Loake shoes
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Salut
I do not think, that you will find many Loakelovers in this forum. I, on th other hand, liken them. They do not (by far) represent the pinnacle in english shoemaking. But they have some nice models, esp if you buy them as seconds. I like to wear then on rainy days, when you don`t want to waste your "real" shoes....
They are much better than 90% of the shoes worn today on the streets, but by far not as good as, let`s say, Churchs, bespoke models or other highquality brands.
Greets Banjo
I do not think, that you will find many Loakelovers in this forum. I, on th other hand, liken them. They do not (by far) represent the pinnacle in english shoemaking. But they have some nice models, esp if you buy them as seconds. I like to wear then on rainy days, when you don`t want to waste your "real" shoes....
They are much better than 90% of the shoes worn today on the streets, but by far not as good as, let`s say, Churchs, bespoke models or other highquality brands.
Greets Banjo
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68 Posts
I have to agree that nothing compares to a pair of Church's shoes. I have owned a pair of Loakes before and I have to say although they looked good they were incredibly uncomfortable even after wearing them in and the they fell apart quite quickly. I'd say shop around a bit more as you may find better quality in a shoe maker who doesn't have such a big name and therefore spends more time on the quality of the shoes rather then advertising etc.
If you want a pair just for general wear, but even then I would say only at sale price - as Barkers are cheaper but a better shoe.
Do not know about C&J seconds, but Herring have second's for Church's
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/
They second's for Loake
Pediwear sell C&J - if you have a look in Jan, they should have a sale
https://www.pediwear.co.uk
Edwards of Manchester also stock C&J and many other Northampton-based shoemakers, not sure if they delivery outside the Uk though
https://www.edwardsofmanchester.co.uk/shop/crockett-and-jones
Do not know about C&J seconds, but Herring have second's for Church's
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/
They second's for Loake
Pediwear sell C&J - if you have a look in Jan, they should have a sale
https://www.pediwear.co.uk
Edwards of Manchester also stock C&J and many other Northampton-based shoemakers, not sure if they delivery outside the Uk though
https://www.edwardsofmanchester.co.uk/shop/crockett-and-jones
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1,008 Posts
I own a pair of Loake captoes, and I must say, they do hold one hell of a beautiful shine. In terms of comfort and construction, I prefer my Allen Edmonds, but Loakes are not bad. Kevin Spacey wears 'em! So does Paul Bettany. At least they draw decent endorsers.
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7,502 Posts
I love Loakes. The feel, the look, the quality.
I have 3 pairs of loake shoes. To me, it is more about fit than it is about the label. They are not the best shoes I own, but I do enjoy them. They are very comfortable. They are also cost effective compared to other English shoes (just got a pair of Loake chukka books this week for £100).
Best regards
Best regards
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7,502 Posts
Exactly Colnago! For me, labels and where and how a shoe was manufactured are totally uninteresting and irrelevant. In the past, I've bought Loakes because I prefer the look over other makes (especially the rather too dated look of Sargents) and they've fitted my feet better and more comfortably than Cheaneys, Churches, Sargents,and Lloyds. Price has never been a deciding factor.
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403 Posts
Shoes in the Loake 1880 range are excellent and offer high quality leather and construction just as Loake say they do. I personally would not want anything higher quality than this. And they are men's shoes. For me the dainty waists of some higher end shoes are no attraction at all being more suited to women's shoes in my estimation .At around $200 dollars, Loake 1880s are also outstanding value for money. The cheaper Shoemaker and L1 collections are not as substantial but they do have some nice lasts, which I would like to see available in the 1880s. Looking forward to Loake's new 2009 offerings that should soon be with us if they are not already.
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403 Posts
Compared to what? Which Loakes have you had?
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Loake shoes are very sound but they do not come with any bragging rights if that is important to you.
Still for £69 or £79 in most London outlets you cannot go wrong.
Still for £69 or £79 in most London outlets you cannot go wrong.
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5,852 Posts
Stick w/ the 1880 (calfskin) range and you're getting a decent shoe for the price.
Once you wear out the soles you probably won't want to bother w/ getting a rebuild, but at the prices that 1880s go for it's best to buy a new pair anyhow.
They take a shine well, and I always own a pair or two. I tend to use them as my dress shoes for days when it's wet out or I know I'll be doing a lot of city walking.
I agree w/ Hector F. about the burly, manly cut of the classic Loakes (pooh-poohed by some as blobby, but not a drawback in my book).
1880s are at a pretty decent sweet spot in terms of quality, price, durability, and elegant appearance. Good shoes to start w/ if you're just getting into benchmade English footwear.
Once you wear out the soles you probably won't want to bother w/ getting a rebuild, but at the prices that 1880s go for it's best to buy a new pair anyhow.
They take a shine well, and I always own a pair or two. I tend to use them as my dress shoes for days when it's wet out or I know I'll be doing a lot of city walking.
I agree w/ Hector F. about the burly, manly cut of the classic Loakes (pooh-poohed by some as blobby, but not a drawback in my book).
1880s are at a pretty decent sweet spot in terms of quality, price, durability, and elegant appearance. Good shoes to start w/ if you're just getting into benchmade English footwear.
Considering shoes are for walking on dirty streets and will get dirty i dont think people should get too precious about shoes.
As far as im concerned Loakes are great shoes. Ive got a pair of 771b shoes. I dont even think they are Loakes best.....1880's are arent they? But my 771b are excellent and comfortable out of the box. I sometimes dont want to wear them in case of ruining them and getting them dirty.
People should try mentioning the style of their 1880's to give me tips on what to buy. Ive mentioned mine are 771b
As far as im concerned Loakes are great shoes. Ive got a pair of 771b shoes. I dont even think they are Loakes best.....1880's are arent they? But my 771b are excellent and comfortable out of the box. I sometimes dont want to wear them in case of ruining them and getting them dirty.
People should try mentioning the style of their 1880's to give me tips on what to buy. Ive mentioned mine are 771b
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403 Posts
The 771s area are a great shoe. They are built on the 3625 last and are the closest thing around that is reminiscent of what was once popularly known as a 'Como' during the latter mod days in Britain. It's a shame that they are only available in 'polished' finishes though. An unpolished calf that could take a natural high shine, as all Loakes seem to do most splendidly, as others have pointed out, would be nice.
If you are happy with the 771s you should investigate the 026 lasts in the 1880 range and the 3525s in the Shoemaker collection. Shoes to try are the Exeter, Durham and Thames the latter sadly now discontinued but still available if you search for them.
It's also worth pointing out that Herring have a rebadged version of the 1880s at a slightly keener price and a supposedly even finer calf! I personally have two pairs of Richmonds which I am particularly fond of.
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I wear the Loake 202's as my everyday shoe to the office, and I love them!
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403 Posts
I've often thought about doing the same. The 202 is another shoes built on the 3625 last. These are pretty good for my feet, being quite wide where most people's feet are widest, yet with not too much volume due to quite a low instep- lower than Loake 026 last at any rate. Th attraction of a low maintenance polished binder shoe such as the 202 wingtip, is a consideration for a work shoe. I've had Dexter binder shoes before that have stayed respectable for 11 years. I wonder how the Loake polished binders will endure?
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403 Posts
I think we need to be more specific than this and compare like with like. Most shoe manufacturers have ranges and Loake and Barker are no exception. From what I can gauge, from owning Loake 1880s and closely inspecting Barker's Hand- Crafted collection, Loake have the edge on price and possibly on quality. With regard to that, however, the proof of the pudding really has to be in extended wearing.
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