The Loake family has been producing fine, handmade men’s footwear for longer than anyone can remember.

The tradition began in 1880, when three brothers—Thomas, John and William—opened a factory in Northamptonshire, in the heart of the English shoemaking industry. The aim was to provide the most handsome, comfortable and durable gentlemen’s shoes possible.

Today, more than 140 years and five generations later, Loake is still family-owned and operating in the same town in Northamptonshire. Their 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. An estimated 50 million pairs have been produced using this method.

Their premium Goodyear Welted shoes continue to be made in England and take around 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.

While they remain passionate about the quality that only time-honoured skills and a family heritage can achieve, Loake also embraces a modern, progressive design culture that elevates both fashion and comfort.

Loake offers an extensive variety of footwear, including new constructions and a choice of both classic and contemporary designs. They place special emphasis on fit and have developed unique comfort technology to enhance the Goodyear Welt experience.

Their modern outlook includes notable collaborations, such as the remake of an iconic shoe for international sports brand Puma and, more recently, Barbour.

Loake was awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the King in 2025.