Richard and Michelle are delighted to welcome you to their store, ‘The Shoe Room’. Based in Doncaster South Yorkshire, The Shoe Room promise to deliver the same enhanced customer experience that they always have shown their customers over the years, with the same passion and commitment. With over 11 years experience, Richard’s tireless quest to offer the very best service possible, meant the word on the street and online was ‘go and see Richard at Shoehealer, he will look after you’. Well, it’s now ‘go and see Richard at The Shoe Room! With more Brands than ever before, your choice and our service is even better ! .
totally get that Martin but personal preference is and always should be personal. My own, is always for Rubber Soles although, I do like to see a leather sole, I just much prefer to wear leather :-)
The Tweed in the CF Stead Eco Husk leather on the Vi-lite sole is not really a new boot. I bought that exact same boot (with the Vi-lite sole) from their Leeds store in March 2023. I believe it was released in the Autumn Winter 2022 collection. I think they were originally going to be made with the Vibram "Eco Step" studded sole (a Dainite copy but with 30% recycled materials ) but Dainite soles have been going through a period of internet "group think" negativity, which is why manufacturers have been switching some models over to alternatives like the Vi-lite, Victory sole (Loake), Ridgeway sole (Trickers) etc.
Unfortunately, like so many recent models from Loake, they don't make these (or any of their new summer range) in a UK size 12. So I bought my version from Berwick 1707 and Spain got my business (via a UK retailer).
We were co owners for 12 years, but as so many business partnerships do, things went very wrong so, we left and started again. I was actually the retail side of that business, which is why so much has been written over the years Richard at SH…….
The Tuscany looks like a version of the Loro Piano Stroller ( which is quite pricey - but very comfortable i understand) i can see the appeal of this kind of design. Nice one 👍
you seem very knowledgeable on RM Williams. I have a couple of question I hope you can answer please. Is RM Williams saddle dressing advised to occasionally condition this “pull up” or “vesta” leather? Apparently too much conditioning will weaken this oil infused leather. And If not what would you recommend? And have you ever seen “blooming” or “whitening” of the rubber heel cap?
Hello Sir, thank you for your question. Always honest, I have not used RMW Saddle Dressing, so I cannot offer even an opinion on how it works with the Boots. On Pull Up Leathers, which is an 'Oiled Leather', I use Saphir branded 'Cuir Gras' which is a neutral colour dressing for oiled leathers, and it works incredibly well. For any colour enhancement or correction, Saphir Branded Shoe Creams in various colours are fantastic too. Hope this helps. Best regards, Richard.
@theshoeman1756 subscribed and enjoying your knowledgable videos on RMs all the way from Australia! Question on the Kangaroo leather… as it is so thin, does it stretch easier than the yearling and pull up? And does that mean they won’t hold there shape as well or last as long? I know you said (in another video) that these are one of your customers most popular boots. And I’ve never had one, in that leather so am considering purchasing a pair.
Kangaroo Leather is supposed to be slightly thinner than regular Yearling Calf, but also very strong. Being slightly thinner and wearing them myself, as well as servicing many pairs, I do find it can get incredibly soft and supple, but so then can Yearling Calf. Especially if treated with quality creams and conditioners. I wouldn't suggest that Kangaroo stretches any more than calf will but regarding the shape, The Craftsman is a very well fitting boot for most people, and they are quite close fitting, so the wearers feet are literally 'filling' the Upper. As individuals we all have difference size, shape and volume feet, so sometimes a wider foot can push the uppers out a little, as mine do but for me at least, it does not affect the incredible fit and comfort :-~)
@@theshoemandoncaster you are a good man. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, you’ve given me the green light to buy a pair. Have you ever seen the heel cap on RMs turn white? I’ve located what seems to be the last pair of (brand new in box) black print kangaroo in the world (in Ireland) in my size - UK12. The retailer sent me a few photos but the rubber heel caps on both have turned white. They are genuine but have been in their warehouse for nearly 2 years. I don’t know?
@@jezmendoza1718 We do ship to Australia yes. I also have plenty of UK 12 in various colours available, but sadly not Black Kangaroo with a Natural Welt. Don;t worry about the Rubber Heel Top Piece turning white or 'Blooming' as we call it. This is almost certainly Wax Residue from the factory finishing that is oxidising on the surface, turning it white. It can be buffed very easily and will return to the original brown colour. Best regards, Richard.
Depending the start colour, and the finish required I use a combination of dark brown and black. Fir a darker finish a little more black but only very little each time :-)
I have a pair of Loake Bedale boots, was so comfortable from the first time I wore them. The Hebden look great also, how do they compare to the Bedale to wear?
I would rather think they will be 'Water Resistant', and this would be because of the Wax Treatments that the leather has. During regular wear too, an occasional application of wax dressing or 'protector' should be used to help keep the boots water resistant :-)
RMs Stockyard can actually be resoled. I had mine resoled with vibram wedge sole. Many cobblers are just being snooty and try to convince people Blundstones and RM stockyard cant be resoled.
Great presentation and demonstration. Such attention to detail. Very relaxing the whole process either watching or doing it yourself. Thanks for taking the time to share. Must make a trip to your shop sure would be tempting to buy lots. All the best Pete 👍
A very good buddy of mine bought me several pairs of Loakes most recently the plain toed shoe in black and burgundy the 771 model and I find these really comfortable to wear with all my dress pants and suits did walking a great deal in them found they did not hurt my feet for one moment. He also gave me a plain toed shoe with Dante soles by Crockett and Jones that are truly pleasant for a casual day. I honestly find English made shoes to be of the best quality ever and will have them for a long time
Beautiful shoes but I don't like any of the colours that they come in at the moment. They had them in brown waxy suede which looked awesome. If I could find a pair of those in size 10 I'd buy those for sure.
I have two lovely pairs of Loake brogues in different colours. Quality and value for money definitely. You do feel good wearing them. My latest foray is into American Redwing heritage boots.😊
I'm thinking you may have been mis-informed N91.........Some models made by Loake and Barker actually use 'Leather Board' in Heel Stacks and Mid-Soles. Leather Board, is made up from waste leather cuttings that are ground, and mixed with a resin, which is then rolled into sheets, and cut for mid-soles and heel stacks. You are correct though, that the Heel Stack on the Barker model Bailey, is cut from the same leather they use for leather soles. That said.....everything made to a specification for a price, there is a reasonable gap now between the Loake Chester, and the higher priced Barker Bailey. There is a £66 (rrp) difference between the Chester and the Bailey now. Considering the actual finish of the shoes is virtually same or very similar, the difference in justification of price has to be found somewhere, and that is usually in the materials, in quality of the Upper, Lining, Insole, Mid-soles and Heel Stacks.
@@markfletcher4984thanks ,appreciate your clarification. Actually, I was wondering what is the insole made of. Yes, there are tiers of quality (reflected on price) with Barkers, just as loake
Yes and lower quality, they’ve been bought by Prada, a fashion house, who seem to be turning them into a fashion brand. You can buy Cleverley, Crockett and Jones or JM Weston much cheaper and they are far superior, they are close to the prices of Edward Green, John Lobb (Paris not bespoke) or Gaziano and Girling which are all at a much, much higher level.
@@David_Bondy me too, I've got a pair of their black Oxfords that I bought in the Eighties, they are still beautiful, I only wear them for the most formal engagements but it was probably the best £200 I've ever spent.
I owned : Crockett jones 325 last, (cramped toes) trickers 4497s, 4444, (pinky toe problem) Allen Edmonds 65, 201 (pinky toe pressure) Alfred Sargent 87 and 89 (Ok fit) Loake Pennine (OK fit) In my case barkers 460 last is the best fit. No pinky toe pinching, no discomfort, but due to my narrow heel, only slight slip that is fixable with tounge pads Foot ref. Slightly low instep, medium to wide width foot, narrow heel, normal arch
Awesome video, really helpful when there is so little info for boots! . I was thinking of ordering the Kirkby, I'm a 11E North American size on brannock with a wider toe box and all they have are the NA 11's available. I'm just wondering if that would be too roomy for my foot, want to wear this with regular type socks int he fall. What is your opinion?
I’m considering Chester’s with leather sole for work in the summer. I have some Rivingtons but the crepe sole is wearing out quick. I’ve got some mahogany brogues (badminton), but I just think tan is a great summer colour.