Are loafers REALLY back?
From humble roots in native american moccasins and norwegian fishing Aurland Shoes, the loafer has found a way to fit right in with every lifestyle. There are sleek professional loafers, chunky retro penny, sporty loafer sneaker crossovers, and of course moccasin style loafer slippers. We wanted to introduce a few styles of loafers we have in this season, as well as a little bit about the history they are inspired by.
 |
The Taos Upward This color blocked loafer is inspired by the classic weejun with the strap across the top of the foot. With a sportier sole and sneaker-like comfort, this is a great shoe to pair with more professional clothing like black trousers for the workday, but would look equally as cute with a pair of jeans or a comfy skirt on the weekend. |
The classic Weejun was created by GH bass in 1934, and became popular summer shoes that were mainly worn around the home. Eventually they became more popular in men’s casual wardrobe.
Prep school kids took the now popular weejun and added a twist. Putting pennies in the little diamond shped slot that was in the strap. There are a few legends like using the pennies for phone calls, but it probably was just to look cool. This became the penny loafer style made popular in the 1950s.
Their preppy vibe was turned in their head in both the 70’s and 90’s with chunky platform and wedge style loafers.
 |
The Dansko Bel Our modern version, the Dansko Bel takes the penny loafer styling with a platform, but modernizes it by making it a mule and in a dark green oiled pull up leather. This shoe is begging to be paired with some corduroy or your favorite earth toned dresses. |
The Gucci loafer came out of the 1960’s, replacing the leather strap across the top with a metal horsebit adornment. This change really dressed up the loafer, and became so ubiquitous that the name gucci loafer applies to all loafers in this style.
 |
The Naot Halny This season’s Naot gucci loafer has a removable cork footbed for unbridled comfort, buttery soft leather, and an updated backless mule styling. These are perfect for elevating a smart suit or blouse and trouser look. |
Below are a couple more even more modern takes on the loafer:
 |
The Dansko Camdyn The Camdyn from Dansko is another dressier option we have for a loafer style. This one has side goring for a custom fit as well as easy on and off. The small block heel gives some height while still being stable and comfortable. This is a perfect shoe to pair with all of your office attire. |
 |
The Taos Rubber Soul This loafer meets sneaker from Taos is a great modern casual take on the loafer. A thicker platform sole, elastic goring, and the Taos insole, make these incredibly comfortable. The Burgundy plaid plus the styling that is reminiscent of skate shoes, gives strong 90’s nostalgia vibes. Easy to wear with jeans, and fun to wear with a little black skirt. |
We are excited about all these new takes on the classic loafer. Which style of loafer fits your vibe best?
PS- We did a facebook live with these shoes. Watch Now
