BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
Loake Shoemakers has been creating top-notch men’s shoes since 1880. With over a century of experience, they are well-known for their commitment to high quality, handcrafted excellence. This family-owned British brand has been passed down through five generations, with Andrew Loake currently serving as Managing Director. Their focus on traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques sets them apart in the shoe industry.
The company’s rich history is evident in every pair of shoes they produce. From their factory in Kettering, England, Loake Shoemakers offers a wide range of styles, including classic Oxfords and stylish boots. Each pair is carefully crafted, reflecting their dedication to quality and durability. Skilled craftsmen and women work meticulously on each shoe, ensuring that every stitch meets their exacting standards.
Loake’s 1880 line, for example, is a tribute to their long-standing tradition of excellence. Named after the year the company was founded, this line features some of their best dress shoes, known for their sophisticated designs and durable construction. The shoes in this collection, including the Buckingham Oxford, are made using Goodyear-welted soles, which are renowned for their longevity and comfort.
In addition to their classic styles, Loake Shoemakers also offers a range of modern designs to suit various tastes and budgets. Their 1880 Classic Collection features their higher quality new shoes, priced at over $500. In contrast, the Professional and Design Collections offer good value at a lower price point, around $350. They provide a good selection of shoes with both leather and rubber soles, catering to different preferences and needs. Their variety of last shapes ensures that there is a fit for every foot type, making their shoes both stylish and comfortable.
Andrew Loake – Managing Director
Andrew Loake continues to write insightful articles on the company’s website, sharing valuable information about their products and the art of shoemaking. This personal touch helps customers feel connected to the brand and confident in their purchases.
Oxford shoes are a staple in men’s fashion, known for their sleek and formal look. The key feature of an Oxford shoe is its closed lacing system, where the shoelace eyelets are stitched underneath the vamp. This design gives the shoe a clean, polished appearance, making it a top choice for formal occasions and professional settings.
The Buckingham Oxford from Loake Shoemakers is a prime example of this classic style. Part of Loake’s 1880 Classic Line, this shoe is built with Goodyear-welted leather soles. “Goodyear-welted” is a construction method that makes shoes more durable and comfortable, allowing for easy resoling and extending the shoe’s lifespan. This feature is especially valuable for those who invest in high-quality footwear and are looking for long-lasting wear.
Oxford vs. Derby Shoes
The Buckingham is not just about durability; it’s also about style and elegance. The shoe’s design features a refined silhouette that pairs well with suits, dress pants, and even more casual attire, such as chinos. The polished finish of the leather adds a touch of sophistication, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Another aspect that sets the Buckingham apart is its fit. Built on Loake’s Capital Last in the F fitting, this Oxford shoe is designed for standard-width feet. This ensures a snug yet comfortable fit, important for maintaining both comfort and appearance throughout the day. The quality of the materials and the craftsmanship involved in making these shoes are immediately apparent, offering a level of comfort that becomes more pronounced with wear.
Loake Shoemakers offers a good selection of Oxford shoes, each reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With options that cater to various styles and preferences, Loake’s collection ensures that there is an Oxford shoe for every man. Whether you’re new to the brand or a long-time fan, the Buckingham Oxford represents the best of what Loake Shoemakers has to offer in men’s footwear.
Brogue detailing is what makes the Buckingham stand out from a typical Oxford shoe. Brogue shoes have decorative perforations that were initially designed to help water drain out of shoes in wet conditions. Today, these perforations are purely decorative but add a lot of character to the shoe.
Fine Detailed Brogue Design
The Buckingham features intricate brogue patterns along the edges and on the toe. The medallion design on the toe cap is especially striking, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship for which Loake Shoemakers is known. Each perforation is precisely placed, adding to the shoe’s overall elegance.
Another notable feature of the Buckingham Brogue is its rich brown color with a hint of cognac. This color not only makes the shoe versatile but also adds a touch of warmth to your outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or going for a smart-casual look, the Buckingham adapts effortlessly.
The Goodyear-welted leather sole is another standout aspect. This type of construction makes the shoe more durable and comfortable, allowing for easy resoling when needed. It’s a hallmark of quality that speaks to the shoe’s longevity.
Built on Loake’s Capital Last in the F fitting, the Buckingham ensures a snug fit for standard-width feet. This means the shoe provides excellent support while maintaining a sleek profile. The shoe’s interior is lined with leather, adding to its comfort and breathability.
Goodyear Welted with “Wheeling” design
What sets the Buckingham apart is the meticulous attention to detail. With a Stitches Per Inch (SPI) of 14, you can see the precision and care that went into making each pair. This high SPI count is a sign of superior craftsmanship, ensuring that the shoe is not only stylish but also built to last.
In short, the Buckingham Brogue from Loake Shoemakers is a perfect blend of classic design and modern craftsmanship. Its brogue detailing, rich color, and quality construction make it a standout choice for any wardrobe.
Purchasing my first pair of Loakes, the Buckingham Brogue Dress Shoe, was straightforward. The website made ordering easy, and the shoes were priced at $530. When they arrived, I was immediately struck by their beautiful design and excellent fit.
I wear a UK 9.5, and the Buckinghams fit true to size. Built on Loake’s Capital Last in the F fitting, these shoes are designed for standard-width feet. This meant they were comfortable from the first wear, providing a snug yet pleasant fit. The brown color I chose has a hint of cognac, making them versatile for various outfits. When you buy a pair of Loake shoes from their website, use their detailed Last Guide to ensure the most appropriate fitting.
Versatile for Business Travel
What stood out to me was the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship. The full leather sole felt smooth and sturdy underfoot, and the intricate brogue detailing added a touch of elegance. The medallion design on the toe was flawless, showcasing the shoemakers’ skill.
The break-in period was relatively short. After about five full days of wear, the shoes became even more comfortable, molding nicely to my feet. The Goodyear-welted soles provided excellent support and durability, which is a testament to the Loake brand’s commitment to quality.
In addition to their looks and comfort, I appreciated the articles available on Loake’s website, written by Andrew Loake, the Managing Director. These insights into the shoemaking process added a personal touch to my experience.
Overall, my first pair of Loakes has lived up to expectations. The Buckingham Brogue is not only a stylish addition to my wardrobe but also a comfortable and well-crafted shoe. This experience has already led me to purchase a second pair, the Imperial Loafers in Black Leather.
One of the best features of the Buckingham Brogue is the variety of shoe styles and sole options offered by Loake Shoemakers. They cater to different preferences by providing both leather and rubber soles, making it easy to find the perfect pair for any occasion. The craftsmanship in the Buckingham Brogue is outstanding, particularly noticeable in the Stitches Per Inch (SPI), which stands at 14. This high SPI count is a clear indicator of the shoe’s quality and durability.
14 SPI = Luxury Quality
The full leather sole of the Buckingham Brogue is another highlight. It’s smooth and well-crafted, adding to the shoe’s comfort and aesthetic appeal. The rich brown color, with a hint of cognac, is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of outfits. This makes the shoe not only stylish but also highly functional for various settings, from formal events to smart-casual gatherings.
Additionally, the Buckingham Brogue has a relatively short break-in period. After about five full days of wear, the shoes become incredibly comfortable, molding nicely to the feet. This quick adjustment period is a testament to the quality materials and construction methods used by Loake Shoemakers.
Another advantage is the meticulous brogue detailing on the shoe. The intricate patterns and medallion design on the toe showcase the skill and precision of Loake’s craftsmen. Each perforation is perfectly placed, adding a touch of elegance and character to the shoe.
Traveling with Buckinghams from Loake
In essence, the Buckingham Brogue offers a blend of classic style and modern comfort. The attention to detail, from the leather sole to the brogue patterns, makes this shoe a standout choice for anyone looking to invest in high-quality, stylish footwear.
Loake makes some of the best men’s dress shoes available, and the Buckingham Brogue is already one of my favorites. However, the price could be a downside. At nearly $550, it’s a bit steep, especially when compared to other brands like Carlos Santos, which cost about $440. For this price, you might expect features like closed channel stitching on the leather sole, typically found in even more premium shoes. If these are too expensive for your budget, check out my Beckett Simonon Review. These are fantastic dress shoes, hand-made in small batches, and they cost around $180.
Another issue is that while the high-quality materials and craftsmanship justify the cost to some extent, the price might still be a stretch for budget-conscious shoppers. Even though Loake offers excellent value for the quality, the cost is still around $80-$100 higher than that of some competitors, such as Allen Edmonds and TLB Mallorca. But it could be worse. With similar features and construction, you have to pay over $800 for a comparable dress shoe from Loake’s famous English competitor, Crockett and Jones.
Overall, while the Buckingham Brogue offers impressive quality and style, the price point could be a barrier for some potential buyers.
The Loake Shoemakers Buckingham Brogue Oxford Shoe truly stands out in the men’s footwear market. Its elegant design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a favorite for those who appreciate fine shoes. The Goodyear-welted construction adds to its durability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for long-term wear.
Cognac Hue In Sunlight
One of the shoe’s best features is its versatility. The rich brown color with a hint of cognac pairs well with various outfits, whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or going for a smart-casual look. The intricate brogue detailing adds a touch of sophistication, making it more than just a regular Oxford shoe.
Comfort is another strong point. The shoe fits true to size and becomes more comfortable after a short break-in period of about five days. The leather lining adds to the comfort, ensuring that your feet stay comfortable throughout the day.
In terms of quality, the craftsmanship is evident in every detail. From the precise stitching to the well-placed brogue patterns, Loake makes great shoes. With a Stitches Per Inch (SPI) of 14, the Buckingham Brogue showcases the skill and dedication of Loake’s craftsmen. This attention to detail ensures that the shoe not only looks good but also stands the test of time.
However, the price can be a downside for some. At nearly $550, the Buckingham Brogue is an investment. While the quality and craftsmanship justify the cost, it might still be a stretch for those on a budget. Compared to other brands like Crockett and Jones, which start at over $800, Loake offers great value. Yet, the price is still higher than some competitors like Allen Edmonds.
In summary, the Buckingham Brogue Oxford Shoe from Loake Shoemakers is a high-quality, stylish, and versatile option for those looking to invest in good footwear. The attention to detail, comfort, and durability make it a standout choice. The price point is a consideration, but the overall value and craftsmanship make it worth the investment.
With these qualities, the Buckingham Brogue earns a solid 4/5-star rating. I now own two pairs of shoes from Loak Shoemakers. After completing this review, I purchased another new pair of good looking shoes from Loake – the Imperial Loafers from their Professional collection, in black leather. They cost around $350. The Professional line boasts uncomplicated designs of classic dress shoes. It has the best dress shoes for everyday work or business, at a significant savings compared to the 1880 Classics. If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that combines classic style with modern comfort, this is a great option to consider. The Loake brand continues to uphold its reputation for producing some of the best men’s shoes available today.
