One loafer above all others

[trgolf]

I guess Hanigs dropped them. They never carried much of a selection anyway.

Florham Yuma in shell cordovan. I have black and Burgundy
fully restored!

 

[trgolf]

Florham Yuma in shell cordovan. I have black and Burgundy
fully restored!

Meant Florshiem

 

[JFK_88]

If I were to choose one then it would need to be something that if properly cared for can last forever and which would need to be very versatile inasmuch as it could be dressed up or down. My vote would definitely go to the Ralph Lauren Marlow penny loafers in brown shell Cordovan made by Crockett & Jones. They're very confortable, versatile and will develop a beautiful patina. They can be worn with suits, flannel and wool pants as much as with chinos and jeans. Even with shorts. Only drawback is that Cordovan and water doesn't go together well and that one shouldn't wear them when its all too wet. But goodyear welted also means they can be resolved adding another bonus.

 

[GeoffreyB]

If we are choosing one loafer "meaning one only" then I would choose this one.

 

[Buffon.bj]

I have the same issue. In the end I found a brand called Morjas (not the nicest shoes but decent in suede) which fit decently enough to wear around the office. I might get insoles and someone to put a piece of leather in the heal though depending on how the fit develops over time.

I have also tried the Morjas loafers, but found them frustratingly much too narrow and high for my feet; from my experience, most Spanish made shoes seem to have very high insteps which do not work for me as well as American lasts. Same for British lasts, which often seem to mistake width for overall volume.

 

[abkain]

There was some discussion here a few pages back about Venetian loafers. I like these Leffot-exclusive ones by Alden.

 

[t0ronto]

I'd have to go with the Rancourt beefroll penny loafer in natural horween cxl
Perfect casual loafer and fits the trad aesthetic

 

[cavdb]

I think any more classic oriented loafer in dark brown is a good choice. I’ve seen the Boston loafer from CJ already pop up.

For me it’s the CJ Harvard Dark Brown cordovan. They are my go-to’s when I don’t know what to wear. ??

 

[efta]

It’s very tight during break in for sure but it was one of the few loafers I tried which didn’t lend to any heel slippage for me.

Can’t go wrong with the Alden tassels on the Aberdeen last. TLB Mallorca’s offerings look good too but wish they had an Artista version.

TLB Artista Penny Loafer Dark Brown Suede

Goodyear welted Penny Loafer in dark brown suede from TLB Mallorca's new top range Artista, which pushes the bar for welted shoes in the midrange price segment.

www.skolyx.se

Are you sure about that?

 

[The Louche V2]

This is easy: the classic Alden tassle moc in burgundy calf. This is a shoe that can be worn with anything from shorts to a business suit. Burgundy, unlike brown, allows the shoe to be worn at night while still remaining more casual than a black version. The only attire this shoe is not compatible with is semi- and formalwear.

 

[apShepard]

My vote goes to the Antonio Mecarrielo one

 

[barutanseijin]

Brooks Bros / Alden unlined shell in color 8.

 

[emptym]

In case it's helpful, here's a comparison shot of four commonly recommended penny loafters, the Edward Green Piccadilly, Brooks Bros/Alden LHS, Crocket & Jones for BB Boston, and Allen Edmonds Patriot:

EGs are 9/9.5E, Aldens are 10C, C&J are 10D, and AE's 10D

 

[chipshot]

Hands down.. BB Unlined LHS colour 8

 

[Kaplan]

Connery's Bond didn't wear Venetians, though he did wear other slip on types - some in a style similar to these pretty awesome Lobb's with elastic on instep:

He did wear Venetians off screen though, like here from the set of From Russia With Love:

To answer the thread question, I only have one pair of loafers, Loake Eton in black suede:

If I should pick a different pair it would probably be either JM Weston 180 in black calf or the Lobb's above.