capital.

Hi BXpress - below is a side by side between the Lytham (Bullet) and the Avon (River) - I took the wrong boot off, sorry, but the Bullet and Capital are largely comparable.

The Avon is more angular and slightly tighter around the little toe area but being suede, there is some give there anyway. Both are size 10 and are the ideal fit, so would be confident to recommend the same size in both lasts, but...
...there is a level of adjustment in the Avon (River), so with thinner socks, I could get away with a 9.5, so I do get your comment v the Capital last. For me, it would come down to whether the shoe/boot you are considering is lace up or not, and whether you’d be wearing thin or thick(er) socks.

 

[The Seeker]

Very interesting question Mercurio...
I only unboxed the Lytham’s yesterday evening, so haven‘t looked them over with a critical eye just yet.
My thoughts, having briefly had them lined up against the Anglesey, for instance, is that the leather is exactly the same - but that may just be because they are both Oxblood Grain.
What I would say, is that the finish on the (suede) Avon and especially the (suede) Anson was very good, to my eye - certainly no complaints at the price point.
Were they considerably different to the 1880’s? Probably not. Could I have picked out the more expensive of the two? Possibly - I like to think so...but then the RRP differential is not huge.

 

[CWL317]

Hello ? these are my Aldwych which I bought a a few years ago. I see that Loake now only sell it in black, dark brown, and mahogany. I wonder why they discontinued the tan, was it not popular?

I haven’t worn them but plan to rotate it with another captoe oxford, in dark brown, that I bought recently (C&J Audley). I think the Aldwych leather seems to compare well with the Audley, but the bright tan is more casual. I’ve given it a very slight toe burnish. ?

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

Hello ? these are my Aldwych which I bought a a few years ago. I see that Loake now only sell it in black, dark brown, and mahogany. I wonder why they discontinued the tan, was it not popular?

I haven’t worn them but plan to rotate it with another captoe oxford, in dark brown, that I bought recently (C&J Audley). I think the Aldwych leather seems to compare well with the Audley, but the bright tan is more casual. I’ve given it a very slight toe burnish. ? View attachment 1466234

Those look great.

Maybe Loake is nos offering tan because the mahogany is more versatile and can be used with darker suits. The Aldwych is a great model, I own them in datk brown.

 

[CWL317]

Those look great.

Maybe Loake is nos offering tan because the mahogany is more versatile and can be used with darker suits. The Aldwych is a great model, I own them in datk brown.

Yes I think you’re right ? I would choose mahogany if it was available then - it is more understated. And dark brown is versatile too for casual or business. But the tan works well for casual.

 

[The Seeker]

Mahogany Chesters - pretty sure these are my most worn ‘proper’ shoes. Make me happy every time I put them on, and ideal for the current UK weather.

 

[Mercurio]

Loake PINLICO

 

[The Seeker]

Chatsworth - waxy brown version.

 

[Desb4rd]

New pair of 1880 Legacy Eden’s – something rubber soled for the winter. I was a bit worried about the size of the River last and it it quite generous - but the difference isn't anything that a thin additional insole won't fix.

Also picked up a pair of Leven (River last, split-toe) loafers which make nice looking office slippers.

Wicked Witch of the West:

In both cases they’re seconds –the Leven’s I can’t tell why, maybe it’s just that they’re discontinued. The Eden’s have an untidy welt-meeting but that’s it. Time will tell if there are any other gremlins - but having paid £99 per pair I won’t be in a position to complain - they even came in the proper boxes with bags and spare laces (TK Maxx are hit-and-miss on things like this.)

 

[Evergreen88]

New pair of 1880 Legacy Eden’s – something rubber soled for the winter. I was a bit worried about the size of the River last and it it quite generous - but the difference isn't anything that a thin additional insole won't fix.

Also picked up a pair of Leven (River last, split-toe) loafers which make nice looking office slippers.

Wicked Witch of the West:
View attachment 1481265
In both cases they’re seconds –the Leven’s I can’t tell why, maybe it’s just that they’re discontinued. The Eden’s have an untidy welt-meeting but that’s it. Time will tell if there are any other gremlins - but having paid £99 per pair I won’t be in a position to complain - they even came in the proper boxes with bags and spare laces (TK Maxx are hit-and-miss on things like this.)

Very nice shoes, for 99£ it's incredible value! I have one pair from the legacy line (Laxford) and I am quite happy with it.

 

[vim147]

I bought a pair of used Charles Tyrwhitt suede brogues from eBay which are made in England. They normally retail for £220. Am trying to find out who actually made them. My suspicion is that it was Loake as they look and fit exactly like my Buckinghams but could also have been Barkers. I very much doubt it was Crockett & Jones or Churchs due to its price.

Any ideas ?

 

[Mercurio]

I bought a pair of used Charles Tyrwhitt suede brogues from eBay which are made in England. They normally retail for £220. Am trying to find out who actually made them. My suspicion is that it was Loake as they look and fit exactly like my Buckinghams but could also have been Barkers. I very much doubt it was Crockett & Jones or Churchs due to its price.

Any ideas ?

View attachment 1483147 View attachment 1483148 View attachment 1483149 View attachment 1483150 View attachment 1483151

Even though the next Reddit post is from five years ago, it can give some light on the question:

Reddit - Dive into anything

www.reddit.com

Another answer, this time posted at Quora:

Does Charles Tyrwhitt make good shoes?

2 people want answers to this question.

www.quora.com

 

[vim147]

Even though the next Reddit post is from five years ago, it can give some light on the question:

Reddit - Dive into anything

www.reddit.com

Another answer, this time posted at Quora:

Does Charles Tyrwhitt make good shoes?

2 people want answers to this question.

www.quora.com

Ive just noticed its printed 026/F on the inside which is a Loake last. Either way I cant complain for £25 delivered.

 

[Mercurio]

Ive just noticed its printed 026/F on the inside which is a Loake last. Either way I cant complain for £25 delivered.

Excellent, enjoy them with health.

I have the Loake Kempton and the Herring Gosforth II and Geoge boots built on the Loake 026 last, that is quite comfortable for my feet.

 

[Mercurio]

Browsing the Loake Web page, I found some good news from the brand: they decided to sell and ship directly their products. Even though the only countries served at present are the USA and Canada, more will come shortly. I hope their factory outlet will be included.

I still can get their boots and shoes from some British and European retailers, but many of the new models aren't available. I look forward to shopping directly with Loake although this will mean that some of their traditional retailers are going to lose customers.

Delivery & Returns | English Men's Shoes & Boots | Loake Shoemakers

Delivering classic handmade English shoes since 1880. Popular styles include brogues, oxfords, loafers and boots for sale online.

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