Loake

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, our legacy as manufacturers of fine footwear lives on. 

The famous Goodyear construction for which we are known 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, and we estimate that over 50 million pairs of Loake goodyear welted shoes have been produced since we began. 

Our top-tier range of Goodyear welted footwear – our 1880 Export Grade collection – offers the highest standard of manufacture possible within the confines of ready-to-wear footwear production. This collection is made with the same high standards as our signature 1880 lines but distinguished by a previously unmatched level of precision and detail. 

From the design bench to the finishing room, each pair of shoes in this collection is carefully and expertly crafted by a select, group of our very best shoemakers, so production is limited to a small number of pairs at a time. With an uncompromising attention-to-detail and an unmatched level of precision, our dedicated makers, infuse individual flair, personality and magic into each and every process to bring each pair to life. 

Loake is a truly authentic British brand, having made footwear for British soldiers and officers in two World Wars. We’ve also produced some iconic designs that have become synonymous with British youth culture, such as our Brighton loafer and Royal brogue, which were first introduced in the 70s and are still in production today. 

Despite our notable heritage however, we like to think that 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. We also place a special emphasis on fit and have developed our own unique comfort technology. Our in-store teams are specially trained to provide the very best fit and style guidance for each and every occasion. Our shoes are now sold in over 60 countries and have become a firm favourite with discerning customers worldwide. 

Now in the safe hands of the 5th generation of the Loake family, we are proud to continue the traditions that our 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. Our aim is simply to make the most handsome, comfortable and durable shoes for every day and those special occasions.