When I visited the Loake shoe factory in Kettering a few weeks ago I noticed that there were many shoes that had been sent in by customers for repair and refurbishment. My beautifully made and comfortable pair of Loake Otterburn brogues needed a repair, so Loake kindly agreed to refurbish them and record the process for the blog. I wasn't disappointed, after what seemed a short time the shoes arrived back in an almost as new condition.
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Before (top) and after (below) refurbishment by Loake |
The shoes receive what is effectively a complete rebuild. Some of the processes the shoes went through are shown in the images below and in the video. For more information on Loake's repair and refurbishment service, click here
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On the left, my shoe is stripped down, (moving clockwise) the welt is sewn, the sole stitched and heel attached. The shoe is afterwards polished and inspected before despatch |
Splendid refurbishment! DH grew up down the road from this place. I'll remind him that repairs to beloved Loake's shoes are possible. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! And how quality shoes like these are made and/or repaired is actually kind of fascinating.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Heinz-Ulrich von B.
The great benefit of welted shoes!
ReplyDeleteI recently sent a pair back to Alfred Sargent for resoling and they came back like new.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good weekend in Bakewell at the L'Eroica event. I have invested in a pair of Loakes Otterburns too after seeing you in various photos with them adorning your feet and they are the most comfortable shoes I have owned. No need for refurb yet but its good to know that they can be treated to this in a few years time!
Regards,
Colin
Thanks, Colin, it's good to hear from you. Yes, they are comfortable, I hope you enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteGF