Loake

The Reddit community consistently recommends Loake as a strong entry point into quality, long-lasting British footwear, particularly praising their Goodyear welt construction and resole-ability. They are frequently cited alongside other Northampton makers like Tricker's, Cheaney, and Crockett & Jones as a more accessible price point within that tier. A notable caveat has emerged around Loake's manufacturing: a portion of their range is now made in India, and the 1880 line is specifically flagged as the range to buy for genuine quality.

Loake's 1880 and Made in England Goodyear welted lines are genuinely BIFL-quality footwear with strong community support and multi-decade longevity, but buyers must actively avoid the brand's India-made and cemented-sole lines, which do not meet the same standard.

Community members repeatedly praise Loake for durability, comfort, repairability, and value relative to other British heritage shoemakers. Multiple owners report pairs lasting 10–15 years with proper care.

• Goodyear welt construction allows full resoling by any cobbler
• Multiple owners report 10–15 years of use from a single pair
• Factory repair and refurbishment service available
• Well-regarded in-store shopping experience across UK locations
• Strong value compared to pricier Northampton peers like Crockett & Jones
• Leather molds to the foot over time, becoming very comfortable

The main concern raised is that Loake's lower-priced lines are now manufactured in India, with at least one user reporting a noticeable drop in quality including non-leather heel stacks. Buyers are advised to specifically seek the 1880 or Made in England lines.

• Much of the range is now made in India, not England
• Quality inconsistency between India-made and UK-made lines
• One user reported rapid heel wear and cardboard-like heel stacks on recent pairs
• Not all Loake shoes are Goodyear welted — some are cemented
• Higher price point than mass-market alternatives may deter casual buyers

One long-term owner noted their dress shoes from Loake had reached 12 years of use and remained as comfortable as ever, reflecting on how much more sustainable leather shoes proved compared to synthetic alternatives.

A commenter with Loake Bedale boots bought four years ago described them as comfortable as slippers after regular polishing, and noted the Goodyear welt means they can be resoled for many more years to come.

One user warned that Loake has moved significant manufacturing to India and that a noticeable quality drop followed, specifically citing poor heel construction on recent pairs — recommending buyers look elsewhere or stick strictly to the Made in England lines.

A commenter summarized Loake's position well: any Goodyear welted shoe is a BIFL candidate, but you have to check the fine print with Loake now, since not all their shoes carry that construction or that origin.