Loake

The company is renowned for its 1880 Classic collection, which features traditional styles including Oxfords, Derby shoes, Chelsea boots, and loafers crafted from high-quality calf leathers. Loake produces approximately 4,000 pairs of shoes weekly at its Northamptonshire facility, with each Goodyear welted pair taking up to eight weeks to complete. Since beginning operations, the company estimates having manufactured more than 50 million pairs of shoes.

Loake was established in 1880 by three brothers: William, John, and Thomas Loake. The business initially operated from an outbuilding at Thomas Loake's house at 62 King Street in Kettering, Northamptonshire. In 1894, the company relocated to Wood Street, Kettering, where it continues operations today in what was originally called the Unique Boot Factory.

The company has maintained family ownership throughout its history, spanning five generations over more than 140 years. This continuity has allowed Loake to preserve traditional shoemaking methods while adapting to modern manufacturing requirements. The Wood Street factory, with its floor area of approximately 20,000 square feet, was considered one of the finest and most advanced shoe factories in the country when established.

Loake's manufacturing process centers on Goodyear welted construction, a method with origins tracing back over 300 years. The company continues to employ traditional techniques, with each pair of Goodyear welted shoes requiring up to eight weeks to complete. The manufacturing process involves approximately 130 skilled craftsmen, up to 75 shoe parts, and over 200 different operations.

The Kettering factory accommodates more than 300 workers and produces around 4,000 pairs of shoes per week. The facility features a large elongated room where the making and finishing of shoes takes place, complemented by smaller sections for cutting soles, assembling heels, and preparing uppers. Currently, 135 people work on the factory floor, maintaining the traditional methods of cutting and forming leather uppers onto lasts.

All Goodyear welted shoes are designed to be fully repairable by the craftsmen who made them, extending their lifespan significantly. This construction method provides enhanced comfort, shape retention, and durability compared to other manufacturing approaches.

Loake manufactures shoes across multiple collections, with production divided between its Kettering, England facility and a factory in India. The England-made ranges command premium pricing for their traditional craftsmanship and superior materials.

Loake received its first Royal Warrant in 2007, granted by Queen Elizabeth II as recognition for manufacturing men's footwear. The Royal Warrant of Appointment serves as a mark of recognition for companies that regularly supply goods or services to the Royal Household.

In 2025, Loake was granted an additional Royal Warrant by King Charles III as Manufacturer of Men's Footwear, continuing the company's royal recognition under the new monarch. These appointments acknowledge Loake's consistent quality and service to the Royal Family over many years.