Our Story

Loake penny loafer on the factory floor – handcrafted in England

Est. 1880 · Northamptonshire, England

A Heritage to Be Proud Of

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.

Goodyear welt construction close-up – Loake craftsmanship

The Goodyear Welt

Loake is most famous for its Goodyear Welted footwear — an intricate construction with origins traceable 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.

Loake brogue being polished – craft and care

Craft & Innovation

While remaining 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.

By Appointment
Awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment
to the King — 2025