Loake200B, Men's Lace Up Shoes

You can spend £1000 on pair of Oxfords or Brogues, if you really want. For the rest of us, "premium" shoes are usually English-made shoes by Church's, Loake or Barkers (all of which I've typically bought). Shoes at this level are a real high value investment: if maintained properly, a good pair of Church's will easily last 5-7 years and still look great, as well as feel brilliant. Compare that with buying cheapo shoes that look cheap out of the box and look terrible after 8 months, do the maths and make up your own mind what's the better investment.So, back in 2015, I was really interested in this Loake model, which appeared to offer good quality at a keener price. Having bought these, I can confirm they're excellent shoes, as you would expect from Loake and, four years on, they still look great and fit perfectly. And while these are perfectly serviceable and look far better than my colleagues' lesser brands, I sprang for another pair. Why?I needed a spare pair and these have proven to be a great investment. These are made of very high quality hide, excellently executed, with no flaws, excellent stitching and very comfortable. A few things to note:1. These are actually made in India, but don't let that put you off. These shoes are immaculate (I'm used to English Loakes and whilst not identical, they're very good quality and excellent value for money at half the equivalent price).2. Subjectively, these start off a little stiff and will take a little more wearing in than other high premium brands and the laces are not the best (but again, appearance-wise, nobody would notice).3. I had absolutely no sore feet or heels after first day wearing. Very nice. :)A few other reviewers seem to have got in a bit of tiswas over these not being English made, and inferior quality, but frankly having worn these for over four years and bought again, I think they're all blowing smoke. These are great. I've worn them for long walks (try Christmas shopping up and down the entire length of Oxford Street) and felt these to be just as comfortable as if I'd worn trainers.And for those who seem to have destroyed theirs after little use, well I suspect either they got a defective pair (possible) and should return them, or are just careless with shoes. After all, the best leather-soled shoes, without rubber stick-ons will wear through quite quickly. Just a few precautions (stick-on soles as soon as you buy them; polish at least once a week with good polish; unlace them to take off/on; use of a shoe tree) are all that is necessary to keep these looking great. And you'd need these with "real" Loakes too.Whilst I'd normally give £300 Loakes 5-stars, these are very good quality, with excellent value for money at this price point.Recommended.

This is my 2nd pair of Loake 200B. Fantastic fit, very smart, easy to polish to a high shine. First pair were worn daily and endured being resoled no fewer than 3 times before I had to resign myself to recycling them.This second pair, as first, fit well. Leather mot too stiff but noticeable that they will need breaking in as one would expect.Well done Loake. Don't stop production!

Good fit

While the online photography of the shoes was slick, it sort of hid the true colour of the shoe. It wasn't way off, but there was enough difference for you compare the shoe with the picture to make sure you had the right one. Maybe a few customer pics would be better.

Excellent quality

This is my third pair of Loake 200B Black shoes and the second bought on-line. When you know the make, style and size then it is worth seeking the on-line saving and getting exactly what you want.This is a classic, timeless business shoe, very comfortable after minimal "breaking in" and good for four or more years hard daily use with re-heeling and one set of new resin or rubber soles just before the leather wears through. This is far better than you will ever get with a one piece plastic soled shoe.Remember that this is an "old fashioned" shoe which will reward good care with good service.

Good pair of shoes - slight squeak initially but once worn in they are fine

First time ever that Ive bought a pair of shoes 'blind' without trying them on first in a show shop.They arrived very quickly via RM.I am very impressed with the fit and quality. These are excellent value for money, they look and feel like far more expensive shoes.Im so pleased with them that I have just ordered a black pair.