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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the De Winter collection of boots?

The De Winter range of boots has been developed by Bradshaw & Lloyd’s Richard de Winter in order to offer the perfect boot in terms of design, quality and fit. They are hand made entirely in England. The extensive collection of De Winter boots are made on our exlusive Hurst last which combines an attractive slightly chisel toe shape whilst maintaining a superb true to size fit. They are also priced very competively.

Do you keep records of my previous orders?

Yes, we maintain comprehensive records of all orders back to 1990.  Please email sales@www.bradshawandlloyd.com or telephone us on +44 (0)1273-841946 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday.

What is 'Goodyear welting'?

After 200 years of shoemaking in Northamptonshire, ‘Goodyear Welting’ is still considered the finest method of shoe construction. Once the upper leather has been ‘closed’ it is placed onto the wooden last and the insole is attached. A strip of leather called the ‘welt’ is then stitched through the upper leather to the underside of the leather insole. The outer sole is then stitched to the welt. This ‘Goodyear welting’ is time consuming and requires highly skilled craftsmen. However it means the sole can be replaced time and again without damaging the upper leather. Because the leather components are stitched rather than glued together all the natural properties of the leather are retained, giving superior thermal insulation, durability and shape retention, as well as the best possible breathing conditions for feet. The more a Goodyear Welted shoe is worn, the more comfortable it becomes as the leather components gradually mould to the shape of the foot.

What fitting am I?

The majority of Northern European feet are fairly broad and suit a medium wide ‘F’ fitting. If you have difficulty getting shoes to fit, then it is likely that you are a broader ‘G’ fitting.

We do stock a limited range of narrow ‘E’ fitting shoes.

What is a 'Moccasin'?

With this form of shoe construction the entire upper leather is wrapped around the foot to form a sock shape to which the sole is then stitched. A genuine moccasin is superbly comfortable.

What is the difference between calf and polished leather?

A calf leather will last longer as it is more supple and will be more flexible from day 1.  A side leather from a more mature hide shines up more readily than calf.

Can I visit your offices to see the shoes?

Yes our high street store is in Hurstpierpoint where we welcome visitors. We cannot of course stock everything listed on our website but we hope you will be impressed with the extensive range from all the brands which we do maintain here in half size increments. The entire De Winter range of boots is always stocked here.

How soon will I receive my order?

Every effort will be made to despatch your order within 24 hours, but please allow a maximum of 10 days from our receipt of your order. If you have any queries please email sales@www.bradshawandlloyd.com or telephone us on +44 (0)1273-841946 between 9.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday and we will be pleased to help.

What if I don't like the shoes I receive?

If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with anything you buy from Bradshaw & Lloyd you may return your purchase provided it is in perfect condition, within 31 days of receipt and we will replace the item, or refund your money. We recommend shoes be tried only on a carpeted surface, to prevent damage. This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.

We provide a free returns service within the UK for all non sale items.

What do the different Loake logos mean?

Loake offer shoes from 6 distinct collections:

Loake 1880 – This is Loake’s premium collection. No detail is compromised in this range of footwear, made using techniques that can be traced back to when Loake first started in 1880. Loake use the very best hand-burnished calf leather, as well as their own leather-built heels, leather linings and insoles. All made in the Northamptonshire factory.

Evolution – Loake Evolution combines the classic styling and traditional manufacturing methods for which Loake is renowned with the instant wearability of modern footwear. All of the shoes in this range are made in the Northamptonshire factory using premium hand burnished calf leathers and are fully leather lined for extra comfort.

Loake Shoemakers – A comprehensive collection of handsome, comfortable footwear, including some new variations of traditional Loake designs alongside some of the best-selling classics. All made in the Northamptonshire factory.

Design Loake Design Loake is for those who want a combination of contemporary design and traditional Loake craftsmanship.

L1 – This is Loake’s value range, made in their overseas factory. Traditional craftsmanship and classic styling in a comprehensive range of Loake essentials. There are no rules broken here, quite simply, Loake aims to offer timeless designs that don’t compromise quality, performance or good looks.

Loake Lifestyle – Loake Lifestyle offers a more relaxed alternative to their classic Goodyear welted footwear. These non-welted constructions complement the traditional ranges, enabling Loake to offer a complete wardrobe of shoes for every occasion.

Are the colours on the site accurate?

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the colours, however there may be slight variations between photographs and products.

How do I care for my shoes?

Leather is a living material, which adapts to your feet, whilst absorbing and dispersing moisture produced during wear. As your shoes will be subject to some adverse conditions, we would make the following suggestions on care, to help you obtain a long and comfortable service from your shoes:

  • Always use a shoe horn to keep the backs strong and sturdy and use shoe trees to keep the shoes in good shape.
  • Try to wear your shoes in dry conditions for the first few occasions.
  • Avoid, if possible, wearing the same pair of shoes every day – foot perspiration and moisture may take up to 24 hours to dry out.
  • If your shoes become wet, they should be dried at normal room temperature.
  • Never leave shoes in front of a fire or on a radiator, as the heat will dry out the leather’s natural oils and encourage the leather to crack. Let them dry out naturally.
  • Cleaning shoes is most important. Dirt and mud is best removed with a damp cloth or sponge. It is essential to remove all dirt before polishing, otherwise the dirt may discolour the leather.
  • Ensure that you have the soles or heels repaired by a reputable repairer before they are completely worn out, or return to us (see repair service).
  • Leather shoes should always be polished with a good wax polish of the correct shade. This helps to repel water, moisturise the leather and prevent cracking and excessive creasing.
  • Suede shoes should only be cleaned with the correct suede brush. Suede protector and suede shampoo may be helpful.
  • Patent shoes should be wiped with a damp cloth and polished with a soft duster.
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