Loafers were first worn by the English during the 19th century when King George IV had Wildsmith in London design a shoe for him. The King wanted a shoe that would be comfortable indoors, but the shoe soon used outside, too. Another Norwegian who traveled to America in the 19th century also contributed to the style of the shoe.
Goodyear-welted loafers
The Goodyear-welted construction of loafers and other shoes is a hallmark of superior quality. This process involves 150 separate steps and can take up to four weeks to complete by hand. The result is a pair of shoes that will last for years. This process is considered the best way to build shoes and boots and was developed by Charles Goodyear Jr. in the 1870s.
Goodyear-welted loafers often made of premium leather. The leathers used are rich in grain and texture and are suitable for warmer weather. The leather is supple and does not feel spongy. It is also not over-extend and dumpy, making it a perfect match for summer-appropriate styles.
Driving loafers
Driving loafers are the ideal shoe for any casual or semi-formal occasion. Their snug, flexible fit provides comfort and can help relieve stress on your feet. They are also extremely stylish, making them a great choice for any occasion, from a backyard barbecue to a semi-formal work function. This footwear is also easy to slip on and off. They have rubber bumps on the soles to increase friction and traction. They are also lace-less, so you can go sockless without any worries.
Driving loafers have a distinctive European design and carry connotations of privilege and sophistication. They make the perfect part of a contemporary preppy wardrobe and are a great choice for warm-weather resort wardrobes. They go well with madras or seersucker shorts and a classic cotton button-down shirt. A classic pair of Clubmaster sunglasses will complete the look perfectly.
Henri Bendel’s loafers
Loafers are one of Henri Bendel’s most popular items, and there are several reasons why. They are comfortable and look stylish. They are also available in many different styles and colors, which makes them a great option for any occasion. The leather used in Henri Bendel’s loafers is also highly durable.
These shoes are made by hand and are hand-tailored for men and women. They come in many colors and materials and are trimmed with the designer’s signature bow. The highly coveted and collectors’ items and are often copied by other designers. They are sold at many outlets around the world, and the Henri Bendel headquarters at 60 East 56th Street. Since 1954, the company has changed hands several times.
G.H. Bass Weejuns
Classic loafers are a wardrobe staple and G.H. Bass has just updated the classic design with a contemporary feel. The brand’s ‘Weejuns 90s loafers feature a chunky EVA sole and supple suede construction. The branded shoe made from high-quality materials and features hand-stitched seams.
Bass was originally known for making aviators’ boots and ski boots, which were often used during Arctic expeditions. His famous Weejun loafer was first produced in 1936. It was inspired by the moccasin style and featured a leather strap across the vamp and a diamond-shaped cutout in the heel. He named the shoe after himself, and the style became a hit.
Henri Bendel’s Weejuns
A style of loafers that is instantly recognizable as American has been around for decades. Originally a Norwegian design, the Weejun loafer made popular in the U.S. during the preppy years. They made with a leather saddle strap with a pocket big enough to insert a penny. A similar style made popular by the Duke of Windsor, who would wear a brown and white two-tone Penny Loafer with his suits.
The design of these shoes originated in the 1930s. They were introduce by the G.H. Bass shoe company in New Hampshire. The Weejun loafers were so popular that the company bought two old shoe factories in Belgium and began manufacturing men’s loafers. This is how the style got its name. Bass named the loafers ‘Weejuns’ because they sounded like Norwegians. Another distinctive element of the Weejun loafer was a leather strip that ran across the saddle with a diamond-shaped cutout.
Henri Bendel’s Wildsmith loafer
A loafer is a casual shoe with a low-laceless construction. The style has many distinguishing features. The Wildsmith Loafer, for example, features a serrated seam and reinforced toe box, and vertical stitching around the toe. The shoe originally originated in Norway, where Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger crafted the shoe from a native American moccasin and local fisherman’s shoes. This style features a narrow cutout on the saddle and a raised seam on the upper.
The Wildsmith Loafer was originally design for indoor use but soon became popular for casual outdoor wear. The style was originally introduce by a Norwegian shoemaker in Aurland, Norway.
