https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:37:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399421 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 05:03:49 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2399421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Karie</b>, I feel for you, because I think loafers would be a fab look for you.&nbsp;Alas, our feet have different ideas sometimes!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lyn67</b>, it's fun to read about how well loafers suit you and your style. I love oxfords and sneakers! Every once in a while it's fun to venture out. Now that I've found some loafers, maybe you'll come across a pair of oxfords or sneakers that seem just right for you. Or maybe not! haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399324 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:22:51 +0000 lyn67 2399324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved the saga about loafers, I&nbsp; also love them&nbsp; and they are&nbsp; easy to fit for me so they've got my fave style for closed toe shoes for colder season other than boots. Classic low wamp ballet flats are not my thing (too feminine and flimsy on me) and neither are the&nbsp; lacey oxfords(too adroginous and stiff) or sneakers(too sporty and casual). So I wear&nbsp; loafers a good part of the year and have them in different weights and finishes depending on the season but like Angie I&nbsp; always wear them&nbsp; barefoot(in summer) or with knee-highs or tights (in S/F/W), never with proper socks!&nbsp;</p> <p>And, I almost forgot about&nbsp;monk straps-that was my very first and favorite kind of loafers in the 90's which I wore the same way to shorter hems (skirts and dresses).</p> <p>On the other side, sneakers for ex. just don’t fit my style or lifestyle that easy—they’re my pet peeve. I keep trying, almost like you do with loafers and sometimes I’ll settle for a pair, but they still aren’t my go-tos.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399305 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 02:33:40 +0000 Karie 2399305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate! I love loafers, but they never, never EVER, love me back. And I’ve tried and tried (or rather, tried and cried, lol). I usually can walk right out of them, or if they are a narrow width they will hurt one or both of my feet. </p> <p>I’m so glad you found a pair that works for you! My search continues… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399296 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 23:17:40 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2399296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Staysfit</b>, I've seen ads for that brand, and the shoes always catch my eye. I bet your loafers are stunning, and it's good to hear you found some that work. Your justification of the price sounds familiar to me!&nbsp;</div><div><b>Unfrumped</b>, I'm sorry to hear you've been through much the same process. I adore T-straps of many varieties. Also monk straps, for the more casual or menswear-inspired looks you might get from some loafers--but they are harder to find!</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399292 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:42:19 +0000 unfrumped 2399292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great saga! Glad you are finding some. </p> <p>Oh, woe. I used to wear loafers, when it was a bit ahead of the curve( or of the resurgence of loafers) , and it was part of my style. Then, foot and bunion issues crept in. Meaning, I have to size up gif that, but still have relatively narrow heels. So loafers won’t stay on. But I know this AFTER following version of your pathway trying different leathers, styles, all sorts of inserts. Because like Angie, I used to fit loafers just a tad smaller, or picked the brand that “ just” fit, and used soft leathers. </p> <p>Finally I have seen the light. No more loafers. Ankle - strap flats work. T strap. Now am trying to explore Mary Jane’s.<br /> These are not essential daily, but is the only way I can try to have an alternative sneakers. And certainly for dressy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399285 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:21:00 +0000 Staysfit 2399285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also struggle with loafers, ballet flats and pumps. &nbsp;Skinny ankles and heels cause most to slide off my foot as I’m walking. After trying multiple pairs, &nbsp;I &nbsp;recently purchased some metallic blue from Office of Angela Scott. &nbsp;They were expensive, and I justified the cost by telling myself that the less expensive shoes I tried did not stay on my feet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399261 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:34:07 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2399261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Lisa</b>, it's good you figured out how to get cowgirl boots to fit, because they are so fantastic for your style.</div><div><b>Bijou</b>, those shearling-lined loafers are adorable and chic! They look so cozy.</div><b>RobinF,</b> loafers are a great spring and fall shoe, in my opinion. Pretty soon it will be too chilly for them, for me, even with socks. I like booties for the ankle insulation in winter.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers/page/2#post-2399248 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:31:20 +0000 RobinF 2399248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a tale of persistence! Those last ones look beautiful, here's to many years of happy wearing!</p> <p>I love loafers and am lucky enough to wear them pretty easily. My mom had the same issue as many of you - her heel was narrow making loafers slip badly. She rarely found slip on shoes that worked. Sounds like it is a pretty common problem.&nbsp;</p> <p>My issue is right now most of my loafers are more slim than chunky and can't be worn with socks, and now that it is colder I need socks. So I have to either get a different style of loafer or go without for the winter. I'll probably stick with boots and put my loafers away until spring.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399228 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:53:40 +0000 Bijou 2399228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a love/hate relationship with loafers too. I love the look of them but find it hard to get a pair that work for me. My only loafer winner is my shearling lined loafer - as comfy as slippers and a favourite winter shoe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399202 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:34:24 +0000 Lisa 2399202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I adore the look of loafers but find them very hard to fit for many of the same reasons you've mentioned. So glad you've been able to find the right loafers for you despite many failed attempts.</p> <p>I adore cowgirl boots but they are hard for me to fit. Then I discovered boot stretching! That made all the difference for me. The two pairs I own have both been professionally stretched at the time of purchase, and it was the best decision ever. I simply cannot fit cowgirl boots off the rack, they need that extra help first.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399085 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:14:57 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2399085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Sal</b>! Maybe a pair of loafers that you'll want to try will come across your path one day. Until then, you can avoid the potential struggles of getting the fit right or keeping them on your feet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399079 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 04:51:39 +0000 Sal 2399079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your current loafers Sharan - well done on finding some that work so well for you.</p> <p>I don't have any loafers - I do like them but don't seem to buy them!&nbsp; In winter I either wear boots or sneakers, but my Mary Janes have got a lot of wear this year so maybe loafers would too.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399071 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 04:16:56 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2399071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div><b>Lisa</b> and <b>Jenni</b>, I laughed at Puddleglum and Marshwiggle, too, even though, like <b>Lisa (LJP)</b>, I was not familiar with the reference. The names are so funny and evocative. Glad to have helped inspire your closet review, Jenni!</div><div><b>LJP</b>, your loafer troubles sound familiar to me. And like you, I feel I have relatively un-fussy feet, generally.</div><div>Ah, <b>Kate</b>, I recognize the allure of a really cool-looking pair! And I'm so glad you found your sandals, especially after all the effort. It's nice when it pays off.</div><div>Ha! <b>Suz</b>, yes, hill-climbing, or stairs, can wreak havoc with some of the best sock solutions.</div><div><b>Janet</b>, those are gorgeous loafers. I will have to keep an eye out for Freda Salvador. I do find that European brands that offer a 37.5 are often a good fit for my feet. The Pedro Garcia loafers I got are 37.5.</div><div><b>Jaime</b>, glad you enjoyed the saga. I love your loafer style!</div><div><b>Joyce</b>, I like the look of your Sorels. I hope they work! The Blondos I tried were booties that have a loafer style, not an actual loafer. They are in Finds above and are called the Kaylona bootie. The sales associate said they are a knock-off of a Christian Louboutin style that came out a few years ago. He also said, though, that Blondo's quality and fit have declined since Steve Madden acquired the company (not sure when that happened). I found that interesting, because I have older Blondo boots and booties that I like a lot, and I wore out a pair of even older ones.</div><div>Aw, <b>Carol</b>, too bad you didn't like the fun Clarks as well on your feet as off them. I hope you'll enjoy the ones you got; they look sharp and current.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399067 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 03:42:11 +0000 Carol 2399067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have trouble with shoes in general. I, too, like the explosion of interesting loafers available. I got a black, chunky patent pair from Clark's--so excited for the loudness, the shininess.But it looked better off my foot than on. Ended up with this plain pair, which works fine.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399065 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 03:04:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2399065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sharan you inspired me to look at all my shoes again, along with Suz’s thread about her temporarily lost scarf and change of seasons and Encore’s editing thread. I am changing my wardrobe over a bit (lucky enough to have it all out all year but I change the order within each section) and re-inspected my 15 pairs of sandals. Several really are too worn and are going to landfill!<br /> Also my favourite shoe website is having 25% off everything and there are even some yellow loafers on there! Don’t think I like them quite as much and might not be quite emotionally ready to let my 12 year old ones go yet- but getting closer LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399064 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 02:32:00 +0000 Joyce B 2399064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is very hard to find good loafers or most shoes for that matter, I have fussy feet and can commiserate.<br /> The last ones I am working on are Sorels. So far they are pretty good although I would prefer for them to have wide widths. The leather can be broken in and the soles are grippy, all that in a light weight shoe (see photos).<br /> I think you are talking about the Blondo Penny loafers but hope it is a different pair as I got those for DD to try, may be losing hope now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399055 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 01:36:24 +0000 Jaime 2399055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I already had my coffee and enjoyed your story, and particularly your Charlie Brown reference, very much. I have had an easier time than you and loafers are one of my favorite Fall/Winter shoes. You've put together a great collection - patience and pickiness won out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399040 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 22:30:12 +0000 Janet 2399040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m glad you found some that work for you!</p> <p>I love the look of a not-too-classic loafer for me, but I share the same issue you and Suz have. They (along with pumps and ballet flats) do not stay on my heels. Oxfords or brogues work better because they lace up and the higher vamp helps keep them on my heels. But even booties and sneakers sometimes slip off my heels badly. </p> <p>My holy grail loafer is this one from Freda Salvador. That brand seems to really get my feet! This is the third pair of footwear I have bought from them. Something about the cut works much better for my feet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399039 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:51:03 +0000 Suz 2399039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No show socks -- YEP!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>But I ihave found some that work for me. Superfeet no shows with the little gripper on the heel *can* work if I buy the smallest size *and* if I do not climb too many hills.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399034 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:32:07 +0000 Kate 2399034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I commiserate!! I'm glad you finally struck gold with the Danskos and the Pedro Garcias. Hopefully the Mephistos will turn out really well for you too. I have one pair of Mephistos (sandals, not loafers), and they turned out to be workhorses for me.</p> <p>Your tale of woe regarding loafers reminded me of my determined slog this summer to find dark brown sandals. I finally did, but the back and forth of ordering and returning was wearying and expensive. (A PSA for the narrow footed among us—Mansur Gavriel slingback sandals, which I bought, run narrow, and were a great fit, but they are pricey.)</p> <p>I love loafers, but they do not love me back. Over the years I've tried many and returned the lot. Usually they are just too wide, and I've needed a variety of inserts to even approach a decent fit. I gave up.</p> <p>This fall, I've been thinking about loafers again. Just last night my eye was caught by an ad that found me for Thursday Boot Company's loafers. Never heard of the company, but I really liked the Penny Platform in burgundy, and now I can't stop thinking about them, even though my track record for loafers is abysmal. Still.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399025 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 18:14:05 +0000 LJP 2399025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also laughing at Lisa's comments - even thought I have no idea who or what the Puddlegum character is . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399024 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 18:10:28 +0000 LJP 2399024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well it seems quite a few of us have this issue. &nbsp;I like loafers a lot, but have gone on and off of them over the years for fit and comfort reasons. &nbsp;I consider myself lucky to have pretty basic feet without a lot of problems, and most footwear fits me pretty easily. Except for loafers which are always too big . &nbsp;I have one pair right now that doesn't require an insole and they are Simon's own label, in black patent soft leather. Really elegant . &nbsp;The other 3-4 pair I have all require a combination of socks and insoles to snug them up . Sizing down doesn't help . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399023 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 18:03:37 +0000 Jenni NZ 2399023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not long woken up and am laughing at Lisa’s reaction about Puddleglum the Marshwiggle, one of my favourite children’s book characters especially when he got rather tipsy! “Respectobiggle”!<br /> I can’t imagine you looking like him Lisa! You’re far too refined! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399021 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:51:37 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2399021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div><b>Suz</b>, I'll be glad to share my shoe wins here. We do seem to have simliar issues with heel slippage in particular. Let me guess: you have trouble with no-show socks, too. (A whole other discussion, which I think we've had here on the forum somewhere!)</div><div><b>Jenni</b>, ballet flats with your slim pants are the perfect Audrey-inspired gamine look.&nbsp;</div><div>Ah, <b>Dee</b>, you've had your share of tribulations with loafers, I see! I'm glad you have a couple of pairs that work. They are great for your classic style.&nbsp;</div><div><b>cat2</b>, you've gained a lot of wisdom through trial and error. I have a high instep and agree about too-stiff leather and too-high vamps. I hope the new Cole Haans work out for you.</div><div><b>Ummlila</b>, thanks! Glad to hear the good review of Pedro Garcia. I have had mixed feelings about loafer styles, too. I like to have something a little funky or edgy or maybe quirky about them, to feel they are right for me, style-wise. I can see how loafers would be a bit outside your style realm. A more streamlined loafer or loafer-adjacent flat like slipper flats could work well for you. The pair of Paul Greens below are along the lines I'm thinking of. These are called loafers, but I think of them simply as flats, not loafers.&nbsp;</div><div><b>Angie</b>, thanks for your empathy! And the crown--haha! Your loafer collection is beautiful and so well suited to your style. I will probably wear the Mephistos the way you wear your loafers. I did size down a half size in them, too.&nbsp;</div><div><b>JAileen</b>, I wore penny loafers growing up, too, and never had a problem with them! I like your driving moc loafers. And of course, I'm chuckling at the missing lace!</div> </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399019 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:47:39 +0000 JAileen 2399019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have trouble with loafers, too. &nbsp;It’s funny because I wore classic penny loafers for years, starting in about 3rd or 4th grade. &nbsp;I had very big feet and there was little choice appropriate for a kid. &nbsp;(There might have been other choices, but without the internet we didn’t know what they were.) &nbsp;My mother didn’t want to send a ten year old to school in heels. &nbsp;But back then I wore the loafers with socks.</p> <p>Now I have these Minnetonka driver moccasins. &nbsp;I guess they’re kind of casual, but they stay on my feet! &nbsp;As you can see, there is a missing lace. &nbsp;Mr Skunky ate one of them - I think he thought of them as licorice. &nbsp;I had to take them to a shoe repair shop to have them replaced. &nbsp;Because of that lace, I can adjust them so they don’t come off. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399015 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:18:46 +0000 Angie 2399015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I love loafers, and they tend to love me back IF: <ul> <li>the fit is slim and refined</li> <li>I size down half a size</li> <li>they have reasonable support and sturdy soles</li> <li>I often put in an insole too</li> </ul> My loafers, which I wear barefoot or with knee-highs. Never with socks. Can't run the risk of making them too wide:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399014 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:14:33 +0000 Angie 2399014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I settled in with a cuppa, and thoroughly enjoyed the Charlie-Lucy-Football analogy as well as your excellent story telling skill :)</p> <p><b>Sharan</b>, you are impressively tenacious!!! I hereby crown you Queen Loafer Persistence. &nbsp;</p> <p>URGH! The worst part was when the loafers worked - and broke. ON HOLIDAY :(&nbsp;</p> <p>Soooo glad you eventually found the perfect pair! A happy ending. The Pedros look absolutely perfect, and work beautifully with the palettes of your wardrobe. I can see them work well with cute socks too. You have impressive sock drawers!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2399003 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:48:30 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2399003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the Pedro Garcia ones you’ve chosen. I’ve had good luck with that brand as they seem very focused on practical comfort along with style.</p> <p>I have such mixed feelings about loafers. I often find them to be wide and mannish looking on my feet (I have big feet relative to my height). However, I have liked them on others and they seem practical as a flat shoe for fall. I’ve dived back in with a sort of caramel brown pair this autumn, but despite them ticking all the trend boxes and actually fitting, and going nicely with a handbag I bought to play with them I *still* don’t love them as much as I’d hoped.</p> <p>And you know what, part of my issue with them, now that the weather feels cooler, has become the socks (as seen in Angie’s recent post). I like the loafers with cropped length pants, but not with socks *and* cropped length. I know, I know, so many images out there of loafers and white or colored socks and skirts, but they just feel so Puddleglum the Marshwiggle boat-like to me when all the attention is drawn down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2398996 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:51:22 +0000 cat2 2398996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have moderately high arches. I learned that slip ons that are cut too high up on the foot or in too rigid a leather will never work. I spent some time this summer trying to break in some ancient Stuart Weitzman loafers and LK Bennett espadrilles that had been lurking in my closet unworn, but could never get them to fit comfortably. I have also been stung recently by lug soles. I absolutely hate how they look, but in a fit of desperation bought moderate ones from brands I can usually wear. I found them horribly uncomfortable. Including the brown Cole Haan pair that was supposed to be my new fall go to. I now have some different Cole Haans on order that have a more 70s look with a lower vamp, much less bossy leather and a normal sole. Fingers crossed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-journey-with-loafers#post-2398995 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:12:13 +0000 Dee 2398995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is quite the loafer style journey, glad you were finally able to source some great options to enjoy.</p> <p>I love loafers too, they work so well for my style, but like you, its always quest to find pairs that will work over the long haul. Some look so promising at the start but often they have to donated in the end. Its mostly to do with the toe box not being wide enough or the right shape, or seams pinching my big toe on one foot, or not enough of arch support or padding and I end up with plantar fasciitis. Some loafers turn out to be too heavy to wear after awhile, too.</p> <p>I have two pairs in my closet that seem sufficient to my needs. They aren't as stylish as I would like but my feet seem to approve of them so far. </p>