There’s a huge question mark over the loafer, retro or rubbish? Cutting edge or over the top? Whatever camp you fall into, the loafer has been, well, loafing for decades. From the Small Faces to Madness. Weller to Gallagher. The notable style has always been championed but never more in the mainstream than now.
The mod shoe has made a huge resurgence of late with hipsters all over the country snapping up loafers and brogues like hot cakes. Alex Turner sporting the Ox Blood tassle brogue piqued my interest when utter disgust swiftly morphed into questionable appreciation. So, for the mods and hipsters out there, get your skinny jeans and chinos out, pop on a polo, here’s your guide to this summers loafers
1 – Cheaney & Sons – Cheltenham Tassle Welted Loafer
A bank busting £284 these are a real treat. Northampton based Cheaneys have been making beautifully crafted mens shoes for years and these tonal loafers are as refined as they come. Goodyear welted with leather uppers these shoes will be making a statement for years to come.
2 – Loakes Shoemakers – Brighton Loafer
Not unlike Cheaneys, Loakes have been forefront in shoe making in the Midlands for years. A family business now based in Kettering, Loakes’ shoes have gained some serious notoriety of late with the likes of Martin Freeman and Alex Turner sporting their shoes. The Brighton Loafers come in the traditional tassel Oxblood or as a twist, black and white. Both welted and of upper most quality with a slightly more palatable price tag of £160.
3 – Fred Perry – Brown Hawkhurst
More of a moccasin than a loafer, sleeker and more streamlined than its chunkier conterparts with its wedge sole, Fred Perry offer this shoe which just screams mod. With the iconic wreath on the heel and at a far more manageable price tag you are forfeiting the quality of a good welted shoe, but for the summer, a mod must have!
4 – Delicious Junction – Rude Boy Loafer
If the Loakes Oxblood are your bag but a little on the steep side, then these are a possible alternative. Again, you don’t have the welted sole which is guaranteeing you years of wear, but you do have an affordable and very good looking shoe. At around £80 these are your classic loafer style, hi shine oxblood. Totally affordable and totally mod.
http://www.deliciousjunction.co.uk/Rude-Boy–Oxblood%282110100%29.htm
5 – Loakes Shoemakers – Lincoln Loafer
And we’re back with Loakes’. This time the Lincoln, a shoe that wouldn’t look out of place on anyone from Steve Marriott to Liam Gallagher. Again, a price tag of £155 for a welted shoe with full leather lining is more than reasonable.
