Started by three brothers John, William and Thomas the Loake family business has been making traditional shoes in Northamptonshire, England since 1880. Today, 140 years later, their legacy of manufacturers of fine footwear lives on.
Loake’s premium Goodyear welted shoes are still handcrafted in England with an attention to detail that is second to none. The famous Goodyear construction is a traditional and intricate process, with origins that can be traced back over 300 years. A pair of Loake Goodyear welted shoes takes eight weeks to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 75 shoe parts and 200 different operations are involved. Only the very highest quality materials are used.Loake estimates
that over 50 million pairs of Loake goodyear welted shoes have been produced since they began.
Loake is a truly authentic British brand, having made footwear for British soldiers and officers in two World Wars. They’ve also produced some iconic designs that have become synonymous with British youth culture, such as their Brighton loafer and Royal brogue, which were first introduced in the 70s and are still in production today.
Despite its notable heritage however, Loake is very much a forward-looking company. The range of footwear on offer has been extended to include alternative constructions and a choice of both classic and contemporary designs. The company also places special emphasis on fit and has developed its own unique comfort technology. They now sell their shoes in over 60 countries and have become a firm favourite with discerning customers worldwide.
Now in the 5th generation of the Loake family, the company proudly continues the traditions that their forefathers worked so hard to establish and that our premium grade Goodyear Welted shoes are still made in the same Kettering factory which the three brothers built in 1894. Their aim is simply to make the most handsome, comfortable and durable shoes shoes that they can and to make them affordable and available to everyone.
www.loake.co.uk
