Loake — Goodyear Welted in Kettering Since 1880
Loake Bros & Co was founded in 1880 by three brothers — John, William, and Thomas Loake — and has stayed in the same family for five generations. The company still makes its premium 1880 line in Kettering, Northamptonshire, where Loake produces some of the most consistently good-value Goodyear welted shoes available. The Chester, Aldwych, and Hampton are among the most-recommended first English brogues. English Brands stocks the full 1880 range — the line you should look at if you want genuine Northampton craftsmanship at the most accessible price point.
What we stock
Loake at English Brands focuses on the 1880 premium English-made range:
- Brogue — the Chester full brogue, the Hampton semi-brogue
- Oxford shoes — the Aldwych and other plain-toe and cap-toe formal styles
- Derby and Gibson shoes — daily-wear formal and smart-casual
- Loafers — penny and tassel loafers in calf and suede
- Country boots — Goodyear welted derby boots
- Brogue boots — full and semi-brogue country boot styles
All 1880 range Loakes are Goodyear welted, made in England, fully leather lined, with leather soles. The lower-priced Loake Lifestyle range (made overseas) is not included at English Brands — we stock only the English-made line.
Why Loake
The accessible Northampton maker — Loake's 1880 range offers genuine English Goodyear welted construction at the lowest price point of the major Northampton brands. Quality is genuinely close to Cheaney; the gap is in finishing detail, not in fundamentals.
Family-owned for five generations — Loake has stayed in the founding family since 1880. Few clothing or footwear companies anywhere can claim this continuity. The current generation continues to make decisions about leather, lasts, and production with long-term consistency.
Made in Kettering — every 1880-range Loake sold at English Brands is made in the Loake factory in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The factory is open to public tours by appointment — a transparency few other premium shoemakers offer.
The right first English shoe — if you have never owned Goodyear welted shoes before, a Loake Chester or Hampton is the standard recommendation. The investment is modest, the quality is real, and the longevity will surprise you.
H2 — Caring for your Loake
Loake leathers vary from polished calf to brushed suede — adapt the routine to the upper:
- Use cedar shoe trees after every wear — particularly important for daily-driver shoes
- Polish smooth leather with quality wax polish such as Saphir Medaille d'Or in matching shade
- Brush suede regularly — a suede brush after every wear keeps the nap fresh. Apply a suede protector spray before first wear.
- Rotate between pairs — at least 24 hours of rest between wears, longer in damp conditions
- Resole through Loake's factory service — when the sole wears, send to Kettering for refurbishment
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Loake shoes made in England? The Loake 1880 range is made in England, in the Loake factory in Kettering, Northamptonshire. English Brands stocks only the 1880 range. The separate Loake Lifestyle line (made in India) is not sold here.
Are Loake shoes good quality? Yes — the 1880 range uses Goodyear welted construction, full-leather linings, and selected calf leather upper, all built in Kettering. Quality is close to Cheaney at a slightly lower price; the differences are in hand-finishing detail and leather selection rather than fundamental construction.
How long does Loake take to break in? Moderate — 1-2 weeks of regular wear is typical. Loake's leather softens fairly quickly compared to Tricker's, and most customers report comfortable wear after the first week. The leather will continue to mould to the foot over the first few months.
What is the difference between Loake and Loake 1880? "Loake 1880" is the company's premium line, made in their Kettering factory using Goodyear welted construction. The separate "Loake Lifestyle" line is made overseas and uses different construction methods. English Brands sells only the 1880 line.
How do Loake sizes run? Loake shoes fit true to UK size with a standard F fitting. Some styles are available in G fitting for wider feet. Most customers stay with their usual size.
