Show us your new shoes (Vol 2)
Discussion
So said:
The shoes were so described because the style had a slightly sleazy image back in the day. I think you and I are perfectly okay to wear them, given our status and respectability.
Sounds like they were made specifically for GB2. 
Lord Marylebone said:
Anyone find Loake shoes impossible to break in and quite uncomfortable?
I had one pair (Loake Shoemakers range, dainite sole) which was a bugger to break in. Really cut up my heels, had to wear two pairs of socks to prevent it digging in. Took a good number of months and then one day, seemingly overnight was perfect. It's now probably the most comfortable of all my formal shoes.CharlesdeGaulle said:
I've always struggled with Loakes too (and Barkers come to that) for fit and comfort. It may be a last-thing, but I avoid them now.
Not had a problem with Barker tbh.Just had a look on the New & Lingwood site and noticed they do opera capes, at last! I’ve spent ages looking for one, always felt a little deshabille without one. Here’s a link so you can get yours too! opera cape
Blown2CV said:
So said:
Lord Marylebone said:
Anyone find Loake shoes impossible to break in and quite uncomfortable?
I bought a pair of these: https://www.loake.co.uk/product/drake-tan/
To try to break them in without crippling myself, I have worn them one day a week (at work) for about 10 weeks now, maybe a bit longer.
But let’s say 10 days wear in total.
They still feel as hard and stiff as a pair of wooden clogs... the crease forming across the toe are from walking is as hard as concrete (and crimping my toes) and the back of the shoe is like a piece of solid wood rubbing against the back of my ankle.
I’ve had countless pairs of ‘good’ shoes over the years, but these are my first Loake shoes.
No other pair has been as uncomfortable as these, and nothing else has taken this long to break in.
I know it’ll just be a case of carry on with it, but wondered if anyone else found this issue?
Yes I found this when I bought Loake shoes. My father always used to wear Loakes and told me about 40 years ago that he used to find them stiff.I bought a pair of these: https://www.loake.co.uk/product/drake-tan/
To try to break them in without crippling myself, I have worn them one day a week (at work) for about 10 weeks now, maybe a bit longer.
But let’s say 10 days wear in total.
They still feel as hard and stiff as a pair of wooden clogs... the crease forming across the toe are from walking is as hard as concrete (and crimping my toes) and the back of the shoe is like a piece of solid wood rubbing against the back of my ankle.
I’ve had countless pairs of ‘good’ shoes over the years, but these are my first Loake shoes.
No other pair has been as uncomfortable as these, and nothing else has taken this long to break in.
I know it’ll just be a case of carry on with it, but wondered if anyone else found this issue?
I found that they were uncomfortable and as soon as they broke in they split.
Maybe my feet are just toughened by years of Barkers
Fatlad1973 said:
Blown2CV said:
So said:
Lord Marylebone said:
Anyone find Loake shoes impossible to break in and quite uncomfortable?
I bought a pair of these: https://www.loake.co.uk/product/drake-tan/
To try to break them in without crippling myself, I have worn them one day a week (at work) for about 10 weeks now, maybe a bit longer.
But let’s say 10 days wear in total.
They still feel as hard and stiff as a pair of wooden clogs... the crease forming across the toe are from walking is as hard as concrete (and crimping my toes) and the back of the shoe is like a piece of solid wood rubbing against the back of my ankle.
I’ve had countless pairs of ‘good’ shoes over the years, but these are my first Loake shoes.
No other pair has been as uncomfortable as these, and nothing else has taken this long to break in.
I know it’ll just be a case of carry on with it, but wondered if anyone else found this issue?
Yes I found this when I bought Loake shoes. My father always used to wear Loakes and told me about 40 years ago that he used to find them stiff.I bought a pair of these: https://www.loake.co.uk/product/drake-tan/
To try to break them in without crippling myself, I have worn them one day a week (at work) for about 10 weeks now, maybe a bit longer.
But let’s say 10 days wear in total.
They still feel as hard and stiff as a pair of wooden clogs... the crease forming across the toe are from walking is as hard as concrete (and crimping my toes) and the back of the shoe is like a piece of solid wood rubbing against the back of my ankle.
I’ve had countless pairs of ‘good’ shoes over the years, but these are my first Loake shoes.
No other pair has been as uncomfortable as these, and nothing else has taken this long to break in.
I know it’ll just be a case of carry on with it, but wondered if anyone else found this issue?
I found that they were uncomfortable and as soon as they broke in they split.
Maybe my feet are just toughened by years of Barkers
Fishlegs said:
The "Made in India" Loakes are much harder to break in than the "Made in England" Loakes. I have had plenty pairs of both, and this seems to have held true over time.
mine were made in india too... i.e. the 'design' ones.... i.e. the cheaper ones they were fine for me. Probably it is down to a combination of the last and the shape of the individual's footSo said:
Now these are going to divide opinion: I like them, none of you will.
That said, this pair are not of the quality I would prefer and if their replacements are no better my hunt for a good spectator continues.
The size 10 arrived today and, as feared. they fit where they touch. So my dreams of becoming a 1920s American cad will have to go on hold.That said, this pair are not of the quality I would prefer and if their replacements are no better my hunt for a good spectator continues.
Fatlad1973 said:
I may be a lone voice, but my Loakes took virtually no breaking in and after two months of wear and plenty of Saphir polish the leather seems reasonably supple. It's not great quality leather but at £185 it was never going to be. My Barkers started a little tighter than the Loakes and the leather seems thicker and firmer. It took maybe four weeks for them to be reasonably comfy for the c3 miles per day I walk in them. I think in a few more months they will be nicely worn in.
Maybe my feet are just toughened by years of Barkers
I have a good few pairs of Loakes and have found them comfortable almost instantly, mainly from the 1881 range but likely some others.Maybe my feet are just toughened by years of Barkers
So said:
So said:
The size 10 arrived today and, as feared. they fit where they touch. So my dreams of becoming a 1920s American cad will have to go on hold.Fosters are another option, but I should imagine they will be even pricier than C&J made to order.
All assuming any of them offer that style on a last that suits your feet.
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