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In Part 2 of our focus on last shapes and fit, we take a look at the most popular contemporary shaped shoe lasts used in our ranges.
Ridge (F Fitting)
Our most popular last in the Design Loake range, Ridge has an elongated toe with a squared off finish. Ridge gets its name from the ridge upon the top of the shoe, toward the front. It should fit true to size, but like Matrix and Blade especially, it has extra cosmetic length in the front.
Matrix (F Fitting)
Matrix is used within our Shoemaker range to give a contemporary twist to classic formal shoes, such as the Smith toe cap Oxford or the Jones brogue. Matrix has an elongated toe shape with a rounded point. This last generally runs true to size and is comparable to our traditional F fitting last shapes in terms of fit.
Legend (F and G Fitting)
Legend is a well-established last shape that has been in use for some years. It features a squared off toe shape of standard length. The sizing of this last in F fitting should be true to size. The G fitting version of this last offers a more generous fit in terms of width.
Blade (F Fitting)
Blade is used within our Design Loake range. It offers an elongated toe with a squared off tip. Blade has a sleek low profile and is probably less suited to those with a high instep. Blade tends to run a little on the large side; depending on your fit characteristics you may need a half size smaller in this last.
Swing (G fitting)
The Swing last has a distinctive curve to the outer edge and an elongated, slightly pointed toe shape. It is one of our roomier last shapes and due to the fitting and the properties of the last, you may need a half size down if you normally take F fitting shoes. Swing is used for our formal G fitting shoes in the 1880 range.
Duke (E fitting)
The Duke last is one of the few lasts we use which is an E (narrower) fitting. This last features a standard length chisel toe with an overall sleek appearance. Whilst this is a narrower last than most, it is also a relatively tall design; those who take an F fitting may well find that they can wear this last in their normal size.
033 (G fitting)
Used in our L1 range, the 033 last has a broad, squared off toe of standard length. This last usually runs true to size. Whilst this is a wide fitting last, it is also relatively low profile; those with a high instep may be better suited to a more traditional G fitting last such as 3625 or 026.
Jack (F Fitting)
The Jack last is used within our Design Loake range for both shoes and boots. It should run true to size for those who wear F fitting footwear. Jack also has extra cosmetic length in the toe, with a rounded end to the toe shape.
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carl
my loake magnums (the ones with the paisley type pattern inner shoe)are my favourite shoe. unfortunately they are now discontinued. they used the Callaghan last which I can’t see in any of your current shoe range. which is the closest current last in shape to the Callaghan?
Maarten
How is the clinching process performed when using moulded plastic shoe lasts?
Raymond
By visiting this site today (and looking at the numbers stamped inside my two pairs of Loake shoes just now, both worn over nearly three decades), I’ve just discovered why they are equally comfortable: the same last shape. Aha…
I bought both pairs from high street shops after trying them on which perhaps explains why I ended up with the same last shape.
Happily and for the first time in my life I’ve been able to order a new pair of shoes online feeling confident that they will suit my feet.
Please may we have a Part 3 which includes last 3625? And if possible a ‘last comparison table’ which could help customers like me compare last shapes, and maybe encourage them to try different ones.
Mark
I’d also love to see a part 3 including 3625 and a comparison table!
Philip Worth
I have a pair of Windsors. Last 79 – 5 1/2.
They seen quite a wide fitting…. Does that sound about right?
Thx, Phil
Loake
This was a medium fitting shoe. But, shoes always tend to look a little wider in the smaller sizes. It’s because, although everything else is proportionately smaller, the thickness of the materials remains the same.
Alan Murray
Fascinating again – especially the way in which the last shape affects the overall look of the shoe. While the actual lasts look slightly different from one another, the shoes they crate look totally different.