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Loake have been making shoes for 130 years

By May 20, 2011August 2nd, 2021No Comments

The Loake family has been producing fine, handmade men’s footwear for longer than anyone can remember.

The tradition began in 1880, when three brothers – Thomas Loake, John Loake and William Loake – opened a factory in Northamptonshire in the heart of the English shoemaking industry. The aim was to provide the most handsome, comfortable and durable gentlemen’s shoes possible.

Today, more than 125 years and five generations later, Loake is still family owned and operating in the same town in Northamptonshire. Loake shoes have become a favourite with discerning customers worldwide and are exported to over 30 countries.

Loake is most famous for its Goodyear Welted footwear, an intricate construction with origins that can be traced back over 300 years. Loake estimate that they have made over 50 million pairs.

Loake’s premium Goodyear Welted shoes continue to be made in England and take eight weeks to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 75 shoe parts and approximately 200 different operations are involved. Only the very highest quality materials are used.

While Loake remain passionate about the quality that only time-honoured skills and a family heritage can achieve, in other respects Loake has a very modern approach.

The range of footwear on offer has been extended to include new constructions and a choice of both classic and contemporary designs. Loake also place special emphasis on fit and have developed unique comfort technology.

Loake’s modern outlook can also be seen in a number of recent collaborations, including the remake of an iconic shoe for international sports brand Puma.

Loake was awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the Queen in 2007.

Loake offer a full repair service at their Kettering factory. All their Goodyear Welted shoes (including rubber-soled) are designed to be repairable and experienced craftsmen will resole the shoes on the original lasts. Moccasins can also be repaired with a leather or rubber sole. The service, which can normally be completed within 21 working days, includes a full refurbishing treatment. Customers should return their shoes to Bradshaw and Lloyd to arrange the repair, or alternatively send them direct to the factory.

Loake also offer aromatic Cedarwood shoe trees which help preserve the shape of the shoe, as well as absorb moisture and impart a pleasant natural aroma to the leather.

To view Loake’s extensive range of shoes do visit www.bradshawandlloyd.com.

At the Bradshaw and Lloyd site you can also view the extensive range of shoes on offer from: Sanders shoes, Trickers shoes, Sebago Shoes and also Bradshaw and Lloyd’s ever expanding own brand range which are made for us by the same factories in Northamptonshire.

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