Loake Men's Dress Shoe Review: Eton Loafer & 1880 Series Boot

Our insights about the classic English shoe brand and why we think these are among the best dress shoes for men:
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→ Shoe Toe Shapes and Detailing Explained: gentl.mn/30wBe1q
→ How A Dress Shoe Should Fit: gentl.mn/2BQoyIj
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→ Research: Sven Raphael Schneider & Preston Schlueter
→ Camera: Chris Dummer
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Loake has a lot of classic shapes last, a lot of business shoes that you can wear brown or black shoes and even their boots. Their suedes have very nice touch - kind of a short nap, they're not too soft but they're also not super stiff. Their regular calf leathers are maybe a little stiffer.
In terms of workmanship, they're made in England as such they are Goodyear welted which is like a standard over there, they don't do blake.
01:12 1880 Series boots
They are calf leather and has good quality. It's not the best leather in the world and it's not also crappy leather but it is somewhere in a medium segment.
02:47 Eton Penny Loafer
As of 2020, this model is available in other colors for $240. It has very traditional English styling or last shape which helps to offset the fact to choose to get a slightly bolder color and thought was advantageous. The stitching was nice and even. The construction was very high quality all around.

[@Mambojeff]

Loake loafers are always best to size down. Even here in the UK you have to go direct to company for the complete range of shoes.

[@blort123]

I really find Prestons comments on optimizing the fit of shoes and garments very helpful. Thank you!

[@albertomenaged]

Great piece of video as always

[@fixitman347]

Excellent video. Please keep up the wonderful work.

[@rodrigoparedes7764]

I bought a beautiful Goodyear welted boot at an excellent price, Loake is a great brand.

[@werlddomination8233]

We have Loake in David Jones, Australia. Thanks for the video, it has increased my knowledge of these shoes.

[@billysinge8977]

In previous comments of mine I suggested you doing videos on Loake and Charles Tyrwhitt, now my dream is coming true. Cool!

[@dressshoeguy]

I have several pairs of Loakes but my very favorites are my tassel loafers that I have in olive suede, brown suede, and black shiny leather I love every pair of them

[@cyrilignatiuskendrick6663]

I love Loake - and highly recommend them, in particular their classic dress shoes made in England. I currently have pair of traditional tan leather loafers and classic black brogues. The black brogues are also the most comfortable dress shoes I own.

[@raphthecollector3824]

That olive suede is supreme! For what they're worth Loake does excellent shoes.

[@jengaaaaa]

Thinking about getting their dark brown captoe oxfords. Thanks for the review.

[@craft-o-matic2377]

Love the olive green loafers on you Preston! Lisa

[@drnpictures2155]

Great video

[@schrisdellopoulos9244]

I had a pair of Loake wing tip loafers purchased in London circa 1990. They were a smart shoe that lasted well into the aughts. The leather finish though, was cheap. I have never beaten my black Bass Weejun tassel loafers and my Gucci bit classics. Take care of both and they give back in spades.

[@barnabylovell]

An important point with Loake is there is a substantial difference between the quality level of the ranges. The 1880 range are what you would consider a quality shoe, with the legacy and export range having increasing quality leather and finishing work. The ranges below the 1880 range are of a lesser quality though, and aren't made in England. I buy a lot of Loake but never stray below the 1880 range.

[@zoukatron]

Same here. I own a bunch of Loakes - all from the 1880 range.

[@AndreMonz]

Thanks for sharing this information.

[@relobmit]

Loake 1880s are fantastic shoes, not one of the most expensive brands, but very good value for money.

[@asdfjkl981]

They have an exceptional value/price. They are solid and do not look or feel worse than shoes that cost double the price. If i compare my Bally or Churchs to my Loake oxfords i can not tell you which one feels better. Allen Edmonds are slightly below loake in my book. But i still love Allen Edmonds and own 3 Pair of them.

[@cv97035]

Recently bought a pair of Loake boots (Hyde). Excellent boots, great value for money. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, but you also want quality shoes, then Loake is an excellent medium-high choice! Just note that they have typical English style, more serious than fancy!

[@maniacsangel9046]

Those Gloves fitting for Trenchcoats and other Coats buyable at Fort Belvedere (forgot their Name), are they buyable for a cheaper Price than 350$/€ range somewhere?

[@marksshoereviews6028]

I have a pair of Loake made loafers from Herring (no longer sold). I posted a review on my channel. I actually sized down and must confess it took longer than expected to break them in fully. After some perseverance they are now like slippers but with minimal heel slippage.

[@marksshoereviews6028]

I’ve never been fully convinced by the Loake’s Shoemaker line. They are good, solid shoes but they are priced at 3/4 of the 1880 line and the quality of the leather (never mind the finishing) is a fair step up. Unless you are very budget conscious I would always recommend paying extra for 1880 unless there is a particular style or colour you like. The suede they use in the Shoemaker line is also a better bet than their calf leather.

[@cdavidcd14]

As a rule of thumb, buying a loafer i always try to buy a smaller size than I normally wear, at least one size down, i have several different styles and colours and they all fit quite nicely, so that is something that should be considered

[@TFM8]

I had to go a full size down so they would fit...it is quite snug and had to stretch it a bit but it would slip out otherwise. I'm usually 8uk and my loake loafers are a 7

[@craiggeorge1226]

If you cant get Loakes in the USA..how did you get those?

[@plinden]

A warning: using an insole to improve fit rarely works well. It easily just alters the sense of discomfort from one place to another.

[@JR-hi9bu]

Tongue pads are best for heel slippage

[@asdfjkl981]

That is not true. Of course they will not perform miracles but they can really improve the fit. Not always of course.

[@donaldharvey7511]

Loake is a strange one, last dependent for sure. I can vary from and 8 to a 9 (uk) based on different types of footwear. I find that the instep is tight on chelsea boots on an 8 so I would size up, but for a loafers I would go true to size, leather stretches and if you do not have someone else to wear in your shoes 😂😉. Then a hammer and a few elastoplasts have the same effect when softening the heel, shoe trees are also highly recommended if this is the case. If well taken care of these shoes will last a lifetime, the first few years is like running in an engine in a car. Go gently! Loving your work gents, keep it up!

[@anthonygebala1198]

Green suede looks great 👍

[@jonstern7511]

I'm in England and have a few different Loake shoes or Boots. They have a lot of different Brand levels and it's hard to generalise on quality. I have Indian made ones that are really excellent and an 1880 that is not noticeably better but also have seen the opposite (excellent 1880s and kess good Indian made ones). I've a feeling they've put their prices up a lot recently which makes them less of a bargain compared to slightly more expensive brands than they were. Really seeing (and trying on - I find that essential with loafers in particular as they are very prone to heel slippage etc) is the ideal thing IMO. I'd size down half a size than usual as a first step but really they are all different so it's hard to give a general recommendation

[@blockavelli]

I have loake brogue boots that I love

[@OverlandTT]

If it's any help, the HALF size up is only an increase in width here in the U.K.

[@olivermadsen1165]

I have tried those eton loafers and these seem to have a very unusual fit. I have wide feet and these were miles too wide even for me

[@doctorx0079]

Waiting for that shoe care guide

[@steventampin6569]

When will the Boots version of this video coming?

[@confusedcylinder396]

I'd be interested in a guide on taller boots like jack boots, riding boots or Wellington boots. It'd be interesting to see how it would fit a gentleman's style.

[@rockybarry]

I believe they already have a video on Hunter Wellington boots.

[@CyclingSatan]

Never been first In the years I have been subscribed.

[@CyclingSatan]

Thanks GG for being consistent and doing what you do.

[@quietatse]

Well done Derek.

[@ivorbacon3825]

Tried a pair of Loake loafers here in UK, too narrow, back cuts into the heel. Unless they've changed....

[@marksterling8286]

Worth trying Henley Comfort 'Birkdale' Loafers I find the softer than Loake shoes and actually normally less expensive. They are sold next to Loake shoes in Debenhams department stores.

[@mrgt3201]

Until Debenhams surely go out of business.

[@vygotsky17]

The half size smaller issue I have found also with Charles Tyrwhitt loafers. I am always a size 8 UK, but their size 8 is way too big in their loafers. .

[@eladiocofresi5202]

This is my silly confession that I have never learned how to pronounce the name of Loake. And it is making me consider buying a pair of boots that would go well with my black and gold bow tie from Blue Eyes Bow Ties.

[@Viamscience]

Yup. Loake are generous sizing. They’re great shoes.

[@simohenrik1860]

Reminds me of the Moss-Man from He-Man Masters of the Universe..

[@drnpictures2155]

Hello big fan

[@rayfraser1773]

Can his tie get any longer ?

[@MrJamescord]

Shoe looks great in olive green.

[@astroboyc460]

The problem of your fitting is that you have chosen half a size larger than your actual foot size.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

I have Loake footwear and go half a size (0.5) down not up.

[@FinalPattern11]

If it’s just Raphael, I watch but the new setup of the channel doesn’t work for me. Would love to see more with just Raph again.

[@2bitrasputin793]

It seems like shoes are one thing you should buy in a store.

[@Clarkson350]

Loafers for me from Europe are 1 full size smaller so I normally wear 8.5, buy 7.5 ee. |Had much better luck with European sizes.

[@viclucyzia]

I used to own a pair of loakes and tried a couple of others but somehow not very comfortable. Definetly not for long walks. Then again that's only me. Everyone has a different foot like also a different physique. BUT I will try the 1880. I don't want to condemn at once a brand. Maybe I just haven't had luck with the former.

[@kuku505]

How was your experience so far? Im planning to get a pair of loafer but a bit scared of how the size might not fit

[@cmbaz1140]

Mein opa hatte welche die so aussahen...

[@adrianostberg2337]

I missed SRS review of the boot...

[@UncleRimo]

At 1:14 he says he will cover it in another video.

[@ChipsChallenge95]

You can source loake in the us from herring shoes

[@Anti-Taxxer]

Their website says they can’t ship Loake shoes to the U.S.

[@marksshoereviews6028]

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique Previously, the Herring Classics range were rebranded Loake 1880s (albeit they often used different lasts) but Herring have gradually been phasing Loake out. An independent UK shoe retailer explained to me that the reason for this is that Loake has been struggling to keep up supply to meet direct demand. I have 3 pairs of actual 1880s and 4 pairs of rebadged Loakes from Herring and the quality is the same. They still sell the classic Knightsbridge Oxford which is to the same standard as the Aldwych but on the more conservative 026 last. Now Herring Classics is mostly Barker and Spanish made shoes. Barker shoes are decent although I’m not too fond of some of their styling. The Spanish made shoes are also good quality but for me have the same problems as other Spanish manufactured shoes (too narrow) and not sure why you wouldn’t just go with Meermin.

[@Anti-Taxxer]

@@marksshoereviews6028 I appreciate the information.

[@trevornesse1525]

A properly-made loader should have an especially snug heal and vamp. You shouldn’t have to size down for a good fit. Generally, buying shoes overseas is a costly gamble.

[@gentlemansgazette]

What brands make loafers that way in your opinion?

[@trevornesse1525]

@@gentlemansgazette I'm not sure that any one brand makes all of its loafer lasts with ideal ball/heal fit ratios. I've heard great things about C&J (also from the UK, but can be bought stateside) and my Cheaney shoes have been amazing. Allen Edmonds makes all different kinds of loafer lasts and some of them are designed to have a looser fit (i.e. Lake Forest vs. Salerno or Cavanaugh) Too many people think that they have the wrong shoe size when, in actuality, the shoe's last doesn't suit them and sizing down [or up] can overcompensate and create other problems down the line. The best starting point with trying on shoes is getting the ball alignment fit as close as possible (remember that going up or down in size will compromise an otherwise great ball fit and hurt your toes). Then, consider what lasts have this fit while providing the optimal shape for your arch and heal. Unfortunately, there's no way around trying on many shoes in different lasts and sizes the old fashion way. Start with your brannock size and try on different sizes with last shape in mind all while paying close attention to ball alignment.

[@rovercoupe7104]

Please avoid saying 'c**p' or 'c****y'. It tells the listener nothing and is not a word used in polite company. Thank you for the video. Loake is my favourite shoe brand. M.

[@geckomoriadaimyoofwano7157]

It tells me something is trash. Im not a fan of the word but it does tell the listener something

[@-RONNIE]

👍

[@basicdose.9872]

As. They. Say. ...... Size. Matters. !!!

[@stuartbritton4811]

Don't buy them if you intend to walk around a lot in them. Buy them for occasional use, such as weddings or special occasion use. The leather is too hard and you will feel like your feet are being hammered if you walk long distances in them. They are built like a tank, but about as comfortable as one. I think Loake usess genuine grade leather, but not sure. Full grade leather is much softer.

[@drishtantsharma3313]

The content is alright but there is surely some problem in Preston's panther walk.........wide and unrelaxed.

[@Ghost_writer_V]

Ah yes, the babyvomit 11’s

[@geckomoriadaimyoofwano7157]

What are you even doing here?

[@coloradocolorado1527]

Don't rate Look at all. Even Legacy or 1880, I got holes in the sole after a year. Crocket&Jones forever!

[@TRUYORK718]

Loake Value brand?? FOH

[@theguy1696]

Man that loafer is in the color of baby poop

[@herb2078]

Very misleading brand. All uppers are clicked, cut and stitched in India even in their “English made” 1880 range. Do your research gents.

[@stuartbritton4811]

I doubt it. Loake would be held accountable for fraud, if they advertised 'Made in England' if it wasn't.

[@herb2078]

@@stuartbritton4811 take a trip to their factory my friend this is a fact, there is no clicking, cutting or stitching departments any more. They get round it because legally they “put components together” in effect and so doesn’t break any laws and allows them to say “made in England”. It’s all very very misleading, again people get upset and don’t want to believe it because they have paid a good wedge of money for their loakes but facts are facts.

[@pete531]

Good video but Preston needs to work on himself a lot. Just look at his legs. He looks like such an English snob. Its not all in suits, shoes etc. He needs to go to gym, gain a bit of muscle and manliness. He wouldn't survive one day in the forest alone. Strength, capability and slightly rugged exterior are also big parts of a gentleman.