This was the first pair of Oak Street Bootmakers loafers that I bought – way back in 2013. I bought these knowing that I’d wear them to death…I grew up wearing a similar type of loafer from Cole Haan, but they lasted about a year, and weren’t built to be resoled. Given that these loafers have timeless style, I knew this would be an investment buy with long term potential. Well, as soon as I got these, I brought them to New Orleans for a LONG wedding weekend (which required tons of walking), so they were broken in lickity split.
They’ve been a major player in my rotation since. I typically wear them sans socks, and they style with just about everything. The uppers have held up extremely well, and developed a perfect patina. Once my to started showing through the sole, I knew it was time to send these home for an up-do.
There are plenty of places that I could have sent these shoes, but decided to call George at Oak Street to see if I could send these home. He happily accepted, and after a few weeks, they came back to me. They did a full resole, and gave the uppers some much needed TLC. The new footbeds were a nice touch. I can’t speak highly enough about a pair of Chromexcel loafers. They are the coolest.
Needless to say, I’m very happy:
These look just like you’d want them right out of the box…a little patina on the leather but with perfect sole and lining. Nice!!
George does good work. I’ve got 3 pairs of his shoes and I’m very pleased. He’ll even do custom-work and I’ve had him refresh a pair of chukkas.
I’ll just assume that the dark spot on the side is a spilled Transfusion.
I have a pair of these and love them, I can wear loafers 365/24/7 in Tampa. I always wear these with a thin Spenco insole. It eliminates the dreaded swamp foot and they’re easily washed.
https://spenco.implus.com/Product/spenco-rx-comfort-orthotic-insoles?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2r_gp5ea6AIVpoNaBR17wQZyEAQYASABEgL2uvD_BwE