Loake monk shoes (Islington, Fleet and Cannon)

[kaizo]

Ever since I discovered SF I've seen a fair few beautiful monk shoes and I think its time for me to invest in one. The only issue is that I have never worn shoes with elastics (with the exception of one chelsea boots) and I'm a bit cautious about it. I think price wise Loake is a good place to start for that reason and I'm thinking getting one of the following:





If anyone has any experience of wearing the above please let me know what the quality of leather is like and if they patina well. If you have any alternative suggestions those are welcome too!

Thanks in advance.

 

[RogerP]

I have the 1880 single monks. Be warned - they fit big. Overall quality is roughly on par with AE.

 

[kaizo]

Hi thanks for the reply that sounds promising! If I go for the Islington (the one you have) should I size down by a size or half?

Also I found this from grenson too but I think Islington is the winner:

 

[wojt]

Loake Cannon is one the best looking monk shoe I've seen, awesome
I can get them in suede brown or black for 212$, really tempted though they are not on my must-get-now list

 

[RogerP]

Quote:
Hard to say. In various brands I can wear either a UK 8.5 or 9 - just as a good fit can range for me from US9.5 to 10. I would definitely have been better served with a UK 8.5 in the Loakes, but since I had zeros experience with the brand, decided to err on the large side and ordered a 9. Unless you have very wide feet, you are probably safe to size down by a half in these Loakes.