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Loake Versus John Varvatos

Markintosh

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I'm new to the forum but I'm a shoe junkie, hopelessly addicted to designer labels, high quality, but have wide feet. My latest craze is John Varvatos, he has a pair of Italian aged lace ups that I really want. My problem is that I have wide feet, to compromise, sometimes I buy an 11 instead of my normal 10.5 size. I started looking into designer shoes with widths and discovered English shoes - I'm SMITTEN!!!! Anyway, I found a pair of Loake's that are close to the Varvatos shoes I want. Does anyone care to compare quality between Varvatos and Loakes? (see the images of the shoes I want, the Loake's are about $200, the Varvatos are about $350)

 

porcelain monkey

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I have the Varvatos and am very happy. (I assume these are the tire sole desert boots). I LOVE the way they look with just about anything, and they are very comfortable for me. I am a 10 E/EE/EEE (depending on the brand), and can't fit into many Varvatos styles as they are one width (although I have tried - thank God for Zappos free shipping both ways). These are cut wide and are very comfortable.
 

Dewey

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Use the search function on Loake. There is a lot of discussion stored here. I've gathered that it's widely thought that all their shoes run wide, i.e., that the F Loake fits like a US E and the G, like a EEE. But I have no Loakes and my memory is not always so reliable.
 

jasonmarshalljazz

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just on principal, you will learn to stay away from clothiers who make shoes in favor of Shoe makers who make shoes. Even if a high fashion designer outsources shoe to a reputable shoe maker, the designers' style stipulations will usually render the shoe obsolete next year.
 

Markintosh

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I tried on the Varvatos Tire Sole laceups and they fit, if I get them it will have to be an 11, which is a 1/2 size too big - but I really like the style. I'm lucky and have a Varvatos shop at the local Mall (South Coast Plaza) - thank you!
 

academe

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I'd buy the Loakes... They may not have the same name-brand cahce as the Varvatos, but they make Goodyear-welted shoes that are likely to hold up tolerably well over the years. I own a range of English-made shoes, from Loake to Edward Green, and while the Loakes come out near the bottom of the heap with respect to refinement (c.f. EG or C&J) they are certainly quite well-made. Unless I was sure who Varvatos sub-contracted their manufacturing to, I'd hesitate...
 

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