LOAKE 1880 BROGUE SHOE REVIEW - BIRKDALE 1880 WINGTIP BROGUES

Amazon link to Loake Birkdale Brogue: amzn.to/2MgBJHI
The brogue is one of the most versatile and wearable shoes that any chap can have in his shoe collection - worn casually when needed, or with a suit in the most formal of occasions, the brogue is a true gentleman's classic.
Loake have been manufacturing mens shoes since 1880 and their Birkdale brogue is a magnificent iteration of the shoe style for the modern man.
Learn more about your host (Ash) here: www.chapsguide....
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Equipment used in this filming of this video (Amazon links):
Camera - Canon Eos 250D: amzn.to/3bFaY7F
Lens - Cannon EFS 24mm f/2.8 STM: amzn.to/3aFT0kd
Tripod - K & F Incept Tripod: amzn.to/3eR5BEy
GorillaPod - Joby: amzn.to/35cJW5d
Shotgun microphone - Rode Video Mic Pro: amzn.to/3aKoSEw
Lavalier microphone: amzn.to/3cOEuYM

[@pauljohnson3686]

I bought the birkdale derby in conker brown at a loakes store.. The service was first class and the shoes fit perfectly... I am extremely happy with my purchase.

[@vrdrew63]

I've recently become acquainted with the Loake brand, and I have to second just about every observation you've made in this video. Loake 1880 represents an outstanding value for formal and semi-formal gentlemen's footwear. It's worth spending a bit more to buy good quality shoes that can be re-soled, and continue to grow in value and appearance. They are the antithesis of the "throwaway" culture. I treasure that, and am glad to patronise a British brand that utilises traditional artisanal work practices in this country. Some notes: Good quality shoes are worth looking after. That means: 1) Shoe trees. Putting in good cedar shoe trees after every wearing helps maintain the shape of the shoe, preventing creases in the vamp, and removes moisture from the shoe. 2) Rotation. Allow a minimum of two to three days between wearings of each pair of shoes. If a gentleman wears smart shoes five or six days a week, that means he ought to own (at a minimum) three or four pairs of smart shoes. Shoes need to dry between wearings. More so if worn in wet or damp conditions. 3) Cleaning/conditioning/polishing: Leather is a natural product. Literally the skin of an animal. It needs leather conditioner to maintain suppleness and to prevent cracking. It needs cream to maintain colour. And it requires a wax top coat to maintain shine and protection against moisture and other environmental contaminants. Understand these three distinct requirements. Don't put shoes away dirty. Allow them to dry. A couple of minutes with a brush, some polish, shoe cream, or conditioner, and a buff with a cloth means your shoes will look fantastic the next time you put them on. 4) Shoe horn. Yeah. Don't ever put on good shoes without a shoe horn to help slide your heel into the shoe. These cost a pound or so. Just do it. It's not hard. It's what separates us from the animals. 5) Soles/Heels. They will wear out. Just like the tyres on a car wear out. Harder/more frequent use will wear them out faster. It's inevitable. My suggestion: Think about how and where you'll be wearing your shoes. If you're wearing them two or three times a week, walking over rough tarmac or concrete for a couple of miles or more - then a more hard-wearing artificial sole material might make more sense. If you are only wearing them a couple of times a month, mostly walking short distances over carpeted or other indoor spaces, then the leather sole might be appropriate. Inspect the sole and heels periodically. Spend the money to replace them as needed. Don't delay this to the point that it threatens the integrity of the upper. Just don't do it. There's a reason we have the phrase "down at heel" in the English language. Also: This is a personal opinion. But don't buy leather-soled shoes and then slap on Vibram or other material "sole protectors." These never look very good, and can make the shoe look clunky and out of balance. If you are wearing shoes in tough use conditions, buy them with the more hard-wearing Dainite soles from the outset. 6) Lastly - laces. Replace them before they need it. Laces are cheap. Buy the right length, colour, and shape. Broken or knotted laces are never a good look. Ever. And take the laces out whenever you do a deep clean or polish on your shoes.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Sage advice and excellent points - I hope our viewers take note and apply these points to their footwear maintenance regimes

[@MisterKnightly]

My life became infinitely better when I started wearing brogues.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Mine too

[@Thetyrerepairer]

I love the patina and shine on those shoes, Beautiful.

[@daleknut1]

Hi Ash. 6 pairs of loake later and still growing I love loake still my number one choice

[@TheChapsGuide]

A fine and reliable brand and accessible for such great prices - there's no downside to having a Loake addiction (I should know).

[@chrisdavis8399]

Hey Jon. Do these shoes fit true to their size chart? Cheers

[@Agerskiold]

I went from white sneakers to brogues (derby & Oxford) and will never go back. Loake is an absolutely great brand to purchase. Thank you great video 👌🏼

[@Molach101]

I know everyone says burgundy & oxblood are some of the most versatile colours for shoes and boots, and I agree, but as you said in the video it's amazing how versatile a reddish chestnut brown colour is. If you have shoes in various shades of reddish brown they seem to go with everything

[@hpevans9041]

Thanks Ash, on your recommendation I’ve just purchased a pair of Birkdales from Loakes in Cheltenham. Top quality service, nothing was too much trouble for Amanda who was running the store single handed.

[@TheChapsGuide]

An astute purchase sir. They are superb shoes and mine just keep getting better the more I wear them. Loake continue to offer a great service, which is really positive for us frugal shoe hunters.

[@j.burgess4459]

I have this one in black with the old-style leather sole. I own several pairs of Loakes boots and shoes - but it tends to be their Chelsea boots that see most action. (On one memorable occasion I came out of Loakes store in Bath with a big Loakes bag, walked up the sideroad, went over into Gieves&Hawkes, came out of there with a G&H bag, went a couple of doors down to Russell&Bromley, came out with an R&B bag.......and then every other shop I went into for the rest of the afternoon they practically snapped to attention like recruits in front of a general! :-D

[@TheChapsGuide]

Bath is a great city for a bit of sartorial shopping.

[@bigprettyman3795]

Love a good brogue Darby shoe! Great video. Love a Loake shoe. Bought a pair in London. Reasonably priced and great quality. You are so right about shoes. Clothes make the man but shoes make the clothes.

[@gordon7005]

I bought the same shoes after you bought yours and showed us the excellent first polish video. I love, love love them I dare not wear them 🤣. You paid a excellent price for yours I'm jealous as I paid a lot more but still less than full price so not really complaining. Thanks for another excellent video Ash

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you like them!

[@jeffreylamont8111]

Great video again Ash.as you say people look you up and down starting at your shoes! Especially ladies.

[@robertarevalo5306]

Great looking pair of shoes. They will last forever. I bet they will look good with chinos and probably dark jeans. I have gotten compliments on my footwear through the years. I too believe that shoes are an important part of a person’s wardrobe. Great video. Thank you.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The foundation of any outfit in my opinion - thanks for the comment

[@RemyNiemand]

Another splendid video. Ta Ash. Much appreciated

[@jeromesboard756]

I was able to purchase a pre-owned Loake Shoemaker dark brown (with a shade of burgundy) captoe brogue for 40 pounds on Carousell, an online selling platform based in Singapore. I'm very impressed with it.

[@t140pete]

I have a few pairs of Loake, much to my wife's amusement. I find them to be a great fit for my feet, giving suitable support and, perhaps surprisingly, more everyday comfort than trainers (which, lets face it, are for sports, exercise and cycling etc.) Wearing some Loake Brogue boots at the moment with a nice mirror shine, thanks to your polishing tips on another vid.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thanks for sharing! Loake are a national treasure I think, and good value too.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Birkdale shoes are from Loake 1880 Legacy which is a little higher than the Loake 1880 range. And the top of the Loake range is the Loake Export range which are a step above these. Finally, I believe that the Shoemaker range , though mostly made in the UK, have their clicking and upper stitching carried out in the India factory.

[@Mocha_122]

Interesting I may give Loake a try. I've currently been supporting a local manufacturer where i live as they make very nice shoes as well if you ever have the chance maybe consider trying out REGAL since its made in Japan leather shoes with goodyear welt.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Writing from California: A recent subscriber, great overview of the brand and it's history. Thank you for educating me as I appreciate the history (& artistry) of shoes and suits that I purchase, Ravi Peiris M.D.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Welcome aboard!

[@MrWhiteisbetter]

Loake now make their shoes in India, they last about a week these days and loake customer service tell you to go away when you try to complain

[@tonyhanlon7275]

I have really enjoyed your channel this week as I have been at home recovering from covid. I have got lots from these videos. I live a mile or from Birkdale near the Royal Birkdale golf club, I wonder how much this has to do with the naming of these shoes. Regardless, thanks for your work.

[@abzgreezy6230]

Great shoes video can't wait for the next shoe polishing tutorial video in the woods ❤🔥🔥🔥👍

[@TheChapsGuide]

Coming soon! The black pair are the stars!

[@j.burgess4459]

BTW it is so true what Ashley says about people noticing footwear. Even when I had my Covid vaccination (which I got a little early due to my particular responsibilities) the medical staff complimented me on my shoes and watch (true story!)

[@verykeen2please]

hope they bring the other lines back to the UK, as other brands have done

[@kdmarksuk]

Thanks Ash I heard of them maybe this should be my next shoe

[@LoremIpsum222]

Those are an absolute steal at the price you paid. Just bought the brown grain Birkdale's for £199, cannot wait.

[@TheChapsGuide]

They are great shoes, outstanding performers - hope you enjoy!

[@byN91]

Hi Lorem, may I ask regarding your Brown grain birkdale, how would you describe the shade of brown grain, is it more in Tan shade? Thanks

[@LoremIpsum222]

@@byN91 Hey Bien, the Birkdale's are darker than your regular tan, however I would still consider them a light brown. There are no yellow or red tones like you'd find in a tan or conker/mahogany, either.

[@byN91]

I see thank you! That's what I prefer., keep safe

[@johnball716]

Wow, you certainly have a knack for catching a bargain... nice review... 👍

[@GrimReaper-qs8do]

Great review and those are good looking shoes.

[@ianarn]

My shoe sales contact has well over 100 pairs of high end shoes and he says that the Victory sole used by Loake is by far the most comfortable sole compared to Ridgeway, Commando etc. That Bikdale shoe colour looks a lot like the Chestnut leather that Crockett & Jones offer.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I think Loake are an often overlooked brand, who turn out really superior footwear (in the 1880 range) for reasonable prices - and can be obtained at some discounted prices with a little searching

[@greasesgarage]

Hey Ash, do you know of a good place for us USA viewers to purchase Loakes?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Well, Ebay id a good start, but I think the Loake website may also ship internationally (I know Allen Edmonds ship to the UK).

[@alexscoolreviews1182]

Very nice Ashley I have a pair of shoes waiting to be polished now if you would like to Best regards-mistirios man

[@TheChapsGuide]

Lovely

[@tucobenedico]

Amazing review! How would you compare the quality of Barker to Loake? A comparison video would be very interesting. Thanks.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Barker are very good and even a touch better than Loake 1880.

[@bouncingBrain]

I had my eye on a pair of Loake's Northamptonshire made wingtip brogues and their ankle-boot variant, that were on sale, for weeks. They imposed a markup much higher than the USD exchange rate. I was annoyed. So I waited. The current full price the boot is £245.00 and $380USD. I finally relented before the sale ended and bought the boot for sale price of $265USD (I think it was around £175.)

[@TheChapsGuide]

At that price Loake does represent good value for money - never pay full MSRP, always seek out the best bargains.

[@PREPFORIT]

I will keep this company in mind. Thank you.

[@hamishlovesit4731]

Royal brougue style .. water and kiwi polish , £150 ... £75 for a resole ... Fantastic company ... Outstanding workmanship

[@hamishlovesit4731]

Oh the resole has gone up .. fairplay

[@hanwenyap]

Hey Ash, Loake's highest grade is their 1880 Export Grade. You should check them out!

[@TheChapsGuide]

I have seen a few - they are superb value for money.

[@hanwenyap]

@@TheChapsGuide I am interested in getting their wholecut in navy. Seems like the flagship model of the 1880 EG line. Unfortunately shipping is absolute murder to Asia, not to mention the import taxes 😭

[@TheChapsGuide]

That is an issue, hpe you can find a workaround.

[@balance3201]

What would the difference be between these and a Crockett n Jones brogue?

[@hanwenyap]

@@TheChapsGuide I might get them when I'm in England. Some day, perhaps. In the meantime I'm trying on a lot of Spanish and Portuguese brands. You have to try Carlos Santos and TLB Mallorca if available at stores near you, especially TLB.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Great video!

[@midnightmover2329]

I bought these recently in a 8.5,very nice in black.I had to size down in store for a perfect fit. I have Loake Chelsea’s in black & brown, 9.5,a perfect fit. I’m interested in the Buford boot if I can find a pair. I’m just concerned about the sizing. Any advice? Andy

[@johnteill_]

Is their a link to the websites

[@viclucyzia]

Modest priced is depending how you compare to other shoes. Cheaper then Cheaney or Church's but a bargain compared to Gaziano & Girling. Looking really forward to get a pair from them.

[@MrWhiteisbetter]

Now made in India. My last pair started falling appart after a week

[@Molach101]

​@@MrWhiteisbetter It depends on the range. The shoes made in India tend to be L1 or Loake Shoemakers.

[@rudrabarathan2737]

Found a Brough in House of Frazer ( Made in India)??

[@shimenga1]

Beautiful shoes , no question and a good starting point . Hard to wear Loake once you experience a Cheaney , then hard to wear a Cheaney once you experience a Trickers. Then once you experience a Gaziano and Girling you know you're in real trouble.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Shoes are a bit of a hard drug - no going back once you get started.

[@sageralanizi3457]

Just as a clarification, and from Loake themselves, no shoes are made fully in Northampton, including the 1880 Export Grade. The 1880 range is made in India, and only closed (sole attached) and finished in Northampton - unfortunately

[@TheChapsGuide]

I understand where you are coming from and understand that certain elements of the manufacturing process may be undertaken outside the UK. The 1880 range by Loake is legally defined as ‘Made in England’ indicating the majority of the manufacturing process is undertaken in the UK. But it is a confusing situation.

[@Fanakapan222]

Intriguing, although we ought to be thankful that India has been able to offer Goodyear Welted shoes ? Its not totally unreasonable to think that the lack of shoe knowledge amongst the public these days may well presage a state of affairs where the 'Proper Shoe' apart from the plus £1000 types, goes the same way as the Dodo, or Dinosaur in a few years. Should the MOD decide to save money on brown service shoes, or highland brogues, it would probably see off Sanders and Sanders ?

[@wayneelliott7011]

Also as well as being Made in India, Loake also use Compressed Cardboard for their Heelstacks. Leave me out.

[@Fjilcp3]

Decisions decisions… Birkdale or Chester Loake??

[@bt1113]

Hi Ash, thanks for sharing, they are lovely shoes and your polish has really made them stand out I really like brogues as it gives the best of both world in terms of being formal and also casual. Can I ask the price you got them from eBay, does it come around once in awhile or was it a once off never to be repeated.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I purchased these for under £100. They were slight factory seconds and brand new. I was fortunate to acquire 2 pairs for a similar price from the same vendor, who I assume must have had a personal connection to Loake.

[@bt1113]

@@TheChapsGuide great price for factory seconds. Would you kind enough to share the eBay vendor details, so if I do come across them when searching, I have the comfort of mind they are are real Loakes and not imitations which can be a real risk shopping on eBay.

[@TheChapsGuide]

@@bt1113 Hi I've looked up my purchase history and can see the original vendor is no longer on the platform unfortunately. Good luck though, there are many great deals out there and Loake, being a generally cheaper shoe, are easy to find at good prices.

[@bt1113]

@@TheChapsGuide Thanks for chasing it up much appreciated. I look forward to your next post.

[@12-OneTwo]

Greetings, How does Barker compare to the other Northamptonshire brands? Sincerely

[@TheChapsGuide]

Barker is a good shoemaker, somewhat less prestigious than C & J and Tricker's, but certainly better than Loake and on par with Cheaney and Grenson.

[@12-OneTwo]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you for your answer. Did you know they had an Amazon presence?

[@markpritchard3099]

hey Chappy, just wondering if you could do a video on shoes matching suit colour, im in australia and have no access to barker or loake shoes to try on as im also way out in the country area, its going to be hit and miss for me, im keen on a tan brogue and this loake in conker with dark pants or jeans, im going as crazy as a frog in a sock making a decision, cheers my friend

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great suggestion!

[@markpritchard3099]

@@TheChapsGuide thanks fr the response, im at a brogue lace up boot in cherry or red by both loake and barker for that early uk days look which sshould go with dark grey 3 piece plus dark or light jeand and tan barker baily's or your devilish looking birkdales so you see my dilema, anyway i will watch with anticipation , kind regards Mark

[@TheChapsGuide]

@@markpritchard3099 I think you cannot go far wrong with a nice oxblood or burgundy. The colours fit with just about anything and can go from casual to formal depending on the outfit.

[@vim1471]

Do these brogues have a more country/loose fit compared to more formal shoes ?

[@TheChapsGuide]

That are a more roomy fit.

[@MegaBabyRawr]

do you think these shoes are versatile enough for more formal wear? I am afraid it is too tall/thick and might look out of place

[@TheChapsGuide]

I wore these with a suit yesterday - looked good!

[@MegaBabyRawr]

@@TheChapsGuide thanks for the reply!

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

Nice review, does the dianite sole has clicking noise when you walking? Like leather sole ! Or it’s silent?

[@TheChapsGuide]

The heel is rubber, so it is quite silent.

[@12-OneTwo]

Would you recommend the ROYAL brogues from Loake over the 1880s?

[@TheChapsGuide]

They are a nice model and should provide an excellent value proposition for £250. I should imagine the quality is the exact same as 1880.

[@12-OneTwo]

@@TheChapsGuide The site indicates double leather soles. Would it mean more durable soles? Thank you for your consideration.

[@kdmarksuk]

Lovely ash

[@rudrabarathan2737]

Absolutely beautiful shoes. Where can I buy these shoes? also, where can I find those shoe laces? really nice.

[@TheChapsGuide]

These are Loake Birkdale brogues and are still available on the Loake website. Great shoes!!

[@megl-l9g]

I recently purchased a pair of Barkley brogues from Herring. What are your thoughts on that brand?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I have yet to have any experiences with that brand - let me know how they go for you. I have been a previous customer of Herring and they usually sell only excellent quality kit!

[@megl-l9g]

@@TheChapsGuide Just got them... incredibly fast shipping to Canada. The shoes are great and have some fantastic leather on them!

[@Jenglotto]

Thanks for sharing Ash! I absolutely love longwing brogues. How long did these take to break in?

[@TheChapsGuide]

About 10-15 miles (ish), not too bad really, like most of the Loake 1880 range. They are wearing in rather well and getting better each day in fact.

[@jeffreylamont8111]

I bought the cheaper footwear from m&s they just don’t look as good or feel as good they rub my instep and heels.it’s Loake for me after watching your video.

[@richallan001]

I had put away a bit of cash for buying a pair of loakes. I was on a hunt for some winter shoes. whilst browsing the bay, I found a pair of loake tetbury 1880 in brown, and a pair of oxford cap toes in black, both with a dainite sole. Managed to acquire both for £60, the tetburys are great and comfortable, the cap toes are enroute. Kind of wonder where that sits in spending as much on your shoes as your suit. :|

[@amitjayakumar]

Can you please share the eBay contact for the shoes

[@TheChapsGuide]

Sadly this ebay seller is no longer active, but there are lots of good Loake option to investigate on Ebay - good hunting sir!

[@MrWhiteisbetter]

I have 2 pair of loake shoes. First pair I bought over 10 years ago and are still in good condition, obviously I don't wear them daily. The second pair I bought started falling apart after wearing them less than a week. When I did some research I found out that most loake shoes are now made in India. When I approaced loake about the problem they told me to fuck off. Loake shoes, never again

[@ChimcharrNo1]

Most places offer good service until there’s a problem typical lol

[@alamore5084]

I have learned I knew next to nothing about shoes. I have Loake 1880 black calfskin boots coming and cedar shoe trees. One thing which has occured to me is the reality that I have wasted time, money and lack of style on crap or at best mediocre shoes over the decades.

[@boblibnu8298]

I love the look of Loake shoes, but Oh dear, they just chew my feet up. I’ve had 3 pairs, a suede Chelsea boot (no problem, but not brilliantly comfortable) a pair of their L1 range (‘corrected grain leather’, unwearable, gave them away) and my last pair a Buckingham brogue from their 1880 range. Better than the L!’s but only just. Been “wearing them in” daily for a month now, still uncomfortable and blistering. Clearly not the shoes for me.

[@wayneelliott7011]

Sorry that is incorrect, the 1880's the uppers are made in India and have the Sole attached in England, so I'd say they are more Indian made than English made. The Heelstacks are also Compressed Cardboard. Leave me out of this dishonest company.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The 1880 range are legally described as Made in England - the determination of the rules over these descriptions are a matter for the government.

[@wayneelliott7011]

@@TheChapsGuideI find that very sad.

[@herb2078]

Just a shame that they are Indian made. Very misleading that they are sold as English made, when all uppers are clicked, cut and stitched abroad. Sanders, trickers and Crockett’s are the best of affordable ready to wear genuinely English made shoes 👌 do your research people