Are these loafers too weird?
Looking to dip my toes into the loafer waters given the season, and came across these. Obviously, the distinct color makes them not super versatile for a first/early pair, but the color combo is my style. That said, I'm not sure if the colors/style is too much and would clash too frequently when trying to build an outfit with them in it. Appreciate any thoughts or guidance
Edit: oh and generally looking used so that might limit my options (though there are plenty of used plain ol brown or black loafers, like these: https://www.grailed.com/listings/38148923-polo-ralph-lauren-polo-sport-ralph-lauren-brown-boat-shoes-loafer-9-5d?g_aidx=Listing_by_listing_quality_production&g_aqid=38ab7a392d839966e34831d7bae00b82)
P.S. Is something like this hitting the same color profile with more versatility? https://russellmoccasin.com/collections/seconds/products/seconds-lake-loafer
11 Replies
Honestly I fear so
I think they’re not weird enough tbh. They land in a weird middle ground where they’re kinda wonky but would be better with a more fun sole and kilties or something.
I’m also still just a boat shoe hater so my advice is to avoid the white soles entirely
wouldn't go with boat shoes as my first loafer but that's just personal preference
without the white soles I fear these might go hard tho
it just pulls them into actual grandpa territory
allen edmond nashuas are similarly two-toned but the darker sole and less obtrustive stitching would probably slot into fits easier
I think I like moccasins, design wise and cause its an american design which is cool to me, and it seems like boat shoes are a common similar style. Ive seen moccasins but not as many. Maybe I should just limit my searches more?
got it, yeah something more subdued would be more versatile. ty for the specific rec. i am still a big fan of the color combo in the original, but im realizing that i think it would be too hard to pair with, esp given my current lack of an extensive wardrobe
as you mentioned boat shoes are firmly American heritage/ivy/preppy coded but unlike penny loafers they're so strongly associated with that aesthetic that you kinda have to lock in
historically these were bestwr shoes worn on boats. it might be worth exploring that aesthetic in detail if you're into it (take ivy, old ll bean/vineyard vines ads, etc) to see how they can be worn
appreciate the guidance! am i right in thinking that actual moccasins (maybe camp mocs too?) avoid being strictly in the ivy style?
regular and camp mocs are both firmly coded in that ivy/new england/heritage americana (non-western) space
that's not to say it's a bad thing if you like the style. i would choose a loafer based on the style of clothes you like wearing; if you haven't figured out what that is it's worth exploring
Here's a pair I'd consider sufficiently weird
https://www.yuketen.com/ready-to-wear/maine-guide-ox-db-with-2021-bandana-quatro
I find leather shoes that aren't brown, black, tan, dark burgundy/color 8, etc. to be quite difficult to wear unless you go plenty weird and to me a fairly traditional boat shoe just in a green suede isn't it. But that's just my personal taste.
There's probably a decent amount that will pop up used from Rancourt, Quoddy, Russell, Yuketen, Oak Street Bootmakers, and tons of others on ebay since almost every American brand ever has white-labeled Made in Maine moccasins
YUKETEN
Maine Guide Ox DB with 2021 - Bandana Quatro — YUKETEN
Opera’s Bandana Printed Suede + Full Grain Flesh-Out Leather Tanned in Toscana, Italy Leather Insole + Leather Tuck + Shank + Memory Foam + Arch Support Outsole-Grade Leather Midsole + Rubber Midsole + Vibram’s USA-Made Christy Sole Genuine Cow Hide Leather Shoelace Hand-Lasted and Hand-
Got it. Interesting to me that regular mocs are as well. But I guess heritage+new england does have some native (americana) influence too. I lean a bit into heritage and think Im trying to get a bit into new england/ivy, but without too much prepiness. So Ill balance my moc looking with some broader loafers
Definitely odd enough to make a statement, and I get the idea. Thanks for the input