Loake Shoes
Mens Loake Shoes
Mens Loake Boots
In 1880, a tradition is born. Loake is set up in Kettering, Northamptonshire by three brothers - Thomas, John and William - in the heart of the English shoemaking industry. The aim was to provide the most handsome, comfortable and durable gentlemen's shoes possible.
In 1883 a rapid expansion leads Loake to buy a small factory at the back of Newland Street in Kettering.
During the year of 1887, Loake soon outgrows the premises in Newland Street and moves into a newly built factory in Wellington Street. However, with the installation of the new machinery, output increases and the business grows rapidly. To accommodate the growth, a new factory is built in Wood Street.
Loake moves to Wood Street, where it can still be found today. In the early days, the factory was recognised as the Unique Boot Factory. With a floor area of approximately 20,000 sq ft, accommodating over 300 workers, it was and still is, considered one of the finest and most advanced shoe factories in the country.
Today, more than 125 years and five generations later, Loake is still family owned and operating in the same town in Northamptonshire. Loake shoes have become a favourite with discerning customers worldwide and are exported to over 30 countries.
Loake is most famous for its Goodyear Welted footwear, an intricate construction with origins that can be traced back over 300 years. On estimate it is believed that Loake have manufactured over 50 million pairs.
Loake's premium Goodyear Welted shoes continue to be made in England and take eight weeks to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 75 shoe parts and approximately 200 different operations are involved. Only the very highest quality materials are used.