THE JOURNAL
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Never Out Of Style: Seven Pairs Of Timeless Loafers
Words by Lucy Kingett
29 January 2024
The history of the loafer is not so easy to slip into. The shoe as we now know it dates back to the 1920s, when Norwegian shoemaker Mr Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger combined elements of the traditional teser slip-ons worn by farmers in his native Aurland with details seen in Native American moccasins. The brand G.H. Bass & Co. then picked up the design to create its own version in 1936, naming it the Weejun (from the word “Norwegian”). Nicknamed penny loafers after the Ivy League trend of inserting pennies into the slot, the shoes were described as “Fine for the boathouse, the locker, the beach, or a camping trip in the wilds. They’re sturdy, attractive and kind to the feet,” which perfectly sums up their enduring appeal. Here, we’ve rounded up seven noteworthy pairs to add to your collection.
01. The timeless George Cleverley penny loafer
For a style with over 100 years of design history behind it, it seems only right to choose a shoemaker with an equally prestigious background. George Cleverley has been crafting bespoke footwear since 1958, with clients including Sir Winston Churchill. The Bradley II penny loafer is crafted from smooth black leather, with a pointed toe that makes them ideal for smarter occasions.
02. The heritage G.H. Bass & Co. Weejun
Since G.H. Bass & Co. played such an important role in the creation of the loafer, any true footwear aficionado should have one of its signature styles in the closet. The penny loafer is what the brand is best known for, but we’re fans of the Larkin, which is hand-stitched from glossy burgundy leather and features moccasin toes, threaded detailing and, crucially, tassels.
03. The contemporary classic Mr P. loafer
Mr P.’s Permanent collection has been designed as a one-stop-shop for the modern man’s everyday wardrobe essentials, so it’s unsurprising that the roster includes a stellar loafer. The Scott style in polished black leather has a split apron toe and the classic penny bar extends on either side of the vamp with a cross-stitch for a subtle update on the original.
04. The elegant Brunello Cucinelli suede loafer
One of the great benefits of all loafers is that they are comfortable while also staying smart. However, for supreme comfort, these flexible and lightweight suede loafers from Brunello Cucinelli are hard to beat. Expertly crafted in Italy, slip these on over a pair of fine merino socks for immediate podalic bliss. The soft, deep black suede also makes these a fine choice for eveningwear occasions.
05. The throwback CELINE HOMME loafer
If you like your footwear with a bit of flair, CELINE HOMME have gone all out with these lizard-scale suede loafers, complete with kiltie (more usually seen on brogues and Oxfords) and chain-link plaque. They’re a little bit 1970s sleaze, a little bit glamour, but mostly a refreshing contemporary take on the traditional design.
06. The iconic Gucci horsebit loafer
No loafer collection would be complete without Gucci’s iconic horsebit design. The brand first introduced the double ring and bar from a horse’s bridle in 1953 to evoke the equestrian lifestyle popular among its clientele, and it has since become a hallmark of its footwear and accessories collections. This pair, in simple black and burnished gold, will outlast even the most enduring trends.
07. The everyday ZEGNA loafer
For day-to-day wear, a meticulously crafted, sturdy pair of penny loafers that are just the right balance between chunky and sleek are a must – and luckily, ZEGNA has got us covered. Crafted from supple leather on a hard-wearing rubber sole, the band swaps the usual penny slot for the brand’s L’Asola cut-out, named after the buttonhole detail on tailored suits.
