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Hi all,
I'm stuck between deciding on two different brogues from either the Loake 1880 range or a discounted pair from Barker's Anniversary International Handcrafted Collection. The Barkers cost a little bit more than the Loakes, however I want to know just how much of a step up in quality they are from the Loakes. Does anyone have any experience with these two shoe makes?
I have a couple of pairs of Barkers and they are good shoes that have lasted me well. That said, Loake are a good manufacturer too. Neither are quite the premiere league of shoe makers but both are proper traditional Northampton shoemakers offering a very good product.
I'd go for which ever you like the look of - and feel of on - the most.
At the risk of sounding like I'm being paid by Cheaney's, check out their sale shoes, which will be around £195. Look in the shops (if you're in London of course) as there is more choice than online.
If you're in London, I recommend to check out Discount Shoe Sales at Strutton Ground (near Victoria Station). They've got a lot of Loake's, and they're about £50 cheaper than anywhere else I've looked - a pair of the 1880 line will be about £140.
I bought a pair of Loake's Chester brogues there myself a couple of weeks ago, but it still being winter and wet, I've not had the chance to try them out for real yet.