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.
