Monday
Jan052009
Loafers; The '09 Shoe
Posted on 
January 5, 2009 by Ryan Willms
January 5, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
This is my call right now. I'm sure there are a number of folks rocking them already, along with some of your dads - but that doesn't count. I think like the boat shoe and the oxford/wingtips came back strong in the past year, we will see a resurgence of the loafer in '09. They are grown up, clean, work with a lot and look better with age. Pretty much the same endearing qualities that made last years rival stories work. The loafer I think could be for those folks who don't want to wear boat shoes again this summer, because you know Urban Outfitters is going to have every color. I think a dark brown or black, with the little tassle on the top of the foot works best. There are a handful of versions that look nice and classic. I would just say keep it in leather rather than suede.
Tags : loafers
loafers 
Reader Comments (22)
I don't know Ryan, I think it's hard for most of us to shake the old man label associated with loafers. That, and I don't agree with the aesthetics of the shoe, but that's just me.
weak post. get your loafter game together
I disagree with both of the aforementioned comments. Loafers are going to make a comeback and you nay sayers will be the first to cop a pair once leaders of the pack start rocking them.
hmmm I have definitely though about copping a pair of loafers from qouddy or trail moc to pair with a more formal fit but just haven't gotten around to it..
i'd have to disagree the loafer carries a certain aesthetic and vibe to it that isn't as present in a pair of boatshoes.
plus with all the hype around boatshoes over the last year wouldn't we see a movement away from it after being so saturated in a lot of peoples getup or company's product drops.
in response to iain, i'd have to agree could have done some prod reviews on various loafers ect
in response to your comment about aging, i'd have to agree a good pair of loafers is indeed a good buy that will last quite awhile.
I agree. I've seen some people starting to wear tassel loafers and yuma shoes around campus. This is a staple among the trad folks, and perhaps mainstream prep will come along. And I disagree with the first reply...I thought the same about plaid and madras shorts, but we all know how they came back.
I personally like loafers, more so than boat shoes. However, I like the loafers that are like tan suede and are almost like a loafer/boat shoe/moccasin, plus loafer just as good for summer as topsiders.
I could see it, though I'm not totally sold just yet. Kinda curious about the loafers pictured. What are they?
Okay, fair enough. I can't get over the tassel on the pictured loafers and I've never been a fan of madras shorts, as they often look incredibly tacky. Boat shoes are simple and can be aesthetically pleasing, but can look bad, too.
Definitely agree. Once they have the worn-in look they'll pretty damn sexy.
matthew its nice not to follow the pack, some of us aren't sheep
no no, loafers are way too Gotti-
i definitely agree that loafers will be big this spring. i have some alden penny loafers im excited to wear barefoot. im still going to wear my topsiders because i think theyre the most comfortable warm-weather shoes, but im sure ill be pissed off every time i go out and see 20 other people with the same ones. maybe loafers wont be THE look of 09, but i think people who have been rocking boat shoes the past few years will respond to the crazy boat shoe popularity of last year by looking for another type of barefooty, warm-weather shoe to wear for the next year or two before that gets huge as well. its hard to keep up
@robbo I definitely agree that it's nice not to follow the pack!
Beware the low-quality loafer (I'm looking at you, current Bass Weejuns). It's easier to hide crap leather in a boat shoe than in a nice loafer.
although I think loafers can look good, i would expect a bit more. 1950's shoes are such classic styles that they can work and loafers are no exception. Band of Outsiders as well as others have showcased loafer in their Spring looks. I think suede will be strong, and actually think they will be more comfortable for many. Suede loafers offer a much more casual look which should fit the bill that many used boat shoes to fill last year. The difference between a boat shoe and a loafer is negligible; I would expect to see more moccasins as well. I think APC has some leather moccasins that really fall right between a boat shoe and a loafer. I think many will buck at wearing a loafer, because a model like the picture above is hard to rock in a casual way.
I would not be surprised to see more desert boots this spring, and even maybe some Wallabees. With the rise of more and more work wear/industial looks I think that desert boots will balance with many spring outfits. To me there is not much more classic then a white oxford, khakis and desert boots and although its not revolutionary I think it will pop up more and more.
i was referring to the terrible photo and the lake of loafer knowledge ryan has
spot on ryan!
Not sure if I can "rock" them per se but Neil Barrett has a nice patent loafer in dark brown and black from last F/W. Rock on, rockers.
been wearing my weejuns for a while: http://dejourmagazine.com/?p=208
get weird comments every once in a while in the elevator or at line at the store about them like 'havent seen penny loafers in a while'
Totally agree on the lofers.
A few kids were rocking them in Tokyo over the new year. One had especially nice green suede pair. CdG had some nice colourful hybrid types in too.
Does any one have a recomendation for a solid, well constructed brand, that uses nice leather but isnt going to cost too much wedge and are available in Europe.
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