Loake AW19: Rugged Town & Country Shoes

Loake are introducing some beautifully rugged country styles to their range for this autumn/winter, with grained leathers and commando soles providing robust and practical footwear for those of us tackling the extremes of rural and urban living.

Loake Birkdale in suede: town and country combine

Loake has been a family business since 1880 when it was founded by three brothers. Their 1880 range is made in their Kettering factory in Northamptonshire and blends traditional shoemaking methods with modern, robust and practical styles. I've seen shoes being made at their factory on two occasions and came away impressed by the pride, enthusiasm and skills of the workers. 

A few of the country-inspired styles from Loake AW19 shoe collection

Each Goodyear welted shoe is the product of some 8 weeks work and the 1880 Legacy Range contains Loake's premium shoes. Those for the new season have functional features like textured leather and Dainite rubber soles while still looking classically elegant.

Straddling town and country, I wear the grain leather Troons for dog walks and London meetings

I wore the Birkdale, a Derby brogue available in black calf, brown suede, brown burnished grain, and conker burnished calf and the Troon, which comes in a rosewood burnished grain or brown suede. Both are comfortable and stylish - I'll be wearing them in town and country, though my suede version of the Birkdale will be kept away from the mud.

Loake Troon (left) and Birkdale (right)

These are classic yet highly practical additions to the Loake range. From suede through polished calf to grain calf and waxed leather, there is a style for everyone. See Loake's website for more information. The British-made range varies in price from £155-£280 and includes also several styles of boot with Commando soles.

I was given the shoes for review and this feature is sponsored by Loake. All views are mine alone  and the products were selected by me. I only feature products I wear myself.

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