The Loake Bedale is a premium brogue derby boot manufactured by Loake as part of their 1880 Country Collection. Built on the Pennine last with a generous G fitting, the Bedale combines traditional English craftsmanship with weather-resistant features designed for autumn and winter conditions. The boot features Goodyear welted construction with a Victory rubber sole, storm welt, and bellowed tongue to prevent water penetration.
Handmade at Loake's Northamptonshire factory in Kettering, England, each pair takes approximately eight weeks to produce using traditional techniques. The Bedale showcases intricate brogue punched detailing across its wing cap design and is available in five calf leather options: tan, dark brown, burgundy, black, and oxblood grain. Special editions utilize Horween Chromexcel leather from the United States.
The Bedale employs Goodyear welted construction, a traditional method that creates a durable and resolable boot. The construction process involves stitching a leather welt to both the upper and insole, then attaching a Victory rubber sole to the welt. This method allows the sole to be replaced multiple times throughout the boot's lifespan, extending its durability significantly beyond cemented construction methods.
A storm welt provides additional weather resistance by creating a raised barrier between the upper and sole. The bellowed tongue features gussets on both sides that connect to the boot's quarters, preventing water from penetrating through the lacing area during wet conditions. All Bedale boots include full leather lining and leather insoles, contributing to breathability and comfort during extended wear.
The Bedale features a wing cap brogue design with detailed punching across the toe cap, quarters, and along the seams. The decorative perforations follow traditional brogue patterns, with wingtip detailing extending from the toe toward the heel in characteristic curves. A pull-tab at the heel counter facilitates putting on and removing the boots.
The boot's derby construction places the facings under the vamp, allowing the lacing to open widely for accommodation of higher insteps and thicker socks. This construction complements the generous G fitting of the Pennine last, making the Bedale particularly suitable for wearers with wider feet or those requiring additional interior volume.
The Bedale is constructed on Loake's Pennine last, a Country last shape designed with a G fitting for generous width. The G fitting measures approximately one-quarter inch wider in girth than Loake's standard F fitting, providing substantial additional room across the ball of the foot and throughout the interior. The last features a large rounded toe box that accommodates natural toe spread and thicker winter socks.
The Pennine last's generous proportions typically require sizing adjustments for wearers accustomed to medium-width footwear. Loake recommends considering a half-size reduction from standard sizing when transitioning to the Pennine last from narrower fittings. The bold toe shape and roomy interior design align with the boot's intended use for outdoor and country activities where comfort during extended wear takes priority.
Standard Bedale boots utilize full-grain calf leather in five colorway options. The tan version features burnished calf leather with subtle color variation. Dark brown and burgundy options provide traditional dress boot aesthetics. Black calf leather offers formal versatility. The oxblood grain option incorporates textured leather with enhanced water resistance.
Limited editions of the Bedale incorporate Horween Chromexcel leather, a pull-up leather from the American tannery Horween Leather Company. Chromexcel is characterized by full aniline dyeing and a combination tannage that creates distinctive color variations when the leather flexes. The hand-rubbed finish develops natural patina with wear and proper care.
"Loake Bedale". Loake Shoemakers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"Loake Bedale Dark Brown". Loake Shoemakers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"Loake Bedale Burgundy". Loake Shoemakers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"1880 Country Collection". Loake Shoemakers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"Pennine Last". Loake Shoemakers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"G Fit". Loake Shoemakers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"Shoe Lasts & Styles: Part 1". Loake Shoemakers Blog. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"Bedale Boot". Loake Shoes Australasia. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"The Loake Bedale". Bradshaw & Lloyd. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
"Loake Bedale Rubber-Soled Brogue Boots". Herring Shoes. Retrieved December 9, 2025.