After previously visiting Loake's Northamptonshire factory back in May of last year I've become more aware that my shoe collection is way below par. I'm talking smart shoes here...trainers, now those I can do. For anyone that knows me (and probably you guys too?), they'll probably be able to count the times they've seen me in smart shoes on one hand. I'm all about comfort. Trainers hit the button, and have done for most of my twenties. I reckon I've worn shoes on two occasions in this past year, one of those times being in France on the Courvoisier trip. Good memories!
With a summer wedding coming up soon – as well as my own at some point – and my new appreciation for well made shoes, I knew when the time was right there would be only one brand I'd turn to.
I'd arranged an appointment at Loake's Princes Arcade store in London, just off Regent Street, bright and early one Friday morning. The man taking me through Loake's Shoe Fitting Service was Store Manager, Colin Austin. I was in experienced hands. We talked about my footwear history, the occasions I might wear shoes, which styles I'm most drawn to and my issues with wearing shoes on a regular basis. What was the real reason, had I become lazy and just got used to the feel soft, squidgy soles?
One of the main issues with footwear, Colin informed me, was that the a lot of people do indeed wear the incorrect size shoes. One of the reasons for this is because most brands simply don't offer a multitude of widths, alongside the standard shoe sizing structure. Another fact is the quality of materials used and construction techniques. Loake pride themselves on getting it right the first time, never rushing to produce a new style or keeping up with a passing trends.
My shoe size differs between brand + style. And like most folk, one of my feet is a slightly longer than the other. I wear a UK9 in most brands; a UK10 in adidas + New Balance, and smarter shoes I can sometimes get away with a UK8.5. But Colin explained that I shouldn't be trying to "get away" with anything, if you're spending good money on a pair of shoes then they should fit perfectly from the get-go. No questions asked, no "they'll stretch out".
I picked out three styles to try (one in two different types of leather), all brogues but differing slightly from a traditional country style, elongated formal style and somewhere in between. I tried each style on in my regular size, a size up and a size down, as well as varying widths to find the perfect fit. Colin disregard the far left pair as they just didn't agree with my foot shape.
For me, one of my main issues with smart shoes is not feeling 100% comfortable in them. We managed to get around this by choosing styles which came with a Dainite rubber sole - similar to a Commando sole but slimmer, with a neater finish. This made the shoes feel instantly comfortable and soft on the foot. They're no Nike Flyknit but it was a decent compromise.
We collectively decided that the Chester Country Brogue was the right choice for me. I was actually really digging the chocolate grain leather version, but Colin recommended that perhaps "I wasn't ready for this", as they're seen as style for a much older and distinguish chap (a Grey Fox?). I was happy to stick with Tan and take his comments as a compliment.
The Dark Chocolate coloured version was playing on my mind, had I made the wrong decision? Colin recommended that by usin a dark brown shoe polish on Tan shoes, it will give a darker tone to the leather over time. Sold!
The Dark Chocolate coloured version was playing on my mind, had I made the wrong decision? Colin recommended that by usin a dark brown shoe polish on Tan shoes, it will give a darker tone to the leather over time. Sold!
Now I'm all set for the wedding in August and I'm 100% happy that I made the right decision. The service I received from Loake was far beyond what I was expecting, and actually a very enjoyable one. Who knew I could partake in something so gentlemanly?
If you're looking for a new pair of shoes but are unsure what's right for you, then I can't recommend Loake's Shoe Fitting Service enough. Loake, Princes Arcade. 8-10 Princes Arcade London SW1Y 6DS.
Thank you to Loake + Colin Austin for inviting me into the store to review the Shoe Fitting Service. I was kindly gifted a pair of shoes at the end of my visit.
I love how there really seems to be an art and tradition to a well-fitting man's dress shoe, and I love the choice you went with. Great that employees at Arcade are so attentive and helpful as well.
ReplyDeleteRae of love from berlin
Loving the pair that you ended up with! Sounds like a lot of attention to detail.
ReplyDeleteCracking pair of shoes- would love to invest in a bespoke pair of brogues myself! Love the service and attention to detail, makes the final product even more worth it. Well written post as per usual too...
ReplyDeleteBen | www.twentyfirstcenturygent.com
All those shoes look incredible!!! would definitely be worth investing in a pair like these! I love trainers for casual meet ups but anything like dinner or going out to bars then I put on my best pairs of shoes! They have such a great collection... whenever I go to high-street shoe shops I struggle to find any that I particularly like. If I went here I think I'd be struggling to find ones I didn't like haha
ReplyDeleteGrowing Positive
August wedding??!!! That's so close! It's going to be amazing!
ReplyDeletePrinces Arcade is often overlooked I feel now? Glad that you are happy with your dapper new shoes!
What a great experience! I wish there was something like this for women - I do love my brogues.
ReplyDeleteBecky :: accooohtrements.wordpress.com
this is awesome, I'm like you I can't tear my self away from more casual shoes but I've been making a concious effort to wear my grenson Stanley's lately to try and smarten up. These Loakes look real nice and I think the tan was a good choice.
ReplyDeletewww.getyourbronon.com
Wow, this sounds like such a wonderful experience! Definitely wish we had that kind of shoe fitting service here! The shoes look stunning!
ReplyDeletethose are gorgeous.. my husband would love this place
ReplyDeleteIt's only a tiny store, but they have everything you might need when it comes to shoes.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really cool experience, and for something who isn't loads into wearing shoes regularly I was sold!
ReplyDeleteMost the time I just can't be bothered but for time when I need to then I think I made a decent decision going with Loake. I also have some Grenson shoes, Sid I do believe. I went to the Grenson factory a couple of years ago, I did a post on it if you're interested?
ReplyDeleteI'm unsure if Loake do women's shoes actually, but I bet if you headed to somewhere like Bally or Russell & Bromley they're offer similar.
ReplyDeleteBally is a good shout actually, I hadn't thought of them!
ReplyDeleteCalm down Yasumi, it's just a friend of ours. We haven't got anything arranged.Do you ever go down there? There was some cool cuff links shop with so many in, and a nice hat shop. Oh and a chocolate shop too.
ReplyDeleteA bespoke pair, now that sounds expensive! But if you can afford it man, what better present to yourself? Thanks for the feedback my man.
ReplyDeleteI think I made the right choice, even if I will only wear them once a year!
ReplyDeleteYeah totally, there really does seem to be more to it that just putting your foot in. Which makes sense, for the price you're paying. Hopefully they last me till I'm old and grey.
ReplyDeleteYES!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I avoid shoes on most occasions. I'd wear trainers to a bar but would usually go with a Red Wing boots or the like for dinner. But I better get my act together hey. High street isn't great for shoes, quality and materials-wise I don't think. You end up spending more cash on more pairs than you expected!
ReplyDeleteWhat great service and recommendations! Must be such a great experience here! And love the pair you ended up with!
ReplyDeleteTry these two links:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bucketsandspadesblog.com/2014/05/loake-shoemakers-northamptonshire-factory-visit-menswear-review-made-in-england.html
http://www.bucketsandspadesblog.com/2013/07/a-visit-togrenson-shoe-factory.html
It was a super service, kinda fun too.
ReplyDeletelol that whole store is like my dream shoe wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteKam
www.perceivedstyle.me
counting
ReplyDeletesensible remarks here...
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