Most entertaining and informative. Thanks from Iceland, where leather soled shoes are not a great idea for 6 months of the year! Dainite rubber soles on my various Loake brogues do the job though. Great channel.
Just found your video I’ve watched so many over the last few years I’ve subscribed to yours now My favourites are Steve Bedo in USA and Cobbler G up In Edinburgh I find this subject very satisfying Looking forward to part 2 Thanks Where are you in uk btw ? 👍👍👍
I assume you mean Loakes, rather than lakes. If that is correct then there are really two sections to Loakes these days, their lower priced range that is made in India and their English-made shoes. The shoes that are still made in England are more expensive, but the quality is higher. Their shoes that are made in India are still of a good construction, but the materials tend to be slightly lower quality. Even the worst Loakes are still better than a lot of other shoes you can buy on the high street for the same price. I own both English and Indian made Loakes and you can tell the difference, but a pair of Loakes boots that were made in India are amongst my favourites and I've had no issues with them. Barker and Trickers, unless things have changed recently, still make all their shoes in Northamptonshire. As with Loakes you are getting excellent construction with both and the differences tend to be in materials, though Trickers (in my experience) tend to have a higher stitch count than either Loakes or Barkers. In all cases you basically get what you pay for in terms of materials and man hours in the shoe. The higher the price, generally speaking, the better the leather (in both uppers and sole) and the more time taken in making them. Again, I own Trickers and Barkers and I'd say that Trickers tend to use better leather, but then you do pay extra for that. Higher end shoes from all makes will be similar for that reason. I know you were hoping for a reply from the cobbler, but I hope this helps. It would also be worth checking out Cheaney and Church's, another two English companies that produce excellent shoes. Because they are all great makers, the most important thing is your budget and the fit. Ignore the specific brand (aside from always using a reputable company) and use your eyes and hands where possible. Do you like how they feel to the hand, do they fit you well etc. Uppers are more important than soles, as the latter can be replaced; but a well made shoe will be well made top to bottom. That is invariably the case with all brands mentioned. All will last you decades if properly cared for.
@@Az-yp8fs thanks! Sorry about the spelling, damn spellcheck. I appreciate any informed advice. Unfortunately in the states we don’t have access to the touch and feel for most brands other than Allen Edmonds. So I truly appreciate the time and effort you spent. 👍
@@jeffreygoss8109 Personally, I'd rate the English heritage makers over AE these days. I think most people would agree with that, but if you are looking to order online I'd get lots of opinions.
@@Az-yp8fs I agree completely with the English over AE. I had Trickers but they squeaked or at least the right shoe did but they factory told me “it is just moisture so as you wear it the moisture will evaporate “ well it didn’t and then they would not send me a replacement because it had been worn. I was not impressed with the customer service. Why would I want one shoe?!? How could I benefit from this?!? I went with Barkers to match the acorn stow. So far so good, but the leather is not quite as nice. I couldn’t tell you what’s the difference but the truckers leather was nice.....save the squeak. Now time to add a few more, Loakes, churches, Chaney and if I rob a bank Crockett and Jones
Hi Jeffrey, you had a fantastic response from one of our viewer.... Loakes & Barkers sell the most shoes in the uk 🇬🇧 out of all the Northampton makers, which tells you a lot about both the companies. They have different ranges within both their shoe range’s, with different quality material, they are both Goodyear welted shoe companies. There’s nothing between them only personal preference between customers in my humble opinion... for the record not all Loakes shoes are made in India, only a certain range’s..... keep buying from British companies, that’s what I’m promoting...
