Loake

Overview

Loake Brothers Ltd is a family-owned British shoemaker specializing in men's Goodyear-welted shoes, operating from its original factory in Kettering, Northamptonshire.²³ The company manufactures, wholesales, and retails footwear, maintaining traditional construction methods while outsourcing upper stitching to India.¹² It holds a Royal Warrant since 2007 and operates multiple retail stores in the UK and Ireland.²³

History

Loake was founded in 1880 by brothers John, Thomas, and William Loake in an outbuilding at Thomas's house in Kettering, Northamptonshire.²³ In 1894, they built the Unique Boot Factory on Wood Street, still in use today, which at the time housed over 300 workers.²³ During World War II, it produced boots for the Royal Navy and Air Force at a peak of 2,500 pairs per week.² In 1997, upper stitching moved to a joint venture factory near Chennai, India, due to market conditions.²⁴ The company opened its first standalone store on Jermyn Street in 2011 and a flagship there in 2022, while acquiring a warehouse in 2007.³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Shoes are made in the company's factory in Kettering, Northamptonshire, using Goodyear welted construction with over 200 processes.²³ Upper stitching (closures) is outsourced to a joint venture factory near Chennai, India, since 1997, while bottoming and finishing occur in the UK.²⁴ The 20,000 sq ft factory includes making room, bottom stock, and warehouse areas.²

Notable Products

• Pimlico 188 - Brogue Oxford in the contemporary collection, Goodyear welted.
• Aldwych - Classic cap-toe Oxford in 1880 range, handcrafted in Kettering.
• Chelsea Boot - Pull-on ankle boot with elastic gusset, welted construction.
• Grafton - Country walking shoe with rubber sole for rural use.
• Jermyn - Derby shoe named after flagship store location, traditional build.

Reputation

Loake is regarded by enthusiasts for its durable, comfortable Goodyear-welted shoes and Northamptonshire heritage, appealing to those valuing traditional craftsmanship.²⁵ Professionals note its value in the mid-to-upper market compared to bespoke options.² Criticisms include partial outsourcing to India, though UK finishing maintains quality perception.²⁴ It earns positive ethical ratings for its size on environment and sustainability policies.⁴