With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about bringing the goods out of hibernation. We’ve been doing some serious closet purging around here, including shoes.
Loafers are the stalwarts of my footwear rotation. I have plenty of lace-up dress shoes, but I prefer the slip-on comfort and look of loafers. While there are so many variations, it’s easy to own a pair that will work in almost any situation. And I believe we are at a place in life where spending good money on quality is the healthy value proposition we should all strive for. And that being the case, buying loafers that won’t go out of style is key.
Here are a few that will stand the test of time (and fast fashion):
From Top Left:
1. Vintage Gucci Bit Loafers: I’m going to get sh!t for recommending these, but there’s an angle. I don’t recommend a $1000 pair of new Gucci bits. However, I do recommend getting a used (preferably Tom Ford-era) pair for $150-200, then sending them to LaRossa Shoe for a restoration ($200-$250). They’ll be 2x-3x better quality than what you’d buy new today.
2. Alden D8213 Loafers: Incredible loafers. On the dressier side, but they look good with lighter pants and sports coats. Think Easter Sunday.
3. Alden Snuff Suede Tassel Loafers: Every man should have this pair in their closet. I’ve convinced a few folks over the years, and their only complaint is that they waited so long to pull the trigger.
4. Martin Dingman Bermuda Braid Bit Loafers: These are going to be my pool/beach shoes. Of course, they are cool with shorts and a polo, but for those occasions when I want to leave the flip-flops at home…these will be perfect.
5. Oak Street Bootmakers Beefroll Penny Loafers: You have to have a pair of penny loafers. I like the Natural and the Brown that OSBM offers, but the key to these browns is the lighter sole. It’ll darken up over time, but this gives it a bit of a casual vibe that is preppy and cool.
6. John Lobb Lopez Navy Suede Penny Loafers: The ‘Saturday Night’ specials…navy suede is underrated on loafers. Very dressy, but can also be dressed down. Think cuffed stone trousers and a Bengal striped shirt. Non-trashy Euro.
7. Di Bianco Firenze Crisscross Suede Loafers: I’ve been eyeing Di Bianco shoes since Miller Brothers has been carrying them, and for good reason. They are the Ferrari of loafers. Sleek, thoughtful design, and seriously cool. Wear them often.
8. Alden 986 Shell Cordovan Loafers: The first face on the Mount Rushmore of loafers. A 30-year+ buy.
What did I miss?
Belt recs color-wise for snuff suede loafers?
You can find suede belts in similar shade from Nordstrom, Martin Dingman, etc. Personally I wear my suede loafers with either a matching belt (office) or a needlepoint belt (more casual). Would not recommend leather, but that’s just me.
I’d say leather or alligator in a similar shade. You want it to be in the same general range but you don’t need to be pedantic. I wear suede shoes most of the time but have never felt the need to get a suede belt. Seems like it could be a little too matchy in my opinion.
I must say – not super impressed with Dingman loafer quality. I bought a pair of penny loafers last April, and the heel stacks wore down in about 3 or 4 months. This was after wearing them two or three times a week, and I work in an office building. They might be more of a knock around shoe as you implied, but I’m not convinced that they belong in the same conversation as Alden, OSBM, and Italian quality-wise. Am I missing something with Dingman loafers?
That’s a fair statement. A little shocked the heel stack wore down that quickly. Definitely a sign of lesser quality material. The more casual options (read: rubber soles) have worked well for me, but the dressier bit loafers are just OK.
Only thing missed maybe some Tan/Snuff Alden LHS ???
Agree, but maybe #7 covers these? I’d add some Mink Suede unlined Belgravia loafers from EG. Great list though! La Rossa is a great recommendation! They did a great job on two pairs of my FJ Classics!
Hit the thrift motherlode a few weeks back where I found a pair of beautiful Alden 684 Shell loafers AND a pair of John Lobb Bespoke long-wings, both in my size. All for the price of a large pizza. Love it.
Hope you bought a lotto ticket, too!
I have a nearly new pair of those exact vintage Guccis. Been sitting in a box in my closet collecting dust for years. Size 11.5D. Time to unload them to a good home. Anyone interested let me know! Have many but loafers including a pebbled pair of brown 1953’s. However, I find the Allen Edmond Verona II to be the most comfortable.
I love loafers and have found that I wear them more as my style has leaned more casual. My loafers of choice are the Rancourt Beefrools and the Alden tassel Shell Cordovan.
I’m a huge fan of Rancourt Pinch Penny Loafers in natural chromexcel.. They’re a great cross between a loafer and camp moc.. Never with a suit (maybe seersucker?) but they’re great in a business casual environment or with jeans/shorts. They have great sales 2-3 times a year, too (mainly to keep the factory going). I also have a pair of loafers from Paul Stuart that are basically Crocket and Jones versions of the EG Piccadilly, and a couple of vintage pairs from George Cleverly that I picked up at Hornets last summer.