90% matchCrockett & Jones
Northampton Goodyear welting, sharper last shapes
What changes: Higher price and finer finishing throughout
Brand profile
Loake
Loake is a family-owned English shoemaker in Kettering, known for Goodyear-welted brogues, Oxfords, Derbys and boots since 1880.
KetteringOrigin
UnisexFocus
Quiet luxuryStyle
$$$Price
4 brands like Loake like Crockett & Jones, Church's, Trickers →
What to know about Loake
Two tiers under one name
The premium 1880 range is made at the Kettering factory; the more affordable Shoemakers lines use the same patterns but are produced overseas, so check the line before buying.
Goodyear welting means resoleable
Every shoe is Goodyear-welted, so worn soles can be replaced rather than ending the shoe's life — the reason the price sits above high-street footwear.
Traditional shapes, no seasonal churn
The range stays with Oxfords, Derbys, brogues, loafers, monk straps and Chelsea boots in calf and suede, rather than chasing fashion releases.
How Loake fits
Overall fit
slightly large
Loake shoes are widely reported to run slightly large and a touch narrow on several lasts, so many buyers take a half size down from their usual measured size.
Tip: Consider going half a size down from your Brannock/measured size, especially on the 024 and similar lasts.
High confidence · based on 40 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | slightly large | regular to slightly narrow, standard F fitting | For Chelsea and derby boots go half a size down and account for thicker socks; leather softens after a short break-in. |
| Dress shoes | slightly large | regular width in standard F fitting; some lasts run narrow, G fitting available for wider feet | Try half a size down from your measured size and choose G fitting if you have wider feet; expect some break-in on stiff Goodyear-welted leather soles. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Loake
90% match
84% matchChurch's
Same English welted canon, glossier luxury framing
What changes: Prada-owned, pricier, more fashion-driven
82% matchTrickers
Country boots and brogues on heavier soles
What changes: Rugged country bias over city dress styles
78% matchGrenson
Chunkier commando-soled take on English brogues
What changes: More trend-led design, less traditional styling
Loake fit questions
Does Loake run big or small?
Loake fits slightly large. Consider going half a size down from your Brannock/measured size, especially on the 024 and similar lasts. Loake shoes are widely reported to run slightly large and a touch narrow on several lasts, so many buyers take a half size down from their usual measured size.
How does Loake fit?
Loake shoes are widely reported to run slightly large and a touch narrow on several lasts, so many buyers take a half size down from their usual measured size. Overall shape: medium width with some styles running narrow.
How do Loake boots fit?
Loake boots fits slightly large. For Chelsea and derby boots go half a size down and account for thicker socks; leather softens after a short break-in. Shape: regular to slightly narrow, standard F fitting.
How do Loake dress shoes fit?
Loake dress shoes fits slightly large. Try half a size down from your measured size and choose G fitting if you have wider feet; expect some break-in on stiff Goodyear-welted leather soles. Shape: regular width in standard F fitting; some lasts run narrow, G fitting available for wider feet.
Brand facts
Loake is a family-run English shoemaker based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, founded in 1880 by brothers Thomas, John and William Loake and still run by later generations of the family. It makes Goodyear-welted men's leather footwear: full and semi-brogues, Oxfords, Derbys, loafers, monk straps and Chelsea boots. The premium 1880 range is made at the Kettering factory, while more accessible Shoemakers lines are produced overseas to the same patterns. Styling stays traditional, with resoleable construction and classic calf and suede uppers rather than seasonal fashion output.
- Founded
- 1880
- Origin
- Kettering, United Kingdom
- Made in
- England, India
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Quiet luxury, Workwear / Heritage, Urban prep / Ivy