FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Product information
The majority of shoes listed on our site are graded in UK sizes; a small number of styles within the Loake lifestyle range are graded using the continental scale.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Please explain the different Fitting Codes
2. Please explain the differences between Goodyear Welted Leather Soles, Rubber Soles etc...
3. Can I add a rubber sole to my leather shoes?
4. What are the different upper materials?
5. How can I look after my shoes?
6. What is a last?
1. Please explain the different Fitting Codes
English made Men’s shoes (and boots) are generally made in fittings E, F, G and H and these can be classified simplistically as follows:
E= Narrow |
(sometimes known as 5 fitting) |
Between fittings in the same size there is approximately 1/4" difference in girth measurement.
Fittings with an X suffix are half as wide again, FX for example is half way between F and G.
Although there is no absolute standard for fittings, there is a table of measurements and we believe our shoes are made as near as it is possible to get to that "standard" as they have been for over 130 years.
The bulk of our styles are made in F fitting, as statistics show that worldwide this is the most appropriate fitting for a majority of males, but we also offer a good selection of G fitting shoes.
2. Please explain the differences between Goodyear Welted Leather Soles, Rubber Soles etc...
Goodyear welted leather sole
Goodyear welted is the method of shoe construction that has made Northamptonshire's traditional shoemakers famous throughout the world. All of our UK made shoes feature Goodyear Welted soles. The stitched construction gives great comfort & excellent shape retention. Leather, being a natural material, allows the wearer's foot to breathe.
One of the best features of the Goodyear welted construction however is that the shoes are designed to be repairable. When they need repairing (preferably just before the soles actually wear through), a qualified shoe repairer will be able to re-sole the shoe and bring it back to life.
Welted Rubber soles
Loake also produce shoes with rubber soles, rubber soles tend to be harder wearing, and is more appropriate for damp conditions, giving better grip on slippery or uneven surfaces etc.
Leather Sole with a rubber insert
Some of our welted shoes feature a leather sole with a rubber insert. This type of sole provides the benefits of leather, with the added grip and wear properties of rubber.
Cemented Sole
Shoes of this type feature a sole which is bonded to the upper using adhesives, rather than stitching. Cemented shoes generally have a more lightweight appearance than their welted counterparts, and are not as robust.
Blake Sewn Construction
A method of shoe construction in which the upper is directly attached to sole. The upper is lasted to the insole and the sole is then attached by vertical chain or lock stitching.
Moccasin Construction
Moccasin construction provides a soft, lightweight and naturally flexible shoe. The upper of the shoe is wrapped around to also form the insole. The sole can be cemented or stitched to the upper. Moccasins are supremely comfortable, but by the very nature of their construction they have very little resistance to water and should not be worn in wet conditions, when stouter more robust footwear is appropriate.
3. Can I add a rubber sole to my leather shoes?
Although LIGHTWEIGHT stick-on-soles can be added to Goodyear welted shoes without detriment, (NEVER to either moccasins or cements), we cannot recommend doing so; because the balance of the shoes can be affected and lead to premature failure. We cannot accept responsibility for premature wear if modifications have been made to our product.
4. What are the different upper materials?
Calf or full grain leather has not been sanded or corrected to remove blemishes etc. it is a naturally soft and flexible material, and has excellent breathability. Properly looked after, this type of leather will develop an attractive patina with age.
Polished or 'corrected grain' leather has the natural leather finish corrected and a top coat added to provide the final highly polished appearance. This type of leather is more resistance to water and staining, but will not develop the same patina as with calf or full grain leather. It is also initially a stiffer material, and the shoes may require a short period of breaking in when new.
5. How can I look after my shoes?
Always use a shoe horn when putting on your shoes. This will keep the backs strong and sturdy.
Try to wear your shoes in dry conditions on the first few occasions, the fine grit picked up by dry leather soles assists water resistance.
Fine leather shoes can require a full day to dry out from natural perspiration. Try to give them at least twenty-four hours between wears. Try to avoid excessive wetting, should this occur always let the shoes dry out away from sources of direct heat. Newspaper can be used within the shoes to help draw out moisture.
Before polishing your shoes always wipe them over with a dry cloth to get rid of surface dirt.
Your shoes will benefit from a regular application of quality wax polish. This helps to moisturise the leather, keeping it supple and helping to prevent cracking.
6. What is a Last?
A shoe last is the approximation of the shape of a foot, which the upper of the shoe is drawn over during the manufacturing process. It is the last which gives the shoe its shape and fitting properties. Loake use many different last shapes and alternative width fittings to try and cater for the various needs of our customers.
The last number or name and its width fitting are shown within the product details for each shoe.