Which black oxford (made in calf) should I buy?

[Pseudosyco]

Hello All

I am seeking some advice as to which shoes I should buy. I am on a limited budget (around £125-150) and am looking for some nice black oxfords, ideally with calf skin uppers. I can get some Loake 1880 Aldwych's for about £115 including delivery. I have some (non 1880) Loake monks and am fairly happy with them. I could also stretch my budget and buy a pair of Cheaneys (Isis) for £165ish.

Are these comparable shoes? Are the Cheaneys worth the extra 50 quid? Are there any other models/brands I should be considering in this price range? I am fairly skint at the moment, but would like a decent pair of oxfords (my other pair, ashamedly made by Samuel Windsor, are quite predictably dis-intergrating after about 18 months of ownership).

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Pseudosyco]

I've just found a place online that sells the Isis for £130 inc. delivery

 

[kischi]

In this case, I wouldn't risk the Cheaney, as it doesn't belong to the "Classics", which is Cheaney's top range. Like other makers (e.g. Sargent or Grenson), Cheaney often uses inferior leather for their cheaper lines. You also have to expect that the last is chubby.

With the Loake, at least you know what you get. The leather isn't the greatest, but the lasts are quite nice and at this price point, you can't do anything wrong with the 1880 range. Here's a better pic of the Aldwych. Hope I could help.

 

[Eustace]

Originally Posted by kischi

In this case, I wouldn't risk the Cheaney, as it doesn't belong to the "Classics", which is Cheaney's top range. Like other makers (e.g. Sargent or Grenson), Cheaney often uses inferior leather for their cheaper lines. You also have to expect that the last is chubby.

With the Loake, at least you know what you get. The leather isn't the greatest, but the lasts are quite nice and at this price point, you can't do anything wrong with the 1880 range. Here's a better pic of the Aldwych. Hope I could help.

Does it come replete with scotch and cigars?

 

[Pengranger]

If you're skint, there's no better than a day trip to Northampton...

 

[Pseudosyco]

Are the factory shops well stocked in mainstream sizes (I'm a 10)? I had considered it. What sort of discounts would be available?

 

[TC11201]

Stick with loake 1880 if that's the choice. Relaively good, serviceable shoes that should wear reasonably well. Try them on though, they run a little wide.

 

[Tarmac]

Loake 1880 is fine for a budget, I would not say Cheaney are worth 50 quid more.

Others in your range might be Grenson and Barker on sale. Even cheaper than 100.00 might be Sanders, but I would say the 1880s are better made.