Thankyou very much Pete !

Hi Mike, ‘Cuir Gras’ oiled leather dressing is what I use in neutral colour, and it is also available in two shades of brown if required :-)

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

Barkers good for wider square feet

Agree

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.

Thank you very much John, appreciate your kind words Sir 🙂

First if I may, I am not and never have been sponsored by anyone. I make occasional videos because I am often asked to by customers or potential customers. I do this freely, and am only offering my own personal and if you like, after over 17 years working in my own store with these brands my ‘professional’ opinion. My opinions are unbiased and always honest, but then all of my customers for so many years would know that. It is true, that some LOAKE and Barker models are made in India, and elsewhere too. LOAKE actually own the factory in India (so they tell me) and they also do some cutting and closing of the uppers of higher spec models in India too, building and finishing then in Kettering UK. Barker actually cut and close all of their higher spec models in India………Mr. sponsored video maker pmsl !

Hello shoe man. Regarding leather, do barker creative collection use European calf skin?

@@byN91 The last information I had, was that most of the leather used by Barker Shoes is sourced from around Europe. I would think perhaps the International collection, made start to finish in India, that leather may not be European ......

@@markfletcher4984 thanks for the input mark.

Hi Tim, they do come with Dust Bags, one for each boot but.........they have recently been discontinued. I do have one pair each left of UK 7 1/2 and 8, and have reduced these to 199gbp per pair 🙂 Anything I may be able to help you with any time, please feel free to email me [email protected] or preferably call me on 01302 360985

Probably Number 3 (Light brown) cream by Saphir. Sparingly and moved around quickly though :-)

Could you do a video on doing them ?

Hi Adam, thank you for your question. First and regardless, the one way to be sure how well a shoe fits or not, is to try them on. No amount of information or advice can guarantee a perfect fit but I am always happy to try :-) Working with thousands of customers over the years, and considering all of the 'averages' I don't usually find customers needing to change sizes between the Capital Last and 024 Last. Some may find the 024 slightly more generous, but not enough to be able to change size. Hope this helps and if you require more help or information, please feel free to call me in store on 01302 360985 and I will be more than happy to help with a potential purchase of the Chester :-)

Thankyou very much David, all good here and our sincere and best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and the New Year ! 🙂