Collection: Loake

Loake is one of England's last remaining Goodyear-welted shoemakers, founded in 1880 in Kettering, Northamptonshire — the historical heart of British shoemaking. Five generations of the Loake family have led the company; today the brand operates from the original red-brick factory, employing over 300 craftspeople who hand-make each pair using techniques substantially unchanged for over a century.

Goodyear welting is the construction at the heart of every Loake shoe. The upper, the welt (a strip of leather running around the perimeter of the sole), and the outsole are stitched together rather than glued. This means the sole can be replaced — typically two or three times — without affecting the rest of the shoe. With proper care, a Loake shoe can outlast its owner.

The range covers classic English business shoes (the Aldwych Oxford and the Brogue Caledonia are bestsellers), country brogues, Chelsea boots, monk straps, derby shoes and the more casual 1880 Country range. Materials span calf leather, suede, hatch grain and exotic finishes. Every pair is crafted from leathers supplied by some of Europe's finest tanneries.

Loake sizing uses UK standards and runs true to size for most styles. The brand offers multiple width fittings on many shoes (F, G or wider G fitting on country styles) — check the product description. New Loake shoes do require a short breaking-in period (typically 5-10 wears) as the leather soles soften and mould to your foot shape.

Care: this is where Loake repays the investment. Brush off dust regularly. Polish with quality cream polish every few wears (Saphir, Kiwi or similar). Use shoe trees when not wearing to maintain shape. Have soles replaced by Loake's own factory (a service called 'Loake Direct') or by a good cobbler when needed. A properly-cared-for Loake can be worn for 20+ years.

Cordners has been Northern Ireland's footwear specialist since 1937. Family-owned across three generations, we've built our reputation on three things: choosing the brands customers can trust, fitting shoes properly using trained staff and free in-store measuring, and standing behind every pair we sell. Our stores across Northern Ireland stock the widest range of footwear in the region, and our online store brings that same expertise to anyone in the UK and Ireland.

Every pair is sourced directly from the brand or its authorised UK distributor — what you order is 100% genuine and comes with the manufacturer's full warranty. Free 30-day returns means you can try at home with zero risk. If the size or style isn't right, send them back at our expense. Free standard UK delivery on orders over £75, with next-day delivery available on orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday. Click-and-collect from any Cordners store across Northern Ireland is free of charge, with stock typically ready within one working day. Need sizing advice? Visit any Cordners store for a free fitting from our trained team, or chat to us online during business hours.