Loake "comfort" range, anyone?

I'm trying to find a a pair of brown balmoral brogues in the lower price range with some form of rubber sole. Basically, what I need is a pair of shoes that I can wear on rainy days without worrying about ruining them.

These caught my attention:

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/produc...electedFitID=0

Soles aren't completely rubber, but I'm thinking the insert and rubber heels will be sufficient protection against moist. They're from the "Comfort" range though, which I'm not familiar with. Has anyone tried a pair? How is the leather quality in comparison with the 1880 range? Any other thoughts about them?

Also, secondary, I noticed they're only available in the G (wide) width. Would it be a good idea for me to go down half a size if I usually wear normal width shoes of other brands?

Thanks to anyone who can help,

I really wish I could help because I was asking about these shoes a couple months ago.

From what I've gathered, the leather MAY be corrected grain. I have no way to verify this.

If you do get these shoes, though, please tell us how you like them.

Doesn't look like corrected grain in the photo, but nothing wrong with corrected grain for your work-horse wet weather shoes. They look like a nice shoe. The full grain leather on some of the 1880s coming out now looks very soft and porous, and I wouldn't want to wear those on a rainy day. And i don't think they would hold up to extended use that well.

I also was waiting for detailed information on these type of shoes.

If you get them please please let use know your experience.

Good luck on the purchase.

For rainy day shoes, I'd get something with a full rubber or dainite sole, or just topy something. And I'd be wary of trying to size down on a G last if you are a normal with. Seems like a lot to spend for something that might only be half right.

Don't know about the loake comfort range, but it might be worth contacting customer service about the leather and last fitting--they're usually pretty quick to respond.

I mailed a bit with Herring shoes and Loake customer service. The leather is not corrected grain, and they're supposedly similar to the 1880 range in quality.

After trying on a few Loake shoes, it seems like their size 7Fs are the right length for me, but a bit too tight. So I think a 7G could fit me nicely.

I've ordered a pair. I'll update this thread when I get them in case anyone is interested.

Originally Posted by Ziss

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I mailed a bit with Herring shoes and Loake customer service. The leather is not corrected grain, and they're supposedly similar to the 1880 range in quality.

After trying on a few Loake shoes, it seems like their size 7Fs are the right length for me, but a bit too tight. So I think a 7G could fit me nicely.

I've ordered a pair.

I'll update this thread when I get them in case anyone is interested.
awesome, keep us updated.

Originally Posted by anon

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awesome, keep us updated.
+1 My dad has bad feet and has pretty much sworn of real shoes for trainers, I wouldn't mind getting him some of these if they are comfy. So do please let us know how they are

also, if you wear 7Gs UK, what US size do you usually wear? 8E?

I recently bought the Loake Kew (In the comfort collection) from herringshoes and am very pleased. IMO the leather is the same quality as 1880's and an almost identical fit. I would NOT recommend sizing 1/2 down because of the G width. I did, and had to have the shoes stretched.

Luckily, it worked out and the shoes fit almost perfectly. If I could do it again, though, I would order the same size I've ordered my other Loake's in.

I feel a slight difference in the CCS system, but it is slight, and should NOT be interpreted as a "real Comfort shoe." Instead, I'd classify it as a slightly more comfortable shoe than you are used to from Loake.

If you need REAL relief from the traditional trainer, then look elsewhere, but if you want something that is gentler on your feet, then look no further

Trackmane

Originally Posted by Trackmane

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I recently bought the Loake Kew (In the comfort collection) from herringshoes and am very pleased. IMO the leather is the same quality as 1880's and an almost identical fit. I would NOT recommend sizing 1/2 down because of the G width. I did, and had to have the shoes stretched.

Luckily, it worked out and the shoes fit almost perfectly. If I could do it again, though, I would order the same size I've ordered my other Loake's in.

I feel a slight difference in the CCS system, but it is slight, and should NOT be interpreted as a "real Comfort shoe." Instead, I'd classify it as a slightly more comfortable shoe than you are used to from Loake.

If you need REAL relief from the traditional trainer, then look elsewhere, but if you want something that is gentler on your feet, then look no further

Trackmane
thanks for the feedback

(The shoes are a bit darker than they appear to be in these pics)

Ze shoes have arrived! The size turned out to be nearly perfect. Can't really tell until I've walked in them for a while, though. But it almost makes me think maybe that's actually the right size for me. Hrm.

For reference, I wear (UK sizes):
7.5E in Crockett and Jones last 236 (but could probably go down half a size)
7.5F in Church's last 73

Anyway. Leather quality seems to be good, definitely not corrected grain. I don't have any Loake 1880 to compare with, but it's far better than the other Loake (non 1880s) I've tried on in stores, so I assume the leather is the same as the 1880 line. It's a bit softer than the pair of C&Js I compared them to. I'm not sure if they do something to it to soften up the leather. If so, hopefully it doesn't affect the lifespan of the shoes.

The big "comfort" part, I assume, is the thick insole. Which, admittedly, makes them a bit easier on the feet. Better than your average dress shoe, at least initially. The sole also seems a bit more "bendable".

I'll update this thread when I've used them for a few months (if I can remember).

thanks for letting us know! I feel confident enough to get them now.