I Tried 10 Pairs Of Lug-Sole Loafers: A Deep Dive
I’ve been digging lug-sole loafers for a number of years now. I did my first lug-sole-loafer try-on again in 2021 and realized what a cute different these sneakers are to the sneakers I’m continually sporting and the boots which are in excessive rotation too. Lug-sole loafers have that nod to the traditional aesthetic I like — however with a chunky, trendy sole that provides the edginess I all the time need in play.
The pair I discovered in my earlier search are nonetheless the outfit-making sneakers I discovered them to be again then. However sadly, they aren’t stocked anymore, and I noticed they’ve a barely smaller profile than I would like for 2023. The only is lugged however not a lot of a platform, they usually aren’t fairly as badass as a few of the types I’m seeing proper now. So, it’s time for an replace!
Right here’s the breakdown of my seek for the very best lug-sole loafers this time round. If you wish to get proper to it and examine them out for your self, I’ve categorized them beneath. Scroll alongside after although if you wish to see a try-on of every pair, styled up with outfits I’d truly put on with them. Oh, and every pair will get its personal close-up second too, so you may see the stunning particulars.
My favourite pair of all the try-on? Most likely Vagabond’s Kenova loafers. They’re traditional and versatile. However relying on what you’re searching for and your funds, these Gucci loafers might simply be a high contender too. In the event you can swing the designer price ticket, do it. They’re so good, associates.
Vagabond Loafers
If you wish to skip forward to see varied sections, use these leap hyperlinks:
Excessive-Finish & Designer Loafers | Mid-Priced Lug-Sole Loafers | Lug-Sole Loafers Underneath $150
Excessive-Finish & Designer Lug-Sole Loafers
Let’s dive in to the pricier choices, we could? These is likely to be only a little (or rather a lot, ha) out of your funds, however gah, in the event that they aren’t cool.
1. Gucci Leather-based Lug-Sole Horsebit Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Saks Fifth Avenue | at Gucci | at Bloomingdale’s
I imply, why not begin with the Gucci loafers, eh? I notice this isn’t going to be the pair most individuals (together with myself) are going to think about as an possibility, however GOSH, if you happen to can swing it do it. For the small print. THE DETAILS.
Type: Tremendous-chunky sole, superb and exquisite. The bee on the again is what kills me. Positively the chunkiest/widest toe I attempted on, so much less of a traditional fashion and extra on-trend for certain.
Match: Kinda arduous to get on, so perhaps don’t give them a go if in case you have a excessive instep. I don’t, and it took some work, however as soon as I had them on… OH MY. Beautiful on the foot and simply extremely nicely made, as you’d anticipate. True to measurement.
related blazer | shirt | related Levi’s | Gucci loafers
2. Chloé Noua Leather-based Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Saks Fifth Avenue | at Nordstrom
I like Chloé. It’s most likely one among my favourite higher-end designers, however these Noua loafers had been so disappointing. They’re pretty to take a look at, however I’m undecided I dig the stitching, particularly in individual. These are actually stiff leather-based and in addition arduous to get in your foot, just like the Gucci pair.
As soon as these had been on although, it wasn’t the identical love affair because the pair above. They’re extremely crafted however simply not comfy in any respect, IMO. I think about they’d break in with put on, however to me these aren’t value that effort OR the value level. Unhappy. However c’est la vie.
Type: Very traditional (too traditional with the stitching?), superbly crafted.
Match: Onerous to get on however true to measurement. Very stiff leather-based. Not good for top insteps.
shirt | related Levi’s | bag | Chloé loafers
Mid-Priced Lug-Sole Loafers
Now, we’re moving into the “extra inexpensive” class. Chunky loafers that aren’t designer however are nonetheless strong decisions.
3. Coach Leah Platform Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Nordstrom | at Zappos | at Coach | at Dillard’s
These platform Coach loafers are one among my very favourite pairs I attempted. I haven’t tried a ton of Coach sneakers, however the few pairs I’ve tried are actually pretty. I’m now going to particularly embody them in additional of my try-ons as a result of I’m so impressed. I rapidly returned these (it’s overwhelming when you may have so many pairs of sneakers in your home, heh), however I feel I’ll reorder as a result of I’ve been considering of them ever since!
Type: A little bit mod and retro, however subtly so. Additionally they are available in brown and black. Considered one of my favourite pairs!
Match: True to measurement and really comfortable out of the field. Felt nice on.
related blazer | related tee | related Levi’s | Coach loafers
4. Vagabond Kenova Penny Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Nordstrom | at Zappos | at Amazon
This Kenova fashion of penny loafers from Vagabond is one other high contender in my e-book, and I nonetheless have them in my possession (deciding on which to maintain). These do run somewhat giant — Euro sizing, and I’m a real US 8…chances are you’ll know that subject. I feel with a heel grip or socks they’d be excellent, however I want they got here in half sizes.
In the event you like this model too and desire a bit trendier fashion, the Cosmo loafers get nice opinions.
Type: Chunky sole, however actually traditional penny-loafer higher. Versatile and could be an awesome funding since they most likely received’t exit of favor as quickly as a few of the different sneakers.
Match: Runs somewhat huge, however true Euro sizing (no half sizes). In any other case actually comfy and nicely made.
shirt | related Levi’s | bag | Vagabond loafers
5. Madewell Greenwich {Hardware} Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Zappos (on sale) | at Shopbop
The Madewell Greenwich loafers are $158 at full worth however are on sale proper now for $119! I wasn’t certain which class to incorporate them in, however these barely lugged loafers are crafted like a higher-end/mid-priced pair, so right here they sit — even tho price-wise they match within the remaining class of Underneath $150.
If you would like a black pair with some fab particulars, these lug-sole loafers are for you. The gold {hardware} is gorgeous, and the black crocodile texture provides some cool curiosity. I’ve all the time been impressed with the standard of Madewell’s sneakers, and these are not any exception.
Type: Barely extra traditional however have a contact of edgy glam, with the {hardware} and patent-leather fake croc.
Match: True to measurement and fairly comfortable proper out of the field. A very strong selection!
sweater (M) | shirt | related Levi’s | Madewell loafers
6. Rag & Bone Halona Lug-Sole Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Nordstrom | at Bloomingdale’s | at rag & bone
I like rag & bone. It’s by far one among my favourite manufacturers, together with AllSaints and Clare V. However these Halona loafers had been somewhat too odd of a combo for me. (Haha, that’s saying rather a lot.) They appear super-cute on, and the only real is enjoyable, however they’re shinier in individual than they give the impression of being on-line, and I’m undecided whether or not I like that or not.
The principle subject right here, although, was the squeak of the only real. I do suppose it might subside over time, however can I actually be certain? It was annoying to stroll even from my workplace to the entrance mirror, haha. For the value level, I don’t suppose these are value it, however they do look cool in photos!
Type: Kinda funky, kinda sporty, however with patent leather-based…they’re arduous to categorize. I do like the marginally increased heel on these in contrast with many of the others, however eh. Idk.
Match: Fairly comfortable on the foot and true to measurement. Carrying a 38.5, my true Euro measurement.
related sweater | related Levi’s | rag & bone loafers
7. Mild Souls Brenda Platform Idler
The place To Purchase: at Zappos | at Nordstrom | at Mild Souls
OK, if you happen to’re searching for consolation, these platform lug-sole loafers are those for you. Personally, although, I don’t love that they’ve a smaller profile than the remainder of the loafers I attempted. I feel they aren’t actually fairly in the identical class of favor, however they’re so comfortable and nice on the ft. And that is positively a flexible shade.
Type: Look extra like a conventional consolation shoe than the opposite pairs right here. The black pair may learn extra trendy on, however they’re low in inventory.
Match: True to measurement and super-cushiony!
related sweater | related Levi’s | bag | Mild Souls loafers
Lug-Sole Loafers Underneath $150
My favourite class…sneakers beneath $150.
8. Nordstrom Trinity Lug-Sole Loafers
The place To Purchase: at Nordstrom
This pair of loafers from Nordstrom’s in-house line was the very best shock! They seemed attention-grabbing on-line, however once I opened them up I used to be uncertain in the event that they had been completely my fashion. However then I put them on, and gosh, how cute are they?! They do have somewhat bit extra of a female vibe, however I’m loving it.
They arrive in a number of colours and are solely $89. These lug-sole loafers are true gems.
Type: Female and stylish however nonetheless with a reasonably chunky sole. Additionally they are available in black and a blush/peach shade.
Match: True to measurement and surprisingly comfortable out of the field.
related sweater | related Levi’s | bag | Nordstrom loafers
9. Dr. Martens Adrian Loafers
The place to purchase: at Zappos
Fellow Doc Marten followers, these Adrian loafers are so enjoyable. They positively have a real vibe — as all Docs do — however I like them. If I wanted much more white loafers in my closet, I’d’ve saved these, however alas, I don’t put on loafers fairly usually sufficient to warrant a number of pairs of the identical shade.
These do run somewhat giant, so measurement down if you happen to plan to put on them with out socks. These too had been somewhat difficult to get on at first, however they’re created like all the opposite Docs I’ve had: actually strong development and a heavy sole.
Type: Very Doc Marten, funky-fun-slightly-punk. They’ve an old-man vibe/thrift-shop-purchase factor I actually like.
Match: Run barely huge and somewhat bit difficult to get on, however as soon as they’re on, they’re Docs. And if you realize them, you’re keen on them.
sweater (M) | related Levi’s | Dr. Martens loafers
10. Franco Sarto Carolynn Lug-Sole Loafers
The place to purchase: at Nordstrom
Final, however positively not least, are this pair I already owned from Franco Sarto. These are super-cute if you’d like a patent-leather pair. They’ve lovable tassels too, and the shine is enjoyable so as to add only a little bit of glam to your outfits. Scotti has this pair in a very fairly navy.
Type: A pleasant smaller-profile higher however chunky sole — this combo is nice and simply wearable IMO. The patent leather-based is a enjoyable, sorta-glam-ish possibility relating to loafers.
Match: These match barely smaller. I discover patent leather-based has to essentially be worn rather a lot to interrupt in a bunch or loosen up extra, so I’d measurement up half a measurement — particularly if you happen to’re between sizes or plan to put on with socks.
related blazer | related tee | related Levi’s | Franco Sarto loafers
The place To Purchase: at Dillard’s | a number of left at Donald Pliner
This Donald Pliner pair seems to be SO good on-line. They’re the one mule fashion I attempted, so I included them as a bonus pair for that motive. (Plus, 10 is simply such a pleasant spherical quantity for a title.) The opposite motive these are the “bonus” pair, although, is that…they don’t keep in your ft. BOO.
I used to be so stoked to get these cuties, they usually LOOK so cute, however you simply can’t stroll in them wherever. They don’t come again in your foot sufficient, and the tongue that comes out previous the remainder of the higher simply doesn’t present stay-on energy. They aren’t very nicely stocked, both, so I suppose it’s OK for everybody studying that I’m not giving them a glowing evaluate. I used to be simply so looking forward to these!
related blazer | related tee | related Levi’s | Donald Pliner loafers
How I’d Put on Socks + Loafers (Perhaps)
I needed to incorporate a few pics of some sock combos I attempted right here, simply to present a tiny little bit of an concept of how two of my favourite pairs may look with socks. I noticed I don’t have fairly the proper socks to go together with them, however whereas I assumed I used to be vehemently towards this development…ehh, I kinda prefer it!
What I AM vehemently towards for myself (different peeps, you rock it) is the intense white socks with black loafers. I simply can’t. Too a few years sporting that as a dressing up for college and church ’50s occasions, I feel. But in addition, that’s a tough factor to drag off while you’re shorter. It actually cuts the road of the leg, so darker socks with darker loafers, gentle socks with gentle loafers it’s.
related sweater | related Levi’s | Coach loafers
I’m kinda smirking, however truly I like this. I imply, you may’t actually go mistaken with lightning-bolt socks. I feel I simply want a special high or sweater right here to mix higher with the whiter sneakers.
This look beneath, however, is simply too “Billie Jean” for me. I feel maybe with the olive blazer and barely totally different darkish socks, although, this is able to work too!
related sweater | related Levi’s | Vagabond loafers | sparkly socks
As all the time, I hope this try-on session has been useful! However as for myself, nicely I’ve correctly confused…myself. Haha. There are some actually nice lug-sole loafers to select from proper now. I really feel like there should’ve been a restock or launch of recent types in simply the previous month or so, as a result of this previous fall, I couldn’t discover a ton to evaluate.
I’d think about it’s the promise of spring coming that has offered this plethora of choices for us now! Hooray! Lug-sole loafers are one among my favourite spring types to put on to complete off my outfits.
Additionally, as all the time, let me know if there’s a pair of lug-sole loafers that you just adore that I missed this time round.
xo,
L
Need to sustain with all the things else I’m into? Pop over to my Instagram @laurajansenstyle the place I like speaking about meals, sharing OOTDs, posting journey pics and chatting on a regular basis mom-life-stuff from Portland, Oregon. Oh, and plenty of sarcastic memes and cute pet movies as a result of what’s social media with out loads of these. xoxo
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