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Penny Loafers

post #1 of 35
3/8/09 at 6:00pm
Thread Starter 
What are the best examples of American, British and Italians style penny loafers? I'd like some examples from each styles if possible.
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post #2 of 35
3/8/09 at 6:20pm
English: the Wildsmith loafer, a citified version of the Norwegian original, was a favorite house shoe of George V at the fin de siècle. Unlined with skinstitched uppers, it lives on in RTW form in the Edward Green Harrow (also the Eton, but I'm unsure if it is made anymore.)

Like so:





US: The Bass Weejun is the iconic penny loafer:



The Weejun is true moccasin construction. Close behind is the Alden LHS, which is not:



Italy: none. All faux.

See my loafer timeline.




- B
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post #3 of 35
3/9/09 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks a lot, far more than I expected.
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post #4 of 35
3/9/09 at 12:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jpeirpont View Post
Thanks a lot, far more than I expected.

You're welcome. Alas, the Weejun is not longer made in Maine, a change dating back many years that I have still not forgiven.

Alden I believe owns a factory in Maine populated by a few of the old Bass and Sebago workers. This factory is the source for rebranded full moc pennies for RL, Paul Stuart etc...they also make for Alden in their Cape Cod line, but afaik there is only a full strap penny available from that with a leather sole (corrections from those who know more welcome.)


- B
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post #5 of 35
3/9/09 at 2:09pm
For English, I like (and own) the John Lobb campus:



For French (not asked for), I like (but don't own) the Weston 180 signature loafer:

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post #6 of 35
3/9/09 at 2:15pm
I had not seen the split-toe version before, but then I am not exactly the loafer-king, my last pair (black Weejuns circa 1986) sitting dusty and unloved in my hall closet and unworn for at least 15 years ...
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post #7 of 35
3/9/09 at 3:42pm




http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/2...x300-0-0_.jpg?
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post #8 of 35
3/9/09 at 3:55pm
The Aurland, derived from the original 1900 Paris expo shoe and made in the same village largely unchanged since the 1920s:



Click pic for more info and some interesting photographs.


- B
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post #9 of 35
3/9/09 at 4:49pm
The English versions look too neat, the Weejuns not neat enough, and the Alden LHS don't fit me. So, be process of elimination, I like the Westons best.
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post #10 of 35
3/9/09 at 6:20pm
I'm a fan of Alden's LHS and the Darlton by RL.
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post #11 of 35
3/9/09 at 6:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mafoofan View Post
The English versions look too neat, the Weejuns not neat enough, and the Alden LHS don't fit me. So, be process of elimination, I like the Westons best.

Let me float this idea in your big head: Alden Leisure Handsewn on the Plaza last.

Is a loud, buzzing noise drowning out all other sounds?


- B
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post #12 of 35
3/9/09 at 6:48pm
Alden unlined shell for BB. Perfect.

For foofy (not you) loafers I like Lobb Lopez and EG Buckingham.
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post #13 of 35
3/9/09 at 9:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by voxsartoria View Post
Let me float this idea in your big head: Alden Leisure Handsewn on the Plaza last.

Now, that would be a strange beast of a shoe.
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post #14 of 35
3/9/09 at 9:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by voxsartoria View Post
Let me float this idea in your big head: Alden Leisure Handsewn on the Plaza last.

Hate to correct someone who is as knowledgeable as you, but the LHS is on the van last. Check aldenshop.com or any the many threads on AAAC.
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post #15 of 35
3/9/09 at 9:51pm
I'd say the more classic American version would be the penny loafer with the beefroll...



I don't currently own a pair, but will eventually do so again.
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