Loake? Grenson? BOOTS?

[shoester]

I'm looking for some cheapish boots. I'm thinking about either the Loake Shiltons or the Grenson Browns (leaning towards the loakes). I've heard they aren't the best quality but I plan on subjecting them to salt. Anybody have any thoughts/experience with them?

thanks

 

[Avebury]

Might be interested in some of the boots posted on the 'Interesting Boots' thread - not overly expensive. Look very good quality. Really depends what you want. If you want a rough, tough, knock-about boot then you're probably better off looking at a heavy, stylish work boot. If you lean more towards elegance and style, you'd be looking at the quality makers (Loake and upwards). You wouldn't really get away with less than £100 for any of those. You'd also have to be careful to rest them; ideally rotating them every other day. I wouldn't go for Timberland - in my view, overpriced junk. The 'middle way' is of course a light walking boot - wide range of boots out there for less than £100. These would take the salt, mud and rain.

 

[shoester]

Do you think those Loakes are lame?

 

[Avebury]

Originally Posted by shoester

Do you think those Loakes are lame?

Grim. Really grim. I really don't really don't see the point of messing with a traditional style. I'm a great fan of the Grenson "Tor", alas no longer available. Similiar in style to the C+J "Coniston", only in smooth brown leather. Beautiful design, but they ditched it. I mean what's with that nasty design to the upper? Have a look at the "Jackson" - looks like Charlie Chaplin mated with Timberland. With the classics I think you can only make minor changes to the design, otherwise by reason of its difference it looks awkward and out of place. Where's the originality gone!

 

[Avebury]

Originally Posted by shoester

Do you think those Loakes are lame?

My apologies - my personal view. Those pictured are Grenson "Brown" if I'm not mistaken. At the end of the day, it's horses for courses. I'm a traditionalist at heart when it comes to shoes.

 

[shoester]

Actually meant these Loakes but the picture vanished:

http://www.loake.co.uk/Shop/Products...g/PID-SHI.aspx

 

[Avebury]

Originally Posted by shoester

Actually meant these Loakes but the picture vanished:

http://www.loake.co.uk/Shop/Products...g/PID-SHI.aspx

That is a reasonable looking boot. Personally, I would prefer to see it made in smooth brown calf leather. Of the two, given a straight choice, I would buy Loake. I own a pair of Loake 1880's and I find them very solid and reliable. If you are leaning more towards the quality market, instead of the rough and ready, throw them on covered in mud market, have a look at Barker and Alfred Sargent. The quality is considerably better than Loake or the Grenson "Rushden range". I own a Barker "Hamiliton" and am certain it is better than my Loake shoe. Pediwear has got some great deals on Barker and Alfred Sargent at the moment - you might be interested in the AS "Conistion". This is also made in a waxy type of leather. It has a rubber sole unit, which means that it will last a long time. Shoes with leather soles need re-soling from time to time, so that's another £40 - £50 on top, once or twice a year. At a factory it can be as much as £100.

After Barker and AS you go up a gear - Grenson "Rose" collection, C+J, Church's are all £200 +. With Edward Green you may be paying soemthing like £500 a pair. Luxury indeed. At this level, the shoes will need real loving care and attention. Bit like owning a nice car really - cleaning polishing, repairing, buffing, etc. Not what you're after, if I read you post correctly.

Hope this is of use.

 

[mich61]

My vote goes to the Grenson. I'm actually looking for a pair in US 10 right now. Any idea where I can still find them?
The loakes look great, too. In fact, I've added them to my list of possibilities, which also includes a great aviator style boot on the Orvis website in the men's boots section.
It looks like everyone is sold out of the Grenson Browns, but come across any lately?