Winter Boots: Loake Shilton

[MS007]

Has anyone experience with this boot? I consider these since I need boots and I need them soon.
I read in a few threads that besides the 1880 line loakes do not enjoy very good reputation (and are not produced in england). Can someone be more specific on the leather quality and processing?

Thank you.

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

-MS

 

[juniper]

Originally Posted by MS007

Has anyone experience with this boot? I consider these since I need boots and I need them soon.
I read in a few threads that besides the 1880 line loakes do not enjoy very good reputation (and are not produced in england). Can someone be more specific on the leather quality and processing?

Thank you.

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

-MS

These should be fine - fully lined, welted, real dainite soles. Go for it.

 

[blahgspot]

I got these from pediwear. Nice boot, well-constructed, love the Dainite sole. Sadly, the leather is a step down from crap. Their "antiquing" adds up to deep creasing that already looks like it is going to crack any day now. And don't expect much in terms of patina, unless you like the dull waxy look. Overall, I like them for what they are--total beaters that I don't mind scraping, mucking around, and using as general ****-kickers.

 

[blahgspot]

FWIW these are produced in England despite not being 1880, with everything but the leather being 1880 quality (construction, sole, lining, welt)...

 

[Pablo-T]

Are you certain they're totally made in the UK?

Altho the 1880s range looks great, Loake went too low on prices even before they moved some production to India, and the leather hasn't been great for a decade. Better to pay a bit more - if you can't go to Tricker's, people like Alfred Sargent do terrific zug grain boots for not a lot more than Loake.

 

[Marcellionheart]

They're constructed in the UK; the materials are probably foreign. fwiw, the leather on the 1880s is, imo, better than the Design Loake. Not great, but it'll do.

 

[Pablo-T]

IIRC, Loake are quite open about sourcing. I did hear that for all but the 1880s, the uppers are mostly made in India; outer leathers are European, leather lining chromate-tanned in India. Final sewing is done in England. I believe it's Loake's own factory in India, and these boots are therefore better made, probabyl under better conditions, than many shoes at this price point, certainly far superior to most shoes and boots on the British high street. THis Guardian story covers some of the issues.

 

[Texmo]

The loakes on the right are 6 years old. great quality leather and have lasted great I wear them 1-2 times a week minimum

 

[shotbyahobo]

I have them they are very well made go for it

 

[shotbyahobo]

I got these from pediwear. Nice boot, well-constructed, love the Dainite sole. Sadly, the leather is a step down from crap. Their "antiquing" adds up to deep creasing that already looks like it is going to crack any day now. And don't expect much in terms of patina, unless you like the dull waxy look. Overall, I like them for what they are--total beaters that I don't mind scraping, mucking around, and using as general ****-kickers.

Yes apparently it has a worn and vintage look because the leather is un-touched and un-sanded, so this could be better for some people.