I splashed out several years ago on a pair of Design Loake shoes. They were tough, well made, comfortable and looked great. I wore them almost every day to the office and around town at lunchtime and they lasted about 7 years (with regular heel and stick-on sole replacement). I liked them so much I then bought a second pair exactly the same, and they lasted over 5 years of almost daily use (eventually both pairs developed a split in the uppers where they bend across the toes). When the second pair wore out, i found the style had been discontinued so I bought some Loake L1's. The difference is obvious. Thinner soles, poorer quality leather, and now made in ...  Read the complete review

Very dissapointed. I bought a pair of Loake black "Blackfriars" (monk type shoe). 1. I am glad I did not spend more than the £160 (the official retail price for this shoe now is £195). 2. I have never had such an uncomfortable shoe in my entire life. There is zero cushion in the heel. It is like walking on a pair of steel heeled shoes (wouldn't be surprised that there is real steel in the heel). 3. By comparison putting on one of my other "Made in England" the likes of Cheaneys (or even the cheaper Barkers) is like walking on clouds. (If one has back problems and needs to walk a lot he should stay away from the 1880 ...  Read the complete review

I purchased a pair of Loake Ashby Brogues, considered to be top-of-the-range for £170 from an Official Loake Stockist. I was dissapointed after a 10 days when one of the eyelets popped out. I returned them to the stockist who sent them back to Loake to be repaired. 3 weeks later I received my shoes back whith all the eyelets replaced by cheap looking, smaller eyelets. Some of the new eyelets were not fixed properly and some were hanging out. I showed these to the Loake Stockist, who expressed dissapointment and made me aware that this was not the first problem they had had from Loake repairs. I am now seeking a refund on my shoes, which I expected to be ...  Read the complete review

I am a long standing customer whom contacted Loake Shoes with an issue with very clear photographs showing both laces broken and both heals split after only a couple of months use. I was pretty much told I should buy another pair of work shoes so that I could wear them whilst I sent these shoes back to them to examine. Given I have been purchasing their shoes for over 15 years, I would have expected a replacement pair to be sent, I would have then been happy to send the faulty pair for them to examine as I dont have another pair of work shoes. They said they wouldn't do anything other than send some replacement laces with 'their compliments'. They even ...  Read the complete review

I spend a lot of time on my feet and like to be comfortable. I had heard others praise Loake as a good brand for smart business shoes, so when I got the chance to buy a pair of Loakes for half price, I decided to buy some and try them for myself. I just wanted a plain but shiny pair for work and there was no shortage of styles to choose from. I decided on a pair of Loake Poseidon lace-ups. They were ordered from our work supplier and arrived quite quickly. I was immediately impressed by the smart look and even more impressed by the comfortable fit. I was very pleased with them. However, I was a little disappointed when the shoes got a bit ...  Read the complete review