Loake-A hidden gem (Loake)

Member Name: jonnyfun06

Product:	Loake
Date:	16/05/09 (323 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfortable and durable

Disadvantages: Expensive and not trendy

First of all, I would like to point out that I am not a big buyer of named clothing items, and up until recently I had never even heard of this company. I used to buy my shoes at cheaper stores like Barrets and places like that, you know the type of shop where you can get a decent pair of shoes for £20 and they will last for about 6 months if you are lucky.

That was true up until 6 months ago, at which point I was bought a pair of Loake shoes as a present, and they are the best pair of shoes I have ever bought.

I would like to start by telling you about the company. Loake Shoemakers began over 125 years ago in Northamptonshire where three brothers wanted to make handsome, comfortable and durable shoes, that was a quote from their website. However, right up to today this company remains a family run business.

While the style of shoes would have once been considered old fashioned, the company have moved with the times and, while still producing an old fashioned style shoe, now have added to the range some very contempory designs, while still focusing on comfort.

Prices range from £65 to £145, this is from the companies website, so other bargains might be out there, so these shoes are by no means a cheap brand. The pair that I own are from the L1 range and retail at £89.99.

Now as I said, I was not one for spending large sums on my shoes, however, I can honestly say that when it comes to shoes you really do get what you pay for. The company has a specialist knowledge and the shoes I own are the most comfortable shoes that I have ever owned. From the first moment that I put them on, there was not a period where the shoes needed wearing in, they are a perfect fit. I wear shoes almost every day all day and I work in offices and I have had my fair share of painful shoes but these have never given me a problem.

Loake also advise on shoecare as well, and this can be found on the website, and I can honestly say that with a little bit of care and regular polish, my shoes look as good today as they did when I first got them. In fact if anything they actually improve the look the more you wear them.

Dont get me wrong, if you are looking for an ultra trendy shoe, something that maybe Top Man or Burtons would sell, then this comapany might not be the one for you, but if you are looking for a comfortable shoe that will last you then in my opinion look no further that Loake.

If you are looking to find a Loake supplier near you then the website has addresses that you can find them, many being in the south of the UK and many in London, which does let the company down a little. I live in Lancashire and I couldn't find one shop near by. However, the Loake website also offers a buy online service which is vvery handy.

If you are someone that likes to buy clothes based on celebrity endorsements then you are still in quite good company as apparently Kevin Spacey, Bill Nighy, Andrew Flintoff, David Morrisey, Adam Ficek, James Haskell and the Manchester United team all wear these shoes.

A final nice little touch on the website is that if you sign up to receive the Loake Newsletter you will be automatically entered into a prosse draw to win a pair of loake shoes, which I think is a good marketing tool.

In summary, this is a quality, high class company, that is not ashamed to make a good product and charge accordingly. The style of shoes may not be extremely modern, however, in my opinion this is not a problem as the shoes are comfortable and durable and have a style that is unique. If the Loake shoe fits then go and buy a pair.

Website address - http://www.loake.co.uk/

Summary: If these shoes are a fit for you, dont delay, buy a pair