Loake Fearnley Shoes Review

In today’s frenetic global marketplace, there are precious few companies that have been able to stand the test of time whilst still retaining a high standard of quality.

The Loake brand definitely falls into this category, as they have been able to maintain their reputation for superior craftsmanship and unparalleled quality for well over 130 years now.

It goes without saying that if you’re purchasing a pair of fine traditional English shoes from a company that has received a Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM the Queen, you can expect those shoes to offer the utmost comfort, style and durability.

Loake shoes definitely live up to their reputation in this regard, and their Fearnley men’s formal lace-up shoes are no exception.

Overview

The Loake Fearnley is a stylish traditional lace-up brogue shoe with a Goodyear welted leather sole and a natural edge finish. True to their penchant for meticulous attention to detail, Loake has outfitted the Fearnley with elaborate brogue punching and exquisite perforations on the edges and toe cap.

With such versatility of style in their construction, it’s easy to see how these shoes can accommodate an array of clothing choices for various occasions.

Design and Style

The Fearnley is a beauty to behold, and this is due in large part to its burnished calf leather uppers, which give it a stunning look (especially in the burgundy color). These shoes are fully leather lined with leather insoles, which basically means that your feet will be encased in heavenly comfort.

The design and detail of the brogue punching lends an air of distinction and elegance to these shoes, making them perfectly capable companions to a wide range of wardrobe selections. Whether you’re wearing jeans or a suit, these shoes will instantly enhance the look of your ensemble.

In addition, the Fearnley is available in tan, brown, black, and burgundy colours, so no matter what your personal preference might be, you will have the perfect lace-up brogue to match your particular aesthetic.

Quality and Durability

It’s hard to call the quality of any Loake shoes into question, but I feel the need to bring this up due to some of the comments I’ve seen from reviewers around the Web: The Fearnley is handmade in India, and for some reason this has not set well with a small percentage of Loake purists.

I can tell you first-hand that there is no reason to be suspicious of the Fearnley just because it is not made in Loake’s Kettering factory. The build quality is superb, the materials used in these shoes are top-notch (remember, we’re talking about a shoe with Goodyear-welted construction), and the shoe itself feels substantial and sturdy.

I own several pairs of Loakes, quite a few of which were made on Wood Street, and I see no difference in the quality of the Fearnleys versus those that were made in the UK.

You have to remember that the Loake family is downright obsessive when it comes to quality control, and I can assure you that any Loake shoes made in their facility in India will meet the same exacting standards that are regularly practised and implemented in Kettering.

Based on my own experience, I can tell you that the quality and durability of the Fearnleys are above reproach.

Comfort and Fit

Ah, now we’re getting down to brass tacks–how do these shoes fit and feel? Like most of the other Loakes that I have owned, these shoes took only about two or three days for me to fully break in, but now they fit like a hand in glove.

They’re light and supremely comfortable, yet sturdy enough to feel like a shoe of robust quality. With their stitched Goodyear welted construction, these Fearnley brogues provide exceptional comfort and fantastic shape retention, and since they are constructed of high-quality leather, they offer excellent breathability as well.

Bear in mind that the Fearnleys are shaped to the Claridge last, which is the F (a.k.a. medium or 6) fitting. For guys like me with flat, wide feet, it’s a wise move to order the Fearnley about a half size larger to ensure optimal comfort.

Conclusion

The Loake Fearnley is far from the average run-of-the-mill brogue–it’s a well-designed, supremely comfortable shoe that looks fantastic with practically any outfit. Add to that the fact that it carries the Loake name, and you can rest assured that this shoe will not disappoint in terms of quality, style and durability.

If you’ve been looking for a versatile and capable brogue to add to your footwear collection, put the Loake Fearnley at the top of your list.

Where to Buy?

• Amazon UK: >> Click here to see today’s price