Perfect loafer?

[K to Wall St]

I have several pairs of oxfords im very happy with; 2 pairs of C&J, 3 pairs of AE, but have not been able to find a pair of basic brown loafers that meet the following criteria:

Handsome profile (slim but not too fashion forward)
Quality materials (quality leathers with Blake or Goodyear construction)
Comfortable (not too narrow in the toe box)
Stays on my heel when I walk
About $300 or less (including any discounts) maybe push to $350

Seems like everything I like is over $400. Did try Jack Erwin Abe but the fit seemed awkward (narrow toe box, which was mad worse by a forward-pitched stance that made me feel like I was sliding down into the toe box).

Any suggestions?

 

[papado]

I really like the Allen Edmonds Verona II (made in Italy)--takes after the Gucci bit loafer but is a little more conservative and able to be resoled by AE factory. Retail is 350 and one can normally find a deal (or factory 2nds). Typical round toe with soft calfskin that grabs the heel well.

Also AE randolph is not bad depending on if it works for you--bourbon color was on sale for 245 as of black friday.

 

[SuitedDx]

JL Ashley... but that’s WAY OVER $300... under $300 you’re looking at Loake, Trickers, or AE.

 

[K to Wall St]

Anyone familiar with the Paul Evans “Stewart” loafer? It’s $400 but can get 25%-35% off.

 

[P-K-L]

The CJ Harvard are the most handsome loafers there are imo - just doesnt fit into your budget.
Still, think about them

 

[K to Wall St]

Website says they’re an unlined version of the Boston... what are the pros and cons to being unlined? I haven’t come across that before in shoes, though I’m of course familiar with an unlined jacket.

 

[Ich_Dien]

Better in the summer and certainly a bit more comfortable. Less support for your arches, however.

I had an unlined pair of EG loafers (The Buxton) which I sold because they didn't offer as much support as I wanted.

If the loafers you like keep slipping off your heel you may have to consider the sizing better. Sometimes I size down half a size on loafers so they are more snug and thus don't fall off the heel.

 

[Gsvs5]

Sid Mashburn Italian Penny Loafer.Ive yet to find a better profile .Over your requested budget,but better not compromise on investment shoes eh.
I forget who the Italian maker is,but if you track that info down,you could probably find them and save a buck.

 

[notdos]

I’d say Justin Fitzpatrick, all the way. And with the 20% off Black Friday Deal, makes it an exceptional value imho.
Here’s a good example:
https://www.jfitzpatrickfootwear.com/collections/loafers/products/hawthorne-dark-brown-museum-calf

 

[K to Wall St]

Within CJ I was looking at the Sydney, which seeks a little sleeker than Harvard/Boston. Also a little cheaper.

 

[K to Wall St]

Justin Fitzpatrick Strike me as too fashion forward.

 

[shrink1061]

Within CJ I was looking at the Sydney, which seeks a little sleeker than Harvard/Boston. Also a little cheaper.

I have the syndey. Now I'm a fairly standard size 7 UK normally, its what fits me in crockett 348, Alfred sargent lasts, and most loake shoes. It's also my perfect fit from cheaney too.

However, my sydneys I took a chance on a 6.5UK. I did this because I don't want heel slip on a loafer, and the size 7's in the 341 were just too big at the back (a problem I have is small heel / waist area which is worse on unlaced shoes). Now my feet are a tiny bit wider at the front than they are at the back, but actually I found that I fit fairly well into the 6.5's.

I can feel my toes pressing a little against the front of the toe box, but even walking an entire day, it never strays into uncomfortable, and they'll give a bit over time.

Id definitely think about sizing down a little in a 341 unless you have particularly wide heel area, at which point they're probably quite true to size.

 

[Clouseau]

You didn't specify what kind of Loafers, but from what i understand you mean Penny Loafers.

The best i had, but they are over your budget, were JM Weston 180.

Otherwise the Rancourt are great quality.

 

[P-K-L]

You didn't specify what kind of Loafers, but from what i understand you mean Penny Loafers.

The best i had, but they are over your budget, were JM Weston 180.

Otherwise the Rancourt are great quality.

With you being from paris, what other loafer could you recommend...?

 

[Von Franz]

Those Italian Mashburns are made by Peluso, I think. The quality looks pretty good but in my opinion they're a little to snouty to be classic. Sid's Rancourt penny loafer, which costs $295, is a near-perfect clone of the OG Bass Weejun.

http://www.sidmashburn.com/shop/footwear/brown-beaumont-sid-mashburn-penny-loafer.html