With the cost of repairing shoes not getting any cheaper Loake shoes are stepping up to the mark by expanding their range of styles available with a rubber forepart to the sole. The latest of these is the Heston Oxford brogue from the premium Loake 1880 Collection. Available in thee colour options: black calf, tan calf and mahogany burnished calf. The Heston is made to the same very exacting standards as all the Loake 1880 styles with a good thick leather insole, a full leather lining. The Loake Heston is made on Loake’s very popular Claridge last which tapers fashionably at the toe whilst retaining otherwise classic lines. At Bradshaw & Lloyd we sell the Loake Heston for £199 and this includes either a free pair of hardwood shoe trees, a cleaning kit in a leather pouch or a pair of premium quality rubber galoshes.
These goodyear welted leather/rubber soles possess the finest attributes of both leather and rubber soles. Enough leather sole remains so that the shoe can mould nicely to the shape of your foot whilst the rubber forepart allows excellent grip and extraordinary good wear.
When it comes to re-soling these half leather/half rubber soled shoes, whether made by Loake shoes or others, it is a straightforward operation. A decent cobbler can simply replace the rubber forepart with a replacement rubber half sole which is stitched to the welt using the same traditional goodyear welting technique which was used by Loake in their original construction. With the Bradshaw & Lloyd repair service this repair will set you back £31.00. But you’ll be surprised how rarely it will be necessary.
