Loake's footwear
Well known footwear manufacture Loake have been making very high quality and aesthetic shoes, boots, trainers etc. since 1880! And are only getting better and better. I have somehow managed to amass around 6 pairs so far and am still on the lookout for my next pair. Keep reading to find out why Loake is rated so highly and why we think you should invest and few pairs for yourself.
A brief history
My great-great Grandfather William opened the first Loake factory with his brothers John & Thomas, back in 1880. Today, five generations and more than 140 years later, the Loake association with fine, handmade footwear lives on.
As the current custodians of Loake, we are immensely proud of the commitment of our forefathers and the tradition they worked so hard to establish. For this reason, we are honoured to continue making Goodyear Welted shoes in the same factory built in 1894.
- Managing director, Andrew Cory
Why Loake's
When investing in quality footwear there are many factor to consider, I generally use the following five criteria when buying any type of footwear.
- Design Aesthetic
- This is an easy one really, if you are looking for smart well shaped dress, casual, or smart/casual Loake has many styles that suit all occasion. To names a few interesting pair, you may want to check out the Aldwych (smart), Bannister (casual), or the Chatsworth Chelsea boots (smart/casual) - Comfort
- Possibly a subjective measure, however I have not heard anyone complain in this criteria and my 7 pairs are all very comfortable and seem to take very little to wear then in. Loake also offer a range of styles with varied width to suit the various foot shapes. - Durability
- Having worn Loake's for years I can attest to their excellent durability, they are clearly well made and and feel very solid on foot without feeling too heavy. Also the rubber soled versions of many of their styles improve grip and comfort if you don't get in with leather soles. - Repairability
- Like many footwear companies Loake's offers goodyear welted soles allowing them to be easily resoled. - Cost
- The Loake range is certainly not cheap, however their prices also do not reach the heights of some other popular UK made shoes while riveling their quality. If you are on a slightly tighter budget, Loake have a online outlet shop. Here you can get some incredible deals on their whole range. 4 of my 6 pairs were bought from the outlet for staggering discounts (more than 50% off in some cases).
Value for money
Loake's are a great investment, and if treated well can last many many years. If you have a few pairs in rotation you my not even need to buy many pair in your lifetime! With the added benefit of easy resoling, you can even reinvigorate and old battered back to life.
I think the value for money if good and if you can get a great deal from the outlet then the value form money has the potential to be phenomenal. And you are supporting locally made business at the same time.
