These Oxfords - Good price?

[Augusto86]

So I'm in the market for a pair of black oxford shoes - my parents donated the horrible old rubber-soled pair that was my former excuse to a cousin, and now I need some! I'm looking at these Loakes: Dorchesters, from the 1880 Mayfair Line I believe. I can score them for 85 pounds, so about ~$160. Worth it? Wait for something better? I don't need it now, but I do need a shoe like this - I have no proper dress shoes!!

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I hate having to pay too much for black shoes - but I guess everyone needs to have at least a pair. The price is good. I would probably buy them if I were in your situation. Although I would suggest that if given a choice of color the burnished chestnut looks stunning:
http://www.brogueshoes.co.uk/Loake-1880.html

 

[j]

I have no experience with the 1880s or any calf Loakes, but from what I know about them, I think that's a pretty good deal if they fit you and your needs.

 

[Lucky Strike]

Augusto: Are those from Herring Shoes? They sometimes sell seconds for even less. I have a few pairs of Loakes and they're very good value for money, IME. Solid, but not very exciting - a bit like Allen-Edmonds, I suppose.

 

[knittieguy]

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

Augusto: Are those from Herring Shoes?

They sometimes sell seconds for even less.

I have a few pairs of Loakes and they're very good value for money, IME. Solid, but not very exciting - a bit like Allen-Edmonds, I suppose.

I believe those are seconds from Herring. That's the price Herring has for those in seconds.

 

[Augusto86]

Yeah, Herring...the chestnut do look great, BUT I need black shoes!

 

[dkzzzz]

Originally Posted by Augusto86

Yeah, Herring...the chestnut do look great, BUT I need black shoes!

I think for black shoes you can score a better shoe for a better price online (ebay or SF).
I would not touch Loake at any price unless of course you MUST have black shoes next week.

Don't be surprised if UPS currier service that Herring uses would slap you with another 30 -40 bucks of import duties.

Herring uses shipping service that often makes custom agents to charge duties on the total.

I ended up paying $30.0 more per pair.

So to sum it up: Second quality Loake for 160+ or possibly 190.00 is hardly a good deal.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Bob Loblaw

I hate having to pay too much for black shoes - but I guess everyone needs to have at least a pair.

 

[juniper]

Originally Posted by Augusto86

On a tangential matter, I don't know why Loake have started using that nasty shaped rubber quarter on the new "Mayfair Last" 1880s when the old ones had a conventional small rubber segment. For me, one of the advantages of a combination heel rather than a wholly rubber toplift is a better aesthetic when seen from the edge.

 

[jml90]

I'd suggest looking on Ebay or phoning the Allen Edmonds outlet for black Byrons as they're discontinued you can get them on the cheap.

 

[Borky]

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

I think for black shoes you can score a better shoe for a better price online (ebay or SF).
I would not touch Loake at any price unless of course you MUST have black shoes next week.

Are they really that bad? Surely it beats all the dept store crap ie. kenneth cole, cole haan, etc. Are people on here just jaded or are Loakes generally poor shoes?

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

Are your eyes really stuck like that, or were you trying to say people need no black shoes, or what? These responses are really not very helpful.

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by j

Are your eyes really stuck like that, or were you trying to say people need no black shoes, or what? These responses are really not very helpful.

Tomasso's sarcasm is warranted in this case imo. He's saying the opposite i.e. that black shoe haters should give it a rest.

At any rate, it's your fault for giving him that smiley.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Borky

Are they really that bad? Surely it beats all the dept store crap ie. kenneth cole, cole haan, etc. Are people on here just jaded or are Loakes generally poor shoes?
Loakes are really not that bad - the main line shoes that CT sold were constructed pretty well, but the leather was not great.

However, if you're verging into $190 territory after duties, etc., he does have a point - there's no real reason not to get discounted Park Aves or other Allen Edmonds. The Loakes aren't particularly better looking or anything, and may actually cost more.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by EL72

Tomasso's sarcasm is warranted in this case imo.
Then explain what he meant to me, please, because it was much too vague for my limited brain.