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The perfect 'in between' loafers...

97 replies

Justkoko · 03/09/2024 17:06

I am still searching for my perfect loafers. Had DM Adrian for a couple of years but they now seem a bit too clumpy and not quite smart enough somehow.
I've spent quite a long time searching for the perfect thing and still not sure.
Black leather, hi shine, but not patent.
A rounded or almond toe
Not super clumpy, but not super delicate either, in the middle.
A small detail like a snaffle in gold or silver.
Goes as well with a skirt and black opaque tights as it does trousers or jeans.
High ish vamp.
Not to shred the backs of your heels because the sole is so inflexible it flips off your foot as you walk.

If only there was an app where you could narrow styles down...too clumpy, too shiny, etc!

What are clarks like these days? Not bought from them in years. I also spotted some Steve Madden but no idea of quality or comfort for the price.

OP posts:
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AllMyExesWearRolexes · 04/09/2024 18:07

I really like GH Bass, I have 4 pairs! Not cheap, but can be resoled and are available in a wide range of styles, colours and leathers, suede, 2 tone etc.

KirstenBlest · 04/09/2024 18:21

Grenson Nina Leather Loafers in Black | Lyst UK

Jaxhog · 04/09/2024 18:22

I'm addicted to Tod's loafers. They used to have a fab selection of 'bargain' unusual ones at Bicester village. Sadly, not often now.

Justkoko · 04/09/2024 20:08

Totally down a rabbit hole now with all this. I think I'm looking for something chunky, but not too chunky, not too delicate either, I like a decent sole. Maybe a slightly rounded 60s/mod vibe rather than the moccasin types I see a lot of with pintucked uppers.
Something I can wear with tights or trousers/jeans. Half the job is finding ones that are comfortable and don't scrape up your feet. I don't really want to go much over £100 either, if I did they'd be my forever loafers...
I wasn't even considering non leather but h and m have some ok looking ones. I can just see them being throwaway though if plastic, and I don't really want that.

OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 04/09/2024 20:36

How about Jones, Office or Dune? I don't think they'll be Grenson dupes but they'll be better than fast fashion ones.
Leather Trim Slip On Loafers | Jones Bootmaker | M&S (marksandspencer.com)
Leather Chain Detail Flat Loafers | Jones Bootmaker | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

With shoes though, I don't think make do will do.

The right shoes are like magic.

Adatewithmyself · 04/09/2024 22:57

@ChilliPB omg I love the Lanx ones! Luckily it’s my birthday this weekend!

Does anyone know the brand and how they fit?

KirstenBlest · 04/09/2024 23:09

IIRC @IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle wears Lanx.

Justkoko · 05/09/2024 08:12

Are grenson even comfortable? I tried some Hudsons a few years ago, sold as being traditionally made, they had leather soles etc, but they were so hard inside! Maybe they'd soften up but there was literally no cushioning in the sole. And I've worn saltwater sandals which are thin soled but the rubber at least has some give.
There are some nice ones on dune actually, the ones I like seem to only be in brown!
I thought marks and spencer would come up with the goods but I've not spotted anything yet.

OP posts:
Justkoko · 05/09/2024 08:21

I like these but they only seem to be in brown. I love the brown but I won't be able to wear them with black tights!
They're a bit more rounded and smoother, I think this is what I like.

OP posts:
Justkoko · 05/09/2024 08:21

Whoops...

The perfect 'in between' loafers...
OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 05/09/2024 08:25

@Justkoko , I have a similar pair of men's shoes and they're like gloves. Probably the most comfortable shoes I've owned (other than Skechers, NB or Asics trainers, which IMO aren't stylish or beautiful).

My Grenson boots are new and as yet unworn but they are gorgeous and have rubber soles.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 05/09/2024 09:48

(Available from many places, not just Amazon.)

Nitgel · 05/09/2024 10:18

Dune Guilt loafers are great really comfy

QueenKong101 · 05/09/2024 10:24

Justkoko · 03/09/2024 19:06

Ah heck. I've just realised. I think Grenson Nina (non chunky) may be the perfect ones. But they don't make them and they are far too expensive.

Anyone know of a dupe that's comfortable?

I have the Grenson Ninas and they are probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They go with everything too!

I actually found mine new and still in the box on Vinted for £85 so I'd definitely recommend casting around on there as Grenson shoes are often listed.

BellaBlythe · 05/09/2024 12:12

Some of those thick soles look like workwear, Wot no steel toecap!?
Prefer the Sam Edelman.

Tootyfilou · 05/09/2024 12:44

https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350316321.aspx?dim1=1

I bought these and they are gorgeous. Buttery leather, very comfortable

Justkoko · 05/09/2024 12:53

I wondered about Jonak, they look lovely. @Tootyfilou Are they on the small side? I wondered if French brands are a little smaller. I ordered Bobbies once and they were very tight. I'm pretty much a standard 5 wherever I go.

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coolmum123 · 05/09/2024 12:55

someoneseatenmyapple · 04/09/2024 03:29

Sezane have a lovely selection of loafers...

www.sezane.com/eu/collection/shoes/loafers

I have been searching for loafers too. These look right up my street. Thank you! Quick question if you are buying form the EU how does the duty thing work now? I haven't bought anything online since Brexit so do we have to pay duty for these once they arrive at the border or is duty included or do I have to check the detail. There is a shoe shop in Rome that ship and I absolutely love their shoes but havn't bought as I'm not sure of the Customs rules. Does any know to give me a layman's explanation please?

Tootyfilou · 05/09/2024 13:04

@Justkoko , I have very narrow feet, size 4. These are a good fit, so maybe do run slightly small. I am very pleased with them though.

SE20schools · 05/09/2024 13:19

If you want instantly comfortable and won't mess up your feet, Camper (Spanish brand) is excellent. Some slightly quirky styles in there but also more classic loafer style. Really lightweight and easy to wear.

Welshfiver · 05/09/2024 17:38

Some great suggestions here. A question - do you wear tights with these? If you were wearing trousers would you wear socks? Or nothing?