BROGUE DRESS BOOT REVIEW | LOAKE BURFORD BOOTS | 5-YEAR ASSESSMENT

[@alexanderdylanthomas1891]

Five years ago!? The original review was the video that introduced me to your channel while I was stationed in Antarctica. Based upon your assessment I bought a pair of Loake 1880 Kempton chukka boots and they are still serving me very well. Consider me 'influenced'! Thanks for the re-appraisal!

[@TheChapsGuide]

That's awesome!

[@DressyCrooner]

Just found a nice pair of Loake Kemptons on Ebay. Just one problem - they have leather soles...

[@alexanderdylanthomas1891]

@@DressyCrooner mine came with dainite soles,if you are willing to get them resoled at the of the leather sole’s life, the Dainite is a very sturdy and worthwhile replacement! Mine are going on five years old and maybe half way through the Dainitea

[@TheWeardale1]

@@DressyCrooner i've a pair of welted boots with leather soles, and they're fine, mind i only wear them in dry weather..

[@lynn5447]

Gorgeous boots. Speaking of compliments, I wore a pair of Allen Edmonds boots, walnut color, to church. I had mirror shined the captoe using mahogany, so they were patinaed to a more reddish shade, and are quite striking. One lady was so struck by their appearance that she took some photos of them! Quite a compliment. You are right about the US being far from sartorial, though there is a small segment of the population that does exceedingly well.

[@rjgriffiths26]

I love my Loakes. I bought some Loxley Mahogany brogue boots at Christmas. Loake’s refurbishment programme is brilliant also. Interestingly, I have a pair of Loake brogue shoes that were made in India. I’ve had them 12 years and they are still in great condition. I’ve had the occasional heel repair and one full sole replacement . Testament to the quality of the brand- even their cheaper Indian made models are a worthy investment.

[@harrymc9263]

Belive it or not i bought a tan pair of thesewith leather soles in a charity shop for £4 + a little voluntary donation. They look as though they had been used as work boots they were in such a mess. They were even discoloured with some red colouring in large areas. A few hours with some Renomat, Renovateur, cream and wax they came up quite well. Great par of boots.

[@JamesandRibble]

These are currently on sale on Loake UK website at £185 in both burgundy and tan. Can't go wrong at that price.

[@larry4789]

Is that in all sizes ? I think they retail at nearly £300

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

I have worn these boots daily for a couple of years and they are still going strong. I also wear a pair of R M Williams and I don't think that will ever need to buy another pair of boots again.

[@chrispnw2547]

Only one word is needed to describe those shoes: Timeless!

[@05Rudey]

I have a pair of Loake Dress Boots, can't remember the model as I have had them for must be coming up 8 years now, they were the first boots I got when I decided to go from ultra casual to being better dressed (I dropped 7 stone and had to replace my entire wardrobe, so why not go the whole hog) and they have been fantastic. I had the leather sole replaced after 4 years for a Dainite rubber sole as the leather started to show damage and crack and I was worried about water damage. I wore them for at least 5 times a week. I put in shoe tress and polish them regularly and the result, the things still look as good now than when they did after about 4 months of buying them. After 4 years of the Dainite Sole, there is slight wearing down of the rubber in places but I think they are still good for another 2 years before thinking about another resoling.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Love your boots Ash. Great color choice. I have two pairs of dress broge boots by Allen Edmonds. The Hamilton in brown in an Oxford broges with Dainite soles. And their Long Branch broges in burgundy Darby style with commando rubber soles. Both are wing tips with full brogeing. I was wearing the Hamiltons yesterday while shopping with the wife and ran into an old friend whom I hadn't seen for quite a few years .He is also a very stylish gentleman , And he noticed my boots and complimented me on them. We had a very long chat as the wife went shopping on her own.😂 She returned an hour later and we had lunch. Best regards Ron

[@richyclubsport5155]

Just bought a pair of Tan Burfords from Loake factory shop yesterday with dainite soles and heel, slight blemish in leather, £145 absolute bargain. I always check the factory shop as live in Northamptonshire borders. If you are in the area worth checking out

[@mdss68]

It was your earlier review of Loake that brought me to the channel, and while I ended up with two pairs of their Bedale boot, delighted with them both. Same colour pairing, but both mine are Chromexel, so care is a bit different. Superb boots, I live in them during this part of the year. Both mine are "seconds", one via Loake themselves for £190 and the other from Ebay for £115. Don't be afraid of their seconds, I struggled to find any impairment (it's a tiny defect in the leather on one shoe, still not found what's meant to be up with the brown pair!). Would I turn my nose up at Crockett & Jones, no, but I don't feel I'm missing out, how much better can a boot really get? Keep up the good work!

[@bigbadbith8422]

Bought on your recommendation and aside from polishing (of course) the only thing I’ve changed is to have anti slip soles fitted over the leather. Learning point: boots need good soles! Another excellent article.😊😊

[@b_altmann]

Quite surprising that after this long a time the heel has not worn down more. I find that on my Tricker's it goes much faster. That can have to do with walking, but also with a change in rubber mixture that Dainite use. The sole made by Itshide wears slower.

[@JamesAlexander14]

Brilliant review Ash. Really like the boots and I must get a pair. Loake is on my shopping list and they are very desirable.

[@anthonyoliver2639]

Great boots. I've had burgundy pair for 8 years and they're still in beautiful condition. I've just been gifted a tan pair as a birthday present. You can't go wrong with a quality pair of brogue boots. Since I've been watching your channel I've picked up some great additions to my wardrobe including a Stanley Biggins cable roll neck which is magnificent. Also picked up a couple of cracking eBay finds; black pea coat, like new for £8. 100% wool vintage navy blazer, beautiful condition and fits like it was made to measure. Also picked up some Floris fragrance and some bargain brogues from Barker's and Cheaney. I've accumulated a lot of great clothes over the years but many see little wear or action. Since watching your channel I've made a conscious effort to up my game a be a consistently well dressed chap. You've inspired me Ash. Thankyou

[@TheChapsGuide]

I am pleased to hear that your journey to Chap Nirvana has been assisted by my channel. That brings me great joy as a video creator. Thank you sir.

[@peterbarratt3416]

Snap ! I also have two pairs of Loake burford boots in exactly the same colours as yourself. Similarly, my tan boots have a leather sole and my burgundy boots have a dainite sole. Had them for several years and cannot fault them. The leather sole pair being a little bit slimmer in the sole are for those times that are a tad 'dressier'. Other boots in the collection are RMWilliams Classic (de rigeur here in AU) and one pair (chocolate) suede, one pair (brown) leather of Chukka boots. All very smart and I enjoy wearing them all as the occaison requires. You make a very good point to always use a shoe tree when not on the foot. I normally purchase a pair of shoe-trees whenever I acquire an additional pair of shoes/boots... Carry on Sir!

[@Ian-Saxon]

Purchased my first pair of Burfords middle of 2023. They are fabulous. I've been littered with compliments and have polished to my own unique colouration and patina already. Thank you for tipping me over the edge into my first steps into chapdom and purchasing these.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you like them!

[@richardgill9484]

Here I am, taking off my oxblood Loake Roehampton boots, I turn on my iPad and there’s your thumbnail😂 Not only are such boots very comfortable, but they also promote a more natural gait and stride; far more beneficial then any casual shoe.

[@HeritageCast]

Loake are my church boots... Seriously the best... I am planning a build a eventually when I get a pair with some actual arch support...

[@mcpower75]

Best channel on KZbin. A calming influence indeed. Keep it up!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you! Will do!

[@aqramllrocks]

I bought the Loake Burford boot a year ago thanks to the original video. I also have other Loakes - the Lytham Chukka, Warminster Austerity Brogues, and the Anson penny loafer. Loakes are fantastic value for money.

[@rossclark4589]

100% agree. I love dress boots and have Dainite soled commando soled and leather. But the Loake Burford is the king of boots.

[@stephendaponte1038]

Watching from Rhode Island. I also love those burgundy Loakes!

[@MexieMex]

Love the look of the burgundy ones.

[@varunveer39]

I didn't know they could be available here in India. Good to know. Will buy whenever my budget allows me to do so. Thanks a tonne.

[@MisterKnightly]

There really isn't anything better than brown, brogue boots for footwear.

[@larry4789]

My Burfords must be about 8 years old and the best footwear I've had since i had Wayfinders in the 1960's I also have some black Blenheim Chelsea boots which are also excellent and a pair of Huxleys in chestnut. Making up the quartet is a pair of Rivington suede boots. But the Burfords are the kings.

[@stereomike75]

Loakes are definitely on my to-buy list when i can afford it.

[@jlinscott5174]

I recently acquired a pair of Loake Burfords in tan off eBay for 89gbp, which even shipped to the U.S. was still a win. No Dainite soles, however. Burgundy brogue boots are certainly on my to-buy list, though I do have them as oxfords. Cheers!

[@cameronlewington3005]

Good morning skipper, great review! My dear wife has just bought me these same boots in tan, very comfortable from the off. Hop you n yours are well. Rgds Cam

[@thisispw]

Just seen the Bedale model in Burgundy advertised. I have a similar style from Samuel Windsor and some chukka Loake Kempton in tan, all good.

[@martinowl]

Noticed the Loake store in York has them on sale with a decent discount, yesterday (Friday,19th). £199, if I remember correctly. Must admit ,I was tempted to go in.

[@johnjames218]

I went with the Bedale dark brown boots

[@TheWeardale1]

lovely boots, in fact they have the tan version in the loake sale for 199 on the loake website (reduced from 290)...i almost bought a pair, but already have 2 pairs of tan boots, they only have limited sizes left (but size 8 too! but not a size 9 which i am) - i use the loake leather cream, as well as the saphir renovateur and wax on them both :) my next boots I'm holding out for are the trickers ethan monkey boot in red funchal leather, they also had them on sale but sadly none left in my size - hoping they come back in stock!

[@DressyCrooner]

Unlucky! I bought my tan pair off of Ebay - love them :) Just bought a pair of the burgundy ones!

[@TheWeardale1]

i managed the buy a pair of the Trickers ethan boots in red funchal - as they had one in stock last night (must have been a return?) as I'd been checking a few times a day...- should get them in the next day or two..! and just ordered a Rodd & Gunn Cascades Slim Fit Wool & Linen Blend Blazer in Chambray blue too.. :)

[@HeritageCast]

Please do a video on some more UK and other European brands. These tons that get no advertisement in Muerica at all...

[@alastairheptonstall7982]

I very much enjoyed this update! Thanks to your advice here on this channel I have a pair of lightly used Loake semi-brogue dainite sole boots on their way from eBay. Many thanks for the consistently engaging and enlightening content.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrBurtonshaw]

Cracking boots Ash. I'm not into broguing on boots, but I'd certainly go for the colour(s) and general form. Got some chukkas that I'm considering changing to Danite when the soles go, it's a shame as I love leather, but Danite, from what I can see from a pair of suede brogue shoes I have, is extremely robust stuff... and much safer in the wet. thank you again. Oh! and 290 new for real shoes is cheap these days to everyone other than us parsimonious gentlemen.

[@9er..]

The patina on both pairs shouts character! I will always advocate for buying nice and not twice. Owning and taking care of quality items is one of the joys of life. One can take them on the journey and they become part of us, become an object that in some ways can describe us etc. (guy toys usually 😂). Did I hear you say you wear J J J Jeans!?!?!?!😏👊

[@TheChapsGuide]

I did, not for my benefit though, for all those denim lovers out there. I have only worn jeans when gardening and painting for the last 10-years. There is no going back for me at this point!

[@adnaanebrahim]

Nice video! It would be great to get a comparison with the ones made in India.

[@jonathancrabtree9066]

Just bought tan burfords from loakes site with leather sole £108 it was the last pair I think

[@HeritageCast]

I would like to see Loake make a Dress Logger in a way. Same design just thicker leather and actual arch support...

[@DressyCrooner]

The Burgundy Burfords are back and on sale! Thinking about it...I have the tan ones and the brown Bedales, but they are too chunky for me and the soles hurt my feet so I want to sell them as I barely wear them :( I am ambivalent about whether the Burfords are versatile enough to be a dress boot. I suppose it is easier for the burgundy ones to serve that role than the tan ones. A Loake salesman I spoke to a while ago was sceptical about their serving as a dress boot. It was your channel that really sold me on the Burfords, and the tan Burfords I currently own I acquired from Ebay (like any good, thrifty gentleman) and have received compliments on it (and even wore them to our gathering in Central London some months ago). It's been a wonderful four months with my beloved Burfords, which I enjoy wearing even more than my Chelsea boots. Edit: I have in fact rushed off to the Loake website to buy the last of the burgundy Burfords in size 9, now selling at £185 compared to a retail price of £290.00. I can't wait :)

[@TheChapsGuide]

Wow, now that is a bargain. I would buy another pair myself, but my current pair will likely outlast my remaining lifespan, so there is no point!

[@woodstock480]

I love a nice oxblood shoe. It's the most versatile of all my shoes.

[@LordJasonKing]

Hey fellow Welshman. Swansea west ish? Love the Burgundy!

[@ABC-rh7zc]

I enjoy my Loake boots made on the Claridge last - they have a pleasing elegant toe shape (not too round and clumsy as so many boots are) and are my standard footwear for cold/rainy weather. Great bang for the buck. However, they are not brogues and have leather soles with rubber outer layer. I use a tougher boot with over-sized Dainite soles for really poor winter weather (slush/mud/snow).

[@thewolfman6854]

I am currently in the market for a pair of grained leather boots. Contenders are Loake Bedale, Loake Loxley, or at a slightly higher price point, Cheaney Pennine. Burgundy or Oxblood are my prefered colours. Thanks for the video, Ash.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Hard to beat Cheaney in that group.

[@garybunting3035]

I managed to get a pair of Trickers Stow boots for just under £300. I'm looking to get some Loaks in the next sale for around £200 to add to my growing boot collection

[@kennyh8612]

Got a pair oily black stow for £250 the other day fairly chuffed

[@kierangoddard2198]

Unfortunately, they have reduced the range os sizes available.

[@QV1010]

originally I wanted to get the loake bedale which I though would go on sale on Black firday but instead the Buford in tan was on sale. I decided to go ahead and get the burford because I thought then that the Buford and the Bedale didn't look that much different at least online beside the soles. so I got the Buford & snatch up the Edward as well. I put some wear on them and made me feel back in love to say with brogues. I wore the Burford more during winter but now I can wear the edward more since it's more warmer. All I can really say is that they are great shoes when you find a sweet deal. speaking of which when I got them loake did there winter clearance sale where most shoes including the Bedale was discounted which made me sad, if i just waited a bit more to get them but I made my peace.

[@michaelblazin4093]

Where do you place cowboy boots in the casual shoe category? One of your posts on your boot inventory listed an Ariat boot. I have a very nice pair of dark brown Ariat cowboy boots. None of the traditional decorative features are visible under the pants leg, but it is obviously a polished cowboy boot. While I would not wear them with a suit or when I wear my Chesterfield overcoat, I could see wearing them with a blazer and turtleneck sweater, peacoat, or with my Barbour Classic Beaufort jacket. They are at least comparable to my suede chukka boots. Ideas? FYI - I am awaiting delivery of a pair of burgundy Loake Burfords (dainite) purchased on eBay similar to yours. And of course, per now standard procedure, a shoe order meant another order to Amazon for cedar shoe trees.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thanks for your question. Cowboy boots are something of a regionally specific item and are hence virtually unknown in Europe and certainly in the UK (and I speak as someone who has 2 horses in the family, that live in the field outside my home. So I would suggest they can be worn with open abandon in your own community, where others will dress in a similar way, but when traveling to other, less equestrian communities, perhaps dress more appropriately.

[@Highland_Paddy]

I almost bought a pair of Loake oxblood "dress" boots last year or year before, but I don't know which model and I had to pass at the time because I already have some other "dress" boots and oxblood shoes and I am typically getting more use out of less dressy 'work" boots, etc., but I am very interested to see this one, obviously.

[@Highland_Paddy]

I don't usually need such a pronounced pull tab on a shorter height boot, but I think Oxford boots would look a bit awkward or oxymoron?

[@Highland_Paddy]

Yes, but I wish I knew in advance which boots would require thicker socks instead of the trial and error blisters and all that. I have a couple pair that I would rather use in warmer weather and feel like I can't.

[@Highland_Paddy]

I still think brogue shoes are too dressy for denim jeans. Work pants pair better with work boots overall.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Yes, I've heard that leather soles get a bad rap but I think most people will be sticking with the rubber for more use case applications, etc. I would even be tempted to get a mini lug on the brown ones if you were going to use them for more outdoorsy stuff than the red ones.

[@sillagegentpepper]

As others have said... these are on offer online at the moment. I wanted a Tan Dainite... but the size selection online is poor. I tried Jermyn street today and they have plenty of stock at £200. The boots seem good quality at that price... the 1880 range are noticably better build and twice the weight of similar Loake Design models. Not sure why Loake now have two shops literally opposite each other on Jermyn street... thats a bit of an odd business decision.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I believe that ALL Loake boots and shoes, including the 1880 range, have uppers that are clicked (cut) and sewn in their India factory. They are made with European leathers and the finished uppers are I believe shipped back to the UK. There they are lasted and the rest of the boot is assembled. The Shoe Healer/Shoe Room, cobblers and a retailer of Loake shoes up until recently, have confirmed this on their YT channels (The Shoe Man and The Shoe Healer ) The Loake short lived Export range of shoes that are now discontinued, were all made in England but were considerably more expensive than the 1880 range. EDIT.....I just noticed that the Loake Export range are back on their site, priced at nearly four hundred pounds.

[@12-OneTwo]

Greetings, How does it compare to the Bedale boot, also from Loake? Sincerely.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The Bedale is more of a country boot with more rugged soles. The Burford is made on a more elegant last and is more 'shoe-like' than the Bedale.

[@malgremor85]

In my grandfther's time men spoke of their saddles in much the same way as you do your boots.

[@danielmanor605]

You mentioned that you walk them in the muddy part of town - do you not need to clean them after each wear? And if so, how do you do it?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I'll take them over gravel and light rough ground, but nothing excessively muddy. If they do get gunged, I use saddle soap and treat as per normal once mud removed.

[@byN91]

Hi ash, Can you talk more about why you don't prefer the Trickers stow boots or the C&J Islay, (more popular, and quality wise) or barker calder when you can easily have those more reputable brands? Aside from the price points, is the styling affects your preference? I appreciate that you don't give a lot of importance on branding. as we can see in internet forums (like reddit or styleforum) many people tend to stay away from Loakes or barker and go for C&J etc. What s your say on that

[@TheChapsGuide]

It is merely a matter of price point for me. C & J and the similar elite brands are simply too highly priced for my needs for this type of footwear. Loake (1880 only) and Barker offer a good compromise.

[@byN91]

Now I know, thanks

[@byN91]

I t would be interesting for some of us to see reviews of your oldest pairs of shoes

[@Molach101]

Ash, having owned both the burgundy & the tan pair, would you say having the tan is worth it if like me you already own the burgundy pair? Do you find you get enough wear out of tan boots

[@TheChapsGuide]

I wear the burgundy far more often than the tan. I just find them more classy and versatile. But I do appreciate that this is down to personal taste. But definately opt for the Dainite soles as a choice. Much better!

[@chaosad4508]

How would you compare them to Trickers, same range?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Trickers are far superior. Loakes are also about half their price too.

[@chaosad4508]

@@TheChapsGuide that's what I thought, thanks.

[@frankpaterson9786]

America. not the most sartorialist place in the world,,,,,,,,,love it,

[@richard74200]

Don't turn down the Loake Design range made in India. They are top quality.

[@verykeen2please]

Sadly Loake seem to have too many QC issues, even the UK made ones. I much prefer spending a little more on C&J or Church's But glad you've had a positive experience

[@kennyh8612]

I got my trickers stow for £250 I'm the same won't pay full price for anything

[@SteveH-u5w]

I picked up a Burford mahogany pair in the winter sale. Still slowly breaking them in. Under £200. Bargain

[@rm_powerhouse]

I see you gifting yourself a C&J Islay once you hit 100k subscribers 😂

[@TheChapsGuide]

Oh yes!

[@SpeedTriple59]

Winter ? Grip ? Leather bottoms 😅😅😅

[@martindoyle7077]

Learher is much more classy

[@mikewinston8709]

‘Dress boot’…..a ridiculous term. These are field boots for hunting with foot packs; beagle packs usually…..Christ Church, Eton or Stowe et cetera.

[@diosdadocruz2594]

Nice pair of boots. Have you ever owned Trickers' boots? How would Loak's boots compare to Trickers'?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Trickers would be far superior to Loake in leather and manufacture. Trickers are 100% entirely British made in all aspects. Loake are a good compromise on price and quality.