Why are English shoes higher priced ..?

[@stefanotattifrongia3612]

I’m an happy owner of 4 pairs of Loake, their models make in UK. The quality per money is unbelievable. They are just below £300 and they last forever. I struggle with Barker because they are usually expensive then Loake and I don’t see that reflected on the shoes. Cheaney and Crokettandjones are the top, for £5/700 they made some masterpieces.

[@allanfosterbuckie9114]

Always invested in the best that you can afford pays dividends in the long term . Always bought Loake but recently i have noticed the quality has started to slip mainly on the welts on my last pair of 771 the Ashbys i have are a cracking shoe now just bought a pair of Trickers Bourton Acorn tan brouges if anything going by my last pair of Trickers i wont be disappointed also should say Crocket and Jones are another top favourite if mine . What i have noticed recently is the cost of repairs mainly soled/ healed with genuine Dainite soles touching the £80 mark now but these shoes are a long term investment which i never put on cheap rubber adhesive sole as alternative . When it comes to polish theres only one polish and thats Saphir.

[@stuartjones3011]

Loake and Crocket and Jones are good value for money. Great quality.

[@MDCSYD]

I’ve been wearing Tricker’s Stow Boots with Commando sole and they are absolute tank of the boots. They feel indestructible and very comfortable even after 8 years they still look like 3 months old (worn in rotation of course probably 1-2 times a week)

[@RichardEnglander]

Trickers use thicker quality leather than Grenson, Loake and similar. Lovely shoes

[@peakseamus]

I've Loake 1880 and Barker Grant for a few years. I've had a topy applied to both. I know many don't favour topy type rubber being applied but the shoes will last me forever without ever needing to resole them.

[@Anelipot]

Just bought my first pair of Grenson Triple Welt brogues - incredible shoe. I need to get some segs for the heel but I feel fantastic in them!

[@rlkinnard]

i have a pair of Allen Edmonds that i bought about a decade ago that are still fine. You can get them on sale. They are American and fine for me. I can afford better but they are comfortable and wear well and conservative - just like me. But it is nice to buy a pair of shoes that will last decades with good care and recrafting.

[@George-vf7ss]

Because the British tax the hell out of everything.

[@LairdDavidson]

True. I've bought Goodyear welted shoes made with all leather construction and calf skin uppers of good quality for less that are made in other countries. They easily match the quality. Of what I've seen from Northampton makers. If the UK companies didn't have to pay so much to the government, insurance, landlords, pay import duties, wade through red tape, etc they could lower their prices and still pay workers a decent wage. Let's not forget that most of the workers at Trickers, etc are low skilled on an assembly line and probably on minimum wage so they aren't better off than their counterpart in let's say Portugal or Spain.

[@Sdblahm67]

I've been wearing English-made Loakes for 20 years. Best financial decision I ever made. 4 pairs, 200-250 per pair and they last forever. Your feet feel like they're travelling VIP

[@basicdose.9872]

Because English shoes are of better quality.

[@dressshoeguy]

A very good buddy of mine bought me several pairs of Loakes most recently the plain toed shoe in black and burgundy the 771 model and I find these really comfortable to wear with all my dress pants and suits did walking a great deal in them found they did not hurt my feet for one moment. He also gave me a plain toed shoe with Dante soles by Crockett and Jones that are truly pleasant for a casual day. I honestly find English made shoes to be of the best quality ever and will have them for a long time

[@mechminded2207]

I ended up buying some Tricker's Stow Boots 12 online - so I am hoping the sizing works out. My Barker shoes are a size 11, my Loake shoes and Loake boots 12. Usually stick to 12 G.

[@robfulano2552]

Because they are the best in the world.

[@lost5587]

To someone who doesn't know alot about shoes, sure

[@robfulano2552]

@@lost5587 Oké speak up …

[@gwizz9175]

I have two lovely pairs of Loake brogues in different colours. Quality and value for money definitely. You do feel good wearing them. My latest foray is into American Redwing heritage boots.😊

[@r7coo]

Buy once & buy the best, & look after them . British made shoes are superb.

[@ianjames3078]

Got my new Trickers Stow last week, very happy bunny.

[@bernarddrake189]

I have a pair of barker brogues no wonder thy last it took two years to bed in

[@velvetjones1856]

The old Florsheim Imperials were like this. You could send them back to the factory for rebuild if you didn't have a local cobbler.

[@theshoemandoncaster]

That is still the case with English Shoemakers, offering a full restoration and repair service, providing it is economically viable :-) Beware though, as most if not all UK Shoemakers won't accept their shoes for repair, if they have been repaired previously outside of the factory.

[@byN91]

Question please, what barker model is being featured? Thanks

[@theshoemandoncaster]

This is the Barker Bailey in Cedar .... Keep a look out as we plan on doing a 'Shoesday' on the Bailey today :)

[@byN91]

Thank you

[@byN91]

Interesting, Looking forward, can you point out the difference with Bailey 1 and 2 ,if ever there is thanks

[@theshoemandoncaster]

@@byN91 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6avlYWNmNGIq6M

[@byN91]

Thanks a million Richard

[@naazimahmed9781]

Hi what's your thoughts on Oliver Sweeney?

[@adrianwalker2833]

I can't say anything about the quality, as I have never owned a pair. But if a company sports a profoundly English name (founded in 1989!) but produces abroad: in Italy, Portugal and Spain, I'd be wary. Sounds a bit bit like cashing in on a heritage they have never been part of. And the worst part: they also produce in India and that applies for their high end range, i.e. their Blake stitched and Goodyear welted ones. So they're cutting down on workers' wages. And yet they still sell them for 280-315 GBP. That sounds like profit maximising. So no, give me anytime Grensons, Loakes, Barkers or Sanders & Sanders. Some of their shoes come in that price bracket too and you can be sure they're made in Britain.

[@alexsavin190]

What model of shoes are the Barker ???

[@byN91]

Bailey

[@WARDISWARD]

Couldn't agree more , I own to pair of crockett and jones and love them But , why does a pair of loakes sell at half the price compared to c/j , trickers ? They are all hand made , good year welted etc..is it just a matter of qulaity leather or perhaps the name ?

[@Enrico-]

1) Loake uppers are clicked and closed (cut and sewn) in the Loake factory in India. 2) Leather quality.

[@robfulano2552]

I don’t like Loakes. I own one pair and when the soles are worn I throw them away.

[@Gimblevalve]

Just got a pair of Loake - Larch chestnut Brown £195 yikes!! but man do I feel good in them!

[@Bertie22222]

I have a pair of Loake Trapper boots and would get another pair in another colour but they've stopped making them. A shame.

[@RichardEnglander]

I actually have those Barkers. I quite like them but not as nice as Trickers, but Trickers are a little expensive.

[@ceciljohnrhodes4987]

I have two pairs of loakes that are thirteen years old and still going strong.

[@manueledmundopastenazocar836]

The most perfect and excellent Shoes is UK 🇬🇧. Materials, construction and experience. I have 11 Loakes and 1 pair of Churchs, and very happy 😊

[@shimenga1]

Value for money sure- but why the £100 price difference between the Chester and Avon and a whopping nearly £200 between the Chester and Burton ? In what way is the Burton superior to the Avon?

[@theshoemandoncaster]

One of the shoemakers themselves told me when I asked the very same question......main difference is in material quality. Everything from the leather uppers, linings, heel stacks, welts and soles. The real question might actually be, is the near two hundred price difference between some of them justifiable ? That might be debatable.........

[@shimenga1]

@@theshoemandoncaster agreed.

[@union310]

Well said Sir

[@olatusijazz8155]

I agree with you 100% But the point of correction is that Loake is not of better quality than Cheaney. Loake is of lower quality than Trickers and Cheaney. I strongly believe you said that because you work at Loake Shoes. 3:10

[@theofarmmanager267]

Can you please advise the criteria by which you evaluate Trickers and Cheaney to be of superior quality to Loakes?

[@olatusijazz8155]

@@theofarmmanager267 Good question. The midsole of Loake shoes and the heel stack are made of leatherboard they are leather of poor quality, not original leather. Trickers and Cheaney shoes use original leather for their midsole and heel stacks.

[@theofarmmanager267]

@@olatusijazz8155 thank you for that. I paste this comment from Footslide - which does not contradict you but you may want to comment or explain their comment “It is made of calf or full-grain leather, this type of leather tends to develop an attractive patina with age. The leather is water and stain resistance. The leather lining is super comfy and durable. It is made of a cork midsole and a leather heel cushion. It has thin laces and lace-up closure. Loake shoes are very formal shoes, they can be worn for a business trip or any formal event. It is very much affordable and also versatile” The reasons behind my question is that I have perhaps 5 pairs of Loakes - going back 40 years to 10 years old now. I do not/did not(when I wore formal shoes each day) wear a pair more than once or twice a week; kept them immaculate and all have been resolved and heeled many times. To my shoe-uneducated mind, I would have said that they are very good shoes indeed and will see me out of this world. I have a couple of pairs of Grensons and one pair of Cheaneys. Perhaps 5-10 years old. Again, well kept and they are a joy to wear. I did have a single pair of Churches but gave them away as their fitting was too narrow. So how much of my appreciation of particular makers goes past style and is based upon fitting my rather wide feet? That, I don’t know. Are Trickers and Cheaneys of a high quality that uneducated wearers like me would not appreciate their advantages? Are Loakes a better choice if they last as long as mine have lasted me? All open questions to which I do not presume the answers. It would be excellent to get your clearly more expert view

[@olatusijazz8155]

@@theofarmmanager267 Thank you for your response. I love shoes and it is my passion. Let me make this point clear. I believe the Loakes shoes you have are made in England. Since Loakes Shoe has taken its manufacturing offshore the quality has changed. Many shoe repairers have disassembled Loakes shoes and found that the midsole and the heel stack are made of leatherboard, they never commented on the upper leather.

[@theofarmmanager267]

@@olatusijazz8155 I didn’t realise that Loakes had done that. I had presumed that they were still being made in Northamptonshire. It is a great shame that a brand, which takes decades to build, can be ruined so quickly by a short term decision to cut costs. Perhaps it was that or die? My personal hate on formal shoes is to see a pair badly needing repair or not clean. It does not take long to clean a pair and yet it seems to many an effort too much. Years ago, I moved to only Saphir products and it is actually a joy to go through the ritual of cleaning, waxing, brushing etc. but then again, I hate suits which are not properly pressed.

[@David_Bondy]

I have five (count ‘em) pairs of Church’s - now almost a grand a pair!

[@paulm2467]

Yes and lower quality, they’ve been bought by Prada, a fashion house, who seem to be turning them into a fashion brand. You can buy Cleverley, Crockett and Jones or JM Weston much cheaper and they are far superior, they are close to the prices of Edward Green, John Lobb (Paris not bespoke) or Gaziano and Girling which are all at a much, much higher level.

[@David_Bondy]

@@paulm2467- fortunately, mine all pre-date the takeover. Some I've had more than twenty years!

[@paulm2467]

@@David_Bondy me too, I've got a pair of their black Oxfords that I bought in the Eighties, they are still beautiful, I only wear them for the most formal engagements but it was probably the best £200 I've ever spent.

[@larry4789]

I've got Loake Bedale, Blenhiem, Gilbert and Rivington. They are by far the best footwear I've ever had. I've just put oiled leather wax on the Blenhiems for wearing late and they look beautiful. In comparison Barbour boots are awful.

[@jontalbot1]

My dad had a pair of Trickers for over 50 years

[@wasabiguy7576]

Hi Richard! Could you help with sizing? I’m looking for a pair of Tricker’s boots. I normally wear EU 44.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Get another brand. I bought a pair and the right shoe squeaked. The factory told me it was moisture and it would go away as a broke them in. It didn’t and they said well we can’t do anything for you because you have worn them outside.

[@AonAon-ip2lr]

Cost of shipping

[@theshoemandoncaster]

please emal me [e-mail]

[@John-g1v8s]

Handmade quality, great video

[@freqeist]

..because they`re better, my Trickers are superb and i have just bought a pair for my son for Christmas.

[@brandonrogers4415]

Which loake model is that?

[@antaresatlantis6785]

chester

[@marcusharmon8389]

Crown Northampton awesome company

[@bennytvyt]

cant go wrong with Loake

[@Jenglotto]

Hi Richard. Great video! Was wondering about the trickers bourton sizing. The website suggests sizing down by half due to the roomy last. Do you find that to be true when you wear them? I usually wear UK 7 in most leather dress shoes

[@theshoemandoncaster]

Hi Adam, yes Sir I find most including myself size down half into the 4444 Last of Tricker's Bourton. Consider your usual UK 7, drop to 6 1/2 in the Bourton. Anything I may be able to help you with perhaps ?

[@Jenglotto]

@@theshoemandoncaster Thanks for the advice Richard. You helped a ton! I'll save up for a pair of trickers in size 6.5 then. Not too many videos on Trickers here on youtube. Hope to see more videos from you soon.

[@theshoemandoncaster]

@@Jenglotto More than welcome Adam. Should you be looking to purchase a pair from The Shoe Room, it will be a sincere pleasure to serve you Sir :-)

[@robfulano2552]

I do not know about the bourton but my two pair of Tricker’s are the same size as my other English shoes.

[@John-g1v8s]

@@robfulano2552 different lasts apparently

[@charlesgraham9954]

what chaps my hide is, if u are getting an all leather shoe or boot, it damn sure is worth 5 to 8 bucks depending. i mean if u can't even spend less than a weeks pay on boots, bruh?? smh?? lol

[@user-in1yw9ty5t]

Because it. Hurts your toes😎👍🏻

[@sydneymathuka4228]

Were traditional healer

[@theshoemandoncaster]

sorry Sir ?

[@петрмир-я7и]

Гарне взуття !

[@jolicska]

church's is the best quality,style. I got two paires (oxford,derby).

[@Lagerfanny-g7e]

I have 3 pairs of Trickers, and 7 pairs of Joseph Cheaneys.

[@martindoyle7077]

Sole not natural

[@janedubourg4837]

Where do you think rubber comes from?

[@Mercurio2012]

Why are the English shoes are expensive? One of the main reasons is that you have to pay labor wages in sterling pounds instead of euros, as the Spanish-made shoes, which are as good in construction or leather quality at a more affordable price range.

[@Gnarlysquirl]

Website says made overseas!!! Sell out or still good quality? Mr sponsored video maker

[@theshoemandoncaster]

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 !

[@byN91]

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

[@markfletcher4984]

@@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 ......

[@byN91]

@@markfletcher4984 thanks for the input mark.

[@1951timbo]

East because they are made better.

[@muzamalgujjar0013]

El

[@حسنینضامنعلیچنگیزی]

Xxx❤❤❤

[@reyazahmed767]

Hi greetings my friend how are you i hope you are also fine my Allaha protect you with your all family ameen i request to you dear friend i am vere poor Parsons I can't get this leather shoes but it's my dream maybe I can wear what you can give me this one i hope you respect me and understand my feelings