Expensive Shoes - so uncomfortable
Discussion
I bought a new pair of brogues, some 300 pound lighter.
I'm aware you need to ease them in so worn 15/20 mins on and off throughout the day then wore them to work. Crikey the pain and blisters they honestly feel too small.
Felt comfortable in the shop but had them on for 5 minutes, on a comfy carpet.
Anybody have any experience of similar shoes?
What are consumer rights if the shoes have been worn?
I have reached out to the company, they have acknowledged and hoping to hear back.
Many thanks
I'm aware you need to ease them in so worn 15/20 mins on and off throughout the day then wore them to work. Crikey the pain and blisters they honestly feel too small.
Felt comfortable in the shop but had them on for 5 minutes, on a comfy carpet.
Anybody have any experience of similar shoes?
What are consumer rights if the shoes have been worn?
I have reached out to the company, they have acknowledged and hoping to hear back.
Many thanks
Used to buy Loakes but found the quality and sizing has dropped away signficantly in recent years.
They are all cut in India now and run up in the UK so they can be sold as 'English'. You could try having them stretched depending on where they are nipping if the seller won't take them back?
I moved to Alfred Sergent but recently heard they have gone out of business. Trickers seem to be the only 'proper' English maker left now but they are mainly brogues and I prefer a plain shoe.
They are all cut in India now and run up in the UK so they can be sold as 'English'. You could try having them stretched depending on where they are nipping if the seller won't take them back?
I moved to Alfred Sergent but recently heard they have gone out of business. Trickers seem to be the only 'proper' English maker left now but they are mainly brogues and I prefer a plain shoe.
^^ Not entirely accurate.
They have separate, distinct ranges which vary in quality and price.
The India made shoes are still pretty good, those made elsewhere like Portugal a little better and the premium range still made in Northampton are very much better. Not top notch, but they're not top notch prices.
They have separate, distinct ranges which vary in quality and price.
The India made shoes are still pretty good, those made elsewhere like Portugal a little better and the premium range still made in Northampton are very much better. Not top notch, but they're not top notch prices.
LordGrover said:
^^ Not entirely accurate.
They have separate, distinct ranges which vary in quality and price.
The India made shoes are still pretty good, those made elsewhere like Portugal a little better and the premium range still made in Northampton are very much better. Not top notch, but they're not top notch prices.
As I understand it the leather panels for all Loakes products are cut in India, even those 'run up' in NorthamptonThey have separate, distinct ranges which vary in quality and price.
The India made shoes are still pretty good, those made elsewhere like Portugal a little better and the premium range still made in Northampton are very much better. Not top notch, but they're not top notch prices.
BREMBOV6 said:
What are consumer rights if the shoes have been worn?
Generally, unless they are faulty, you will not be able to return worn items. Depends on Loake's Ts & C's though.If they're just too small, you will have been expected to note that during the fitting process.
Edit - this from the Loake website
Loake Returns Policy said:
It is very important that items to be refunded on are returned to us in a saleable condition. They must be unworn and still in the original packaging with any labels, swing-tags, etc. still attached. We cannot accept items for return where there is wear visible – when trying footwear on, please do not crease the uppers or scratch the finish on the soles.
Not sure I agree with the "shoes don't change shape".
It totally depends on the leather and construction
I have a few pairs of "made in Northampton mens formal shoes".
If these are in a stiff leather, with a stiff lining and a stiff sole then they could take up to a month to break in. You'll need to wear them for about a day at a time. Give the leather a chance to warm up fully and crease and move as required. You can buy "leather stretch" spray which is good too and will speed up the process. If the last is the right shape and they're the right size then they will get considerably more comfy with time.
On the other hand I have a pair of double monks in an unlined calf with a tensile leather sole and they're incredibly supple. They're like a slipper (even from day one) and have stretched a fair bit and I've moved a buckle hole down and with a very slightly thicker sock. Due to the sole construction though they need resoling more frequently.
Id say don't give up.... Yet.
It totally depends on the leather and construction
I have a few pairs of "made in Northampton mens formal shoes".
If these are in a stiff leather, with a stiff lining and a stiff sole then they could take up to a month to break in. You'll need to wear them for about a day at a time. Give the leather a chance to warm up fully and crease and move as required. You can buy "leather stretch" spray which is good too and will speed up the process. If the last is the right shape and they're the right size then they will get considerably more comfy with time.
On the other hand I have a pair of double monks in an unlined calf with a tensile leather sole and they're incredibly supple. They're like a slipper (even from day one) and have stretched a fair bit and I've moved a buckle hole down and with a very slightly thicker sock. Due to the sole construction though they need resoling more frequently.
Id say don't give up.... Yet.
I have a number of loake shoes and boots.
The cheaper lifestyle stuff (Chelsea boots) are wide enough and comfortable enough for me day one. My G size 1880 range shoes and boots does take a few proper wears to bed in.
Same as my Burkes those took the best part of 20 hours of indoor wear to bed in - now very very comfy.
The cheaper lifestyle stuff (Chelsea boots) are wide enough and comfortable enough for me day one. My G size 1880 range shoes and boots does take a few proper wears to bed in.
Same as my Burkes those took the best part of 20 hours of indoor wear to bed in - now very very comfy.
Lotobear said:
LordGrover said:
^^ Not entirely accurate.
They have separate, distinct ranges which vary in quality and price.
The India made shoes are still pretty good, those made elsewhere like Portugal a little better and the premium range still made in Northampton are very much better. Not top notch, but they're not top notch prices.
As I understand it the leather panels for all Loakes products are cut in India, even those 'run up' in NorthamptonThey have separate, distinct ranges which vary in quality and price.
The India made shoes are still pretty good, those made elsewhere like Portugal a little better and the premium range still made in Northampton are very much better. Not top notch, but they're not top notch prices.
I was a huge fan of Loake many years back when buying plain black Oxford cap-toe for work. They stopped making the particular model and my dress style moved on as well so...
I tried a couple of pairs of their lower end shoes (allegedly made in India) when looking for a particular style but ended up with a pair of 1880s. Night and day comfort wise.
Off the top of my head; Northampton shoe makers with factories in town or in the county; Churches, Crocket & Jones, Barker, Trickers, Joseph Cheaney (Desborough), Gaziano & Girling (Kettering).
DannyScene said:
If they feel too small they're probably too small?
Sadly OP, this is likely the case.If you can't put them on comfortably with two thin pairs of socks or a thin insole (regardless of being able to tie the laces) they are likely too small.
It also helps not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. A number of reasons and explanations available but in your case, wearing them every day will only exacerbate the rubbing on any pinch points.
In any case, leather shoes should rest, ideally in shoe trees, for at least 24 hours between wearings.
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