Mid season footwear - loafers etc

[VenusClapTrap]

My trusty loafers are a write off after an afternoon at an outdoor event yesterday when the heavens opened and the ground turned into a swamp.

So I need to replace them, but not sure what with. Most of the loafers I’ve seen online are a lot chunkier than I’ve been wearing; clearly it’s what’s ‘in’. I don’t really like them, but maybe I should just go with it. They kind of remind me of what the mean girls wore at school in the early nineties though!

But if I go for something more classic, will I just look dated?

Maybe I should ditch loafers altogether and buy something else. Ballet flats? Aren’t they supposed to be coming back? Or did they come back and go out again already?!

The usual middle aged insecurity I suppose.

What are you wearing?

I’m suddenly realising that none of my footwear is fit for purpose and I can’t put off buying new shoes any longer. Unfortunately taste and wallet don’t always agree in my world, so I’m havering.

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/ballet-flat-trainers-p15811110.html?v1=229784604&v2=2215112&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=web_mobile_sharing&utm_source=red_social_web_mobile Cheap but cute!

https://www.studionicholson.com/products/ty-shoe-in-birch Growing on me.

https://hereustudio.com/products/bonell-womens-woven-t-bar-mule-loafer-custard Strong contenders.

https://www.trickers.com/uk/womens/country-shoes/5673-26-eva-visone Old school.

How about these (photo) from Matches Fashion? Tap for details.

Ive gone with chunky loafer I prefer a more solid shoe, they last longer and suit me better. Mine are from Reformation. However, classic loafers are just that, so if they are your preference go for it. Russel and Bromley have some nice classic loafers.

Ooh @CapaciousHag thank you, some v interesting suggestions there! I love those green suede ones on Matches, but I couldn’t spend that without worrying they’d get ruined in the rain. I rather like the Hereu ones although I’m not sure how practical they’d be without backs.

I’ve considered Russell & Bromley; @LightlySearedontheRealityGrill, they look like decent quality but the none of the colours are quite right/appealing.

I’m wondering about these from Anthro. Black would probably be more useful, but I do like this green. Any opinions?
https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/pilcro-tie-front-ballet-flats?category=shoes-flats&color=237&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Oh dear, there are several other things I like on that Hereu site, and it’s all a bit pricey! 😬

These will make you feel better! (Not really.)

https://www.marsell.it/uk_en/woman/shoes/alluce-estiva-mw6486188503-loafer

I don’t like those, fortunately! Good colour but too high up the foot.

I bought these ones from Toast & I LOVE them. Very comfortable & they look great on

These have just arrived today and I love how they look but they’re going to have to go back. They are unbelievably painful and tight to put on, like I literally didn’t think I could ram my foot in it. Managed eventually but nearly crying with pain. Sad thing is they feel fine when they’re on, so they’re the right size…..it’s just the opening which is oddly small. Maybe they’d stretch but I can’t risk it. https://www.kurtgeiger.com/women/shoes/flats/loafers/dazzle-loafer-black-leather-carvela-9488100109?istCompanyId=166c308a-e1e7-4c46-9232-e2b92f576b07&istFeedId=ea033aae-0609-44ac-b740-b326f1070dfe&istItemId=rwtpltrrq&istBid=t&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6cKiBhD5ARIsAKXUdyYcYfZ1meZrLH-mTNsTTfZ9Mz1KJkLX-X7syPt7jwTzPUheLb6CRdAaApopEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

if anyone has seen anything similar I’m still on the hunt.

Loafers from Zara

I like the Toast ones and the Zara ones (but in the impractical cream colour rather than black). They must be reasonably ‘in’ if Zara are selling them! Thanks for those suggestions.

@QuintanaRoo I had that with some shoes I ordered for a wedding recently. So annoying.

Sorry, but those Pilcro ballet flats are minging!

I don't like a chunky soled black loafer for summer- they tend to be stiff and rub without socks or tights. I prefer something soft and lighter.

I got these- they are a classic loafer but the square toe makes them feel more current and I liked that they didn't have a gold buckle thing like most loafers. https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/shoes/flats/loafers/product.classic-slim-leather-loafers-black.1157573001.html

The toast ones are a gorgeous olive green colour in real life, they look very dark in that photo.

I've bought some from moshulu but my usual size was too big and the smaller size are a bit tight. Good quality and they have chunky and traditional.

@FancyFanny how soft is the leather on those Stories ones?

These are very comfy
https://www.thereformation.com/products/agathea-chunky-loafer/1309368TCC.html

Bass Weejuns are good & don't have a chunky sole.

Loafers are too much shoe and ballet flats too little ... I'm wondering if something more like a boat shoe might be the way to go.

There are some beautiful shoes. My budget does not stretch to hundreds of pouns- not unless I'm.prepared not to eat🤣

God those Zara shoes are foul. What en eye sore! Those with a white sock. Mmmmm nice.

I think classic loafers are fine. Chunky loafers were everywhere last year and less so now I think. I don't think the mega chunky ones will stick around very long tbh.

I've seen a few fashion bloggers talk about Mary Janes a lot recently. I'd quite like some, but can't justify it

In love with those in the leopard!

Check this range https://www.bobbies.com/en/118665-loafers-oxfords-ballet-flats

Have you looked somewhere like pavers? Reasonably priced and last ages.

I've seen a few fashion bloggers talk about Mary Janes a lot recently. I'd quite like some, but can't justify it

I’ve noticed that, scrolling through Net-a-Porter et al. They do seem to be having a moment. I quite like Mary Janes.

I like several of those Bobbies ones.

Now I can’t decide which to buy; I’m a bit spoilt for choice! I’m drawn to the cream/white ones but I live in a very muddy place, so I think it would be foolish, sadly. Suede is out for the same reason. I need them to be comfy and practical, but would also like them to be attractive and interesting! There are a few suggestions that tick the boxes though.

I’ve also seen some silver All Saints ones that are very tempting.

I'm in the same situation, and seriously thinking of getting some leather Mary Janes. Just trying to find the right ones, not too square or pointy, not too stiff, and at a reasonable price. They seem to be sold out everywhere!