A couple things. First, I’ve grown to become anti-boat shoe. Nothing personal, but they are overplayed. I am more of a driving loafer or a penny loafer guy when opting for casual leather footwear. I have all but worn out (and re-soled) my Sid Mashburn snuff suede penny loafers. After getting them back from the shop, they are back to running on all eight cylinders.
Second, I wanted to add another pair of versatile loafers to the rotation, and after pining for the natural chromexcel beefroll penny loafers from Oak Street Bootmakers for quite some time, I pulled the trigger. The worst part: waiting six weeks for delivery. The best part: the communication from George. He was very proactive in letting me know the progress of my shoes, and even got them out a week or so early. It was a risk ordering these directly from the Internets, but after their arrival, I knew it was a risk worth taking.
The first thing I noticed about the loafers was the high level of craftsmanship. They are very sturdy, but not heavy (I went shagging in them last weekend). The fit was spot on (thanks, Ryan), and the chromexcel leather looks and feels outstanding. The toe box is narrow enough for me – I prefer a smaller toe box to avoid the Ronald McDonald look.
The leather is aging nicely. I have worn these with jeans (selvage, tan, and gray), khakis, and shorts. They work perfectly in casual situations as well as in a ‘dressy’ business casual environment. Any scratches have buffed out with minimal elbow grease. I’m excited to see how these look after they get some serious play.
All in all, I am more than satisfied. For $318 I got a pair of American-made loafers that have timeless style and can be repaired. I expect to rinse and repeat that process for years to come.
Jay- How is the fit? I was told to size down between a half to a full size? Any suggestions? I have been looking at getting a pair myself for some while.
All the best.
I own a pair in blue. I concur with all of your remarks. I always receive numerous complements from random people when I wear mine. Order a size down if you plan on wearing sans socks — I own a 10.5 and typically wear an 11 or 11.5 in Alden.
We need to support our American made manufacturers when possible!
i am searching for some natural leather high-top loafers ( not penny) like i had in the 60’s. do you or anyone make them? chukka-boot height bill
I would like to buy some Tan Shell Cordoval Beefroll Penny Loafers. Also some other shoes as well. Please send catalog, email or web site with all items.
Melvin Hiller
252 Cobblecreek
Farmington, UT 84025
Snagged these last week, and trying to break them in! I’m in a bit of pain but the sales folk said that was normal, and they look incredible. Can’t wait until they’ve softened up a bit. Any idea about how long that might take with about a week or two of wear?
I bought a pair of the natural penny loafers a little less than a year ago. These are by far the best shoes I’ve ever owned! The leather is outstanding, the craftsmanship is outstanding, and the fit is wonderful! I had to return the first pair I ordered because I didn’t get the size right and the return process was seamless!