alternative to Loake L1's (in terms of price)?

30211 Views 23 Replies 12 Participants Last post by thefancyman, Feb 27, 2011

rossyl

Discussion Starter · Mar 7, 2009

I've bought some L1 Loakes.

However having done the research after purchasing I think I've made a mistake.

Having worn perfectly comfortable rubber sold shoes fo shoes time I thought I'd splash out (it's a fair amount of money for me!) on some Loake L1's. I normally spend £40 on shoes. The L1's were £80.

So tell me for a similar price what shoes would be better?

Very much appreciated.

Thanks.

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

wetnose

· #2 · Mar 8, 2009

Try the allen edmonds factory store on ebay. They might have something in your size at about that price, including shipping.

If you're willing to go used, then even better deals abound.

PJC in NoVa

· #3 · Mar 8, 2009

I wouldn't touch any Loakes except the calfskin models. The Comfort Collection has a fairly good selection in some classic designs:

https://www.pediwear.co.uk/loake/ranges/14.php

rossyl

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 8, 2009 (Edited)

thanks guys..any ideas how I could find what AE shoe would be the correct fitting for me?

chrstc

· #5 · Mar 8, 2009 (Edited)

Hello,
As you're based in England where AEs aren't exactly easy to find I'd definitely recommend Sanders shoes. Not as easy to find as they once were either but very well made for the price in my opinion. My Sanders Chukkas are amongst my favourite shoes and considering I have Grenson Masterpieces and EGs etc etc to compare them to that's quite a compliment I feel. I also have 2 pairs of Loakes and they aren't anywhere near as nice in my opinion.

If you're interested you can contact the company for a list of local dealers via:
https://www.sandersuk.demon.co.uk/

Or have a look at the ranges available here:

https://www.pediwear.co.uk/sanders.php

They are still a little more expensive than Loake L1s, though.

Another option might be the entry-level Alfred Sargents if you buy them through this store:

https://www.discount-shoe-sales.com/

Their prices are hugely discounted-You can save something like 40% on prices advertised elsewhere meaning that you could get a pair for £100 or so.

Hope this helps,

Chris.

EDIT: Sorry I forgot to add that, if you are able to get to Northamptonshire, many of the big names have factory shops that sell seconds or discontinued models at very reduced prices. Grenson sell perfects for between £50 and £100 from the English-made ranges, Church's and Crockett and Jones sometimes have some selected styles reduced right down to around £80 (although most of the shoes in the factory shop will cost twice that), Loake, Barker and Cheaney would also be worth visiting. If you contact these companies via their websites you can get details of all of the factory shops and their opening times. Usually a Friday is the best day to go as I think all of the factory shops are open then. On Saturdays some are closed. A visit to all the factory shops is a great way to spend a day!

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Kingstonian

· #6 · Mar 8, 2009

I would not consider any shoes that are not available in the UK. You will lose out on custom charges - even if they are cheap in country of origin.

Samuel Windsor offer inexpensive leather shoes, though they get little appreciation on this forum. Adding a rubber sole over the leather will prolong wear. You have to be careful which models you select. Visit the shop in person is the best advice. I have tan chukka and semi brogue, which are fine IMO.

Hector Freemantle

· #7 · Mar 8, 2009

Kingstonian said:
Samuel Windsor offer inexpensive leather shoes, though they get little appreciation on this forum. Adding a rubber sole over the leather will prolong wear. You have to be careful which models you select. Visit the shop in person is the best advice. I have tan chukka and semi brogue, which are fine IMO.

A couple of questions about the Samuel Windsor.

1) What's the lining like?
2) Are they polished leather?

I'm not able to try them out as they only deliver to the UK. But if I were in the UK, I'd definitely give them a whirl.

Kingstonian

· #8 · Mar 8, 2009

Hector Freemantle said:
A couple of questions about the Samuel Windsor.

1) What's the lining like?
2) Are they polished leather?

I'm not able to try them out as they only deliver to the UK. But if I were in the UK, I'd definitely give them a whirl.

The shoes vary from model to model. Some are fully leather lined. Some are polished leather uppers. Some are calf uppers.

Franko

· #9 · Mar 8, 2009

Re Samuel Windsor.

Rossyl,
The fit and shape of the shoes are very variable, a visit to the shop (as Kingstonian suggests) is essential IMHO.

The shop is just of the A3 and has parking available, the shoes are mainly made in India, I tried on their version of a Chelsea boot and it felt quite substantial, moreover they do run " buy one, get one free" (pairs, not single shoes : - ) from eighty quid, so you have added value and economy.

F.

Portly_polar_bear

· #10 · Mar 9, 2009

Kingstonian said:
Visit the shop in person is the best advice.

I'd second that. I didn't like the shoes they sent me and in fact one shoe was very shoddily made. You could avoid this by inspecting them in the shop.

I didn't think much to their shoes to be honest and decided to go for a refund instead of replacement. They're £30 shoes being sold for £30, with a wild claim that they should be £100 when not "on sale". It is at least good that it's possible to buy traditional styles inexpensively.

alex87tkd

· #11 · Jun 18, 2009 (Edited)

I just received my Samuel Windsor shoes today. A pair of Oxfords and Brogues, both black, both 100% leather and both perfect. Excellent quality at brilliant prices (both pairs for £100 in BOGOF).

Not as high-end as some people can afford on this forum, but much better than many others too.

Anthony Jordan

· #12 · Jun 18, 2009

I'd recommend watching eBay if you are not in a hurry; otherwise consider Herring Shoes' Loake sale and seconds for shoes in the 1880s line.

rossyl

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 21, 2010

Franko said:
Rossyl,
The fit and shape of the shoes are very variable, a visit to the shop (as Kingstonian suggests) is essential IMHO.

The shop is just of the A3 and has parking available, the shoes are mainly made in India, I tried on their version of a Chelsea boot and it felt quite substantial, moreover they do run " buy one, get one free" (pairs, not single shoes : - ) from eighty quid, so you have added value and economy.

F.

Hi...a thread revival by all imaginations, but a required one.

Well long story short, my Loake's have held out well...but i'm now in a position to buy a second pair of shoes.

Just wondering whether Samuel Windsor's remain a good choice, also the links sent don't seem to valid - found this website:

Also guess what - I walk past this hop quite often, unfortunately it is only ever open when I'm working!!
https://www.discount-shoe-sales.com/
I'll have a look for some decent shoes there, but it seems like they don't stock many of the brands they once did.

Chouan

· #14 · Oct 13, 2010

Portly_polar_bear said:
I'd second that. I didn't like the shoes they sent me and in fact one shoe was very shoddily made. You could avoid this by inspecting them in the shop.

I didn't think much to their shoes to be honest and decided to go for a refund instead of replacement. They're £30 shoes being sold for £30, with a wild claim that they should be £100 when not "on sale". It is at least good that it's possible to buy traditional styles inexpensively.

I bought some in a 2 for the price of 1 offer, and 1 pair I sent back as the upper began to pull away from the sole at the toe. The brogue pattern wasn't regular either. I sent them back and refused the replacement, preferring my money back. The other pair, although not faulty, weren't impressive for their quality, and I won't be buying any more.

Kingstonian

· #15 · Oct 13, 2010

rossyl said:
Hi...a thread revival by all imaginations, but a required one.

Well long story short, my Loake's have held out well...but i'm now in a position to buy a second pair of shoes.

Just wondering whether Samuel Windsor's remain a good choice, also the links sent don't seem to valid - found this website:

Also guess what - I walk past this hop quite often, unfortunately it is only ever open when I'm working!!
https://www.discount-shoe-sales.com/
I'll have a look for some decent shoes there, but it seems like they don't stock many of the brands they once did.

You will not get Loakes anywhere as cheap as that shop in Strutton Ground. £80 for Royal brogues last time I looked and about half as much again from Herring or Pediwear. The chukkas were just over £100 but nowhere else does Loake chukkas at that price.

My Sam Windsors are still going strong but I would only buy from the shop in Ripley. Some models are excessively shiny.

rossyl

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 24, 2011 (Edited)

Comfortable office (suit) shoes for £100-150 (UK)

Hi,

I'm after a pair of Oxfords or similar £100-150 they must be comfortable and not have corrected grain.

The following have been mentioned above:

Sanders
Alfred Sargent
Samuel Windsor (which I am a bit hesitant about)
Loake 1880

If anyone has any thoughts on other brands - I intend to enquire at Discount Shoe Sales (Strutton Ground) and make a trip to Bicester Village, so other brands may be in reach.

Thanks,
R

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chrstc

· #17 · Feb 24, 2011

Hello,

Based on your criteria I think you can eliminate Samuel Windsor as all of their shoes are corrected grain.

Chris.

thefancyman

· #18 · Feb 24, 2011

rossyl said:
Hi,

I'm after a pair of Oxfords or similar £100-150 they must be comfortable and not have corrected grain.

The following have been mentioned above:

Sanders
Alfred Sargent
Samuel Windsor (which I am a bit hesitant about)
Loake 1880

I don't know anything about Samuel Windsor or much about Sanders but I think Loake 1880 might be your best bet. They have raised their price since then to about £160 and Alfred Sargent has now raised their prices for their entry level line to well over £200. I might also suggest Barker specifically their Professional range which has some nice models around £150.

rossyl

Discussion Starter · #19 · Feb 25, 2011

Thanks - Yes having had a chat with a shoe shop it seems that having struggled through the recession Alfred Sargent have now decided to go more expensive and have cut all their previous entry-level shoes. Though Pediwear still stock: https://www.pediwear.co.uk/sargent/ranges/78.php

Have found this selection - any thoughts?

Barker Heritage: https://www.pediwear.co.uk/barker/products/2922.php

Sanders Ambassadr/Clubman: https://www.pediwear.co.uk/sanders/products/1859.php

Grenson Rushden: https://www.pediwear.co.uk/grenson/products/3222.php

Herring: Belgravia: https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/prod...&shoeID=3458&selectedSizeID=0&selectedFitID=0

Loake 1880: Hilton: https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/prod...&shoeID=1971&selectedSizeID=0&selectedFitID=0

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chrstc

· #20 · Feb 25, 2011

Hello,

The Grenson Rushden range is made in India unfortunately and isn't up to much at all. You might check Jacksonshoes on eBay as they sometimes have fantastic offers on the Grenson Rose Collection shoes-made in this country to a very high standard and a totally different proposition. They used to sell them for £99 a pair at times.

I think you'll find the Sanders very good value for money.

The Barker is on a very square-shaped last that I find very unattractive in person but you might think competely differently. Do try and see an example of another shoe on that last before you buy, though.

Have you thought of mail order via the Northampton factory shops if you can't get there in person? You'll get much better deals from Barker and C&J etc that way. You might even get a pair of Barker Handcrafted collection shoes as a discontinued model from either the factory shop or the Regent Street store. The 396 last is great.

Hope that helps a little,

Chris.

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