****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Usually I wear EUR 42 shoes, but this loak seems not have the right feet for me. After a long term straggle finally I chose a big size because I can fix it when it is big but I can't wear it when it is small...You can spend £1000 on pair of Oxfords or Brogues, if you really want. For the rest of us, "premium" shoes are usually English-made shoes by Church's, Loake or Barkers (all of which I've typically bought). Shoes at this level are a real high value investment: if maintained properly, a good pair of Church's will easily last 5-7 years and still look great, as well as feel brilliant. Compare that with buying cheapo shoes that look cheap out of the box and look terrible after 8 months, do the maths and make up your own mind what's the better investment.So, back in 2015, I was really interested in this Loake model, which appeared to offer good quality at a keener price. Having bought these, I can confirm they're excellent shoes, as you would expect from Loake and, four years on, they still look great and fit perfectly. And while these are perfectly serviceable and look far better than my colleagues' lesser brands, I sprang for another pair. Why?I needed a spare pair and these have proven to be a great investment. These are made of very high quality hide, excellently executed, with no flaws, excellent stitching and very comfortable. A few things to note:1. These are actually made in India, but don't let that put you off. These shoes are immaculate (I'm used to English Loakes and whilst not identical, they're very good quality and excellent value for money at half the equivalent price).2. Subjectively, these start off a little stiff and will take a little more wearing in than other high premium brands and the laces are not the best (but again, appearance-wise, nobody would notice).3. I had absolutely no sore feet or heels after first day wearing. Very nice. :)A few other reviewers seem to have got in a bit of tiswas over these not being English made, and inferior quality, but frankly having worn these for over four years and bought again, I think they're all blowing smoke. These are great. I've worn them for long walks (try Christmas shopping up and down the entire length of Oxford Street) and felt these to be just as comfortable as if I'd worn trainers.And for those who seem to have destroyed theirs after little use, well I suspect either they got a defective pair (possible) and should return them, or are just careless with shoes. After all, the best leather-soled shoes, without rubber stick-ons will wear through quite quickly. Just a few precautions (stick-on soles as soon as you buy them; polish at least once a week with good polish; unlace them to take off/on; use of a shoe tree) are all that is necessary to keep these looking great. And you'd need these with "real" Loakes too.Whilst I'd normally give £300 Loakes 5-stars, these are very good quality, with excellent value for money at this price point.Recommended.Very disappointed with them. Made in India and not England as advertised for all Loakes. Not for a broad fit and the leather isn't very soft and pliable. Very stiff and uncomfortable and still getting over the blisters due to poor quality.I have been wearing Loake Shoes for about 40 years, good fit, stylish, and plenty of room for a wide foot, would recommend.Stiff. These are not the originals which are made in the UK and not worth the money. Very stiff leather, tight to wear and clearly inferior quality to the UK manufactured ones.Excellent quality
