The Lowly Loafer

[funneman]

I've recently been wearing my black loafers a lot and began to wonder exactly when did the loafer come into existence.

Is there room in a vintage inspired wardrobe for the lowly black loafer.

Anyone have vintage pictures?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

There absolutely is room!


Black, brown and oxblood loafers have been popular in the U.S. since the mid 1930s. Back then, ads for 'Weejuns (and other brands) showed up all the time in Esquire magazine. Carey Grant wore them!


I have an oxblood vintage pair with unusual stitch detailing: the patent date is 1948. They're just about my favorite vintage shoes. Remind me to take and post photos.

.

 

[Alex Oviatt]

Lowly loafer? What would Gene Kelly say to that? Nothing Low about loafers.

 

[thunderw21]

More like the Lovely Loafer.

 

[YETI]

Recently Sold On Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150367331871&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have the exact same pair also bought deadstock, but in a sz 10.

 

[funneman]

Thanks for the great responses.

I had no idea loafers were so popular and for so long.

Yeti, those two tones are stunning.

The shoes in question:

The Florsheim Richfield Slip On

Any vintage vibe here at all?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Yes: a 1970s vintage vibe that carries over into the '80s.

.

 

[BellyTank]

Was waiting for that- glad you did it.


B
T

 

[funneman]

Yes: a 1970s vintage vibe that carries over into the '80s.

.

Ouch!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Didn't mean to hurt, but it's the truth IMO.


.

 

[Tomasso]

but it's the truth
.

Still, you should feel guilty. [bad]

 

[dhermann1]

Penny loafers

Believe it or not, this shoe type started out as Norwegian fishermen's shoes. The name "Weedgin" is a corruption of Norwegian. I imagine they go back at least to the 19th century. Their popularity in the US goes back at least to the 1930's.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

'Weejun.


.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I have a LOT of loafers but these Ballys are probably my favorite:

 

[Tomasso]

I love loafers and have many pairs but they're not the best choice if there is any serious amount of walking (for me, over three miles) on the agenda. Toes being jammed into the toe box ain't my idea of fun.[huh]

 

[Cigarband]

Toes being jammed into the toe box ain't my idea of fun.[huh]

Get smaller toes.:eusa_doh:

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Get smaller toes.:eusa_doh:

Are you Cinderella's stepmother?

.

 

[Tomasso]

Get smaller toes.:eusa_doh:

Or how bout I don't even walk.


Happy?

 

[funneman]

Maybe someone would be kind enough to share some pics with us so
we have an idea of what we should be looking for when shopping.

 

[repeatclicks]

Churchs, Loake, Barker, Jones, and Bass all make perfectly traditional loafers.