Im thinking of getting a pair of em.
With what outfit would they go best? And what color?
With what outfit would they go best? And what color?
Horse bit loafers?
Stan
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Totally depends on the color/leather/sole style you prefer.
I own black Gucci calfskins with a leather sole and brown Gucci suedes with rubber lug soles.
Obviously the latter are significantly more casual. The latter I wear with anything from moleskin and flannel trousers to jeans, casual cords and chinos.
The calfskins, to me, are dressier. I do wear mine to the office though some people I know think they're a little too "I'm wearing Gucci loafers to the office," if you get my drift.
I have found that over the last year, I've been wearing black shoes less and less and these in particular.
I think I've seen a newer Gucci version with a shorter vamp (as well as Cole Haans that are similar). To my taste, these shoes look too "slippery" and frivolous and would never own them.
Horsebit loafers showing too much sock (or skin) is a little too Vegas and Boca for my taste.
I don't personally think the Guccis are particularly well made, but they are extremely comfortable. Gucci will not refurbish shoes which is also a knock, so while you can get them re-soled by a local cobbler, they are never the same and the shoes must, there, be viewed as somewhat disposable.
I own black Gucci calfskins with a leather sole and brown Gucci suedes with rubber lug soles.
Obviously the latter are significantly more casual. The latter I wear with anything from moleskin and flannel trousers to jeans, casual cords and chinos.
The calfskins, to me, are dressier. I do wear mine to the office though some people I know think they're a little too "I'm wearing Gucci loafers to the office," if you get my drift.
I have found that over the last year, I've been wearing black shoes less and less and these in particular.
I think I've seen a newer Gucci version with a shorter vamp (as well as Cole Haans that are similar). To my taste, these shoes look too "slippery" and frivolous and would never own them.
Horsebit loafers showing too much sock (or skin) is a little too Vegas and Boca for my taste.
I don't personally think the Guccis are particularly well made, but they are extremely comfortable. Gucci will not refurbish shoes which is also a knock, so while you can get them re-soled by a local cobbler, they are never the same and the shoes must, there, be viewed as somewhat disposable.
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I'm glad to hear they worked out well for you. We need a report with pics. How do you think they compare with AE, etc.?
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with a darted zenganese aramiesque suit. in pink.
sorry to be so snarky, but the bit belongs in the horse's mouth (i'm setting myself up here) not on your shoes. Nor a pony on your shirt.
I know I'm in the minority here, but not trad my my measure.
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I like them. They don't seem as substantial as AE though because they are not welted from what I can tell.
Here's some pictures taken whilst in pajamas. Sorry for my bad photo skills.
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Alden, AE, and Gucci all make acceptable horsebit loafers.
Horsebit loafers are de rigueur among certain financial professionals. I've been informed by different young women on two (2) separate occasions that she "doesn't go for the type of guy who wears Gucci loafers." Their loss, eh?
The Footjoys look too pointed for my taste.
Horsebit loafers are de rigueur among certain financial professionals. I've been informed by different young women on two (2) separate occasions that she "doesn't go for the type of guy who wears Gucci loafers." Their loss, eh?
The Footjoys look too pointed for my taste.
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Respect? and Respect for Knickerbacker
Maybe you should just state that you don't like bit loafers and leave those who like bit loafers to wear bit loafers. A little honesty never hurt anyone, and Mr. Kinckerbacker does not like bit loafers. There is no need for him to malign those individuals who do prefer bit loafers, and there is equally no reason for those individuals who like bit loafers to malign Mr. Kinckerbacker for not liking bit loafers.
All I'm asking for is a post on the merits without any sort of name-calling. I think we can all appreciate that.
I respectfully dissent from the post above, although I question how respectful his post is intended to be when he cites a "darted zenganese aramiesque suit in pink." I think this is a wide umbrella, and from previous topics on bit loafers, I think there are a number of us who wear bit loafers. It may be me, but "respect" is the wrong word to use when you thereinafter malign the exact item you assert to "respect."
Maybe you should just state that you don't like bit loafers and leave those who like bit loafers to wear bit loafers. A little honesty never hurt anyone, and Mr. Kinckerbacker does not like bit loafers. There is no need for him to malign those individuals who do prefer bit loafers, and there is equally no reason for those individuals who like bit loafers to malign Mr. Kinckerbacker for not liking bit loafers.
All I'm asking for is a post on the merits without any sort of name-calling. I think we can all appreciate that.
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Faithful readers of the OPH will recognize that the Gucci brand is de rigueur for the preppy who likes the horse-bit loafer!
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And they are, of course, best worn sans socks, a la the late, great Lewis Grizzard!
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Jml90, your Footjoys look good. I think their toe profile is reminscent of the Alden full strap loafer. I certainly think you did well with the purchase. Footjoy is often overlooked, but I think they make a respectable shoe, and I've liked the pairs I have had.
Let's try to keep the rancor level in this thread down. I have never been a big fan of bit loafers, but Doctor Damage has softened my view on them. I can imagine myself wearing them in brown suede, I think.
Let's try to keep the rancor level in this thread down. I have never been a big fan of bit loafers, but Doctor Damage has softened my view on them. I can imagine myself wearing them in brown suede, I think.
I think his post was intended to be read with the tongue firmly planted in cheek, and found it a humorous way of giving an opinion (though, as I do not have bit loafers, I cannot pretend to speak for those who do, who may be deeply offended by the aspersions cast by Mr. Knickerbacker).
A short anecdote:
I was shoe shopping with a fried of mine and he asked me what do I think about the shoe he was holding. I said "A nice horse bit loafer." He said "That's what they are called?", and quickly put them back. I guess Gucci loafer sounds much better.
I was shoe shopping with a fried of mine and he asked me what do I think about the shoe he was holding. I said "A nice horse bit loafer." He said "That's what they are called?", and quickly put them back. I guess Gucci loafer sounds much better.
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As good as any lightweight Italian loafers, though. If you put a thin layer of rubber on the sole, they won't wear out. I have a pair of Church's loafers which are identical to classic Gucci's (sans horsebit) and I had a layer of rubber glued on the bottom (about 1 mm thick). This is virtually un-noticeable, and protects the thin soles and stitching, although no gratuitously rich man would do this as they can afford to just buy another pair.Puffdaddy said:
I guess this means I have to do the "ode to the bit loafer" thread that I promised you a while ago...I suspect everyone will be convinced when they see the beautiful photos collected... <smile>AlanC said:
DD
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Yeah, I like them, which is ll that matters at the end of the day.
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I'm afraid my judgment was clouded by a certain brown liquid that mixes exceptionally well with Coca-Cola. My post was very snarky, and Knickerbacker was just stating his opinion on the matter.
Regarding the Alden bit loafers, I do not care for the toe region. The stitching seems a little too bulky. Just my $0.02.
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I can see that. The Cape Cod versions are lighter in shape and weight. Still, I'll try on the new pairs when they're available locally.
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If you're going horse-bit go with Gucci's
As an owner six pair of Gucci's, 3 horse-bit and 3 slip ons loafers, I have strong feelings.
The standard variety (should always be black) worn w/o socks is a 'classic' but not what I would call Trad. Immensely comfortable and acceptable (w/ and w/o socks) for anything except a business suit. Mine are on their fourth set of soles; I opted for a thicker one after the 1st wore out. Despite frequent use and abuse they still look great, shine up well and have no visible defects on the uppers.
My lug sole horse-bits (still black) are even more durable and survived every-other-day use through three winters now with original soles.
However, my trendier, thin soled brown horsebit (very different from the standard) and other slip-on loafers from Gucci are less satisfying. The ones with a very thin sole and no real edge or lip at the toe, becomes scuffed on every use. Presumeably this occurs when the tip of the toe rubs against the sidewalk when walking briskly. Not recommended. I wish I had put the $$ into more Aldens shell cordovans, the price is equivalent. Even the salesperson said most of their new models are built solely to look good on the runway or to be worn once or twice by trust fund babies.
As an owner six pair of Gucci's, 3 horse-bit and 3 slip ons loafers, I have strong feelings.
The standard variety (should always be black) worn w/o socks is a 'classic' but not what I would call Trad. Immensely comfortable and acceptable (w/ and w/o socks) for anything except a business suit. Mine are on their fourth set of soles; I opted for a thicker one after the 1st wore out. Despite frequent use and abuse they still look great, shine up well and have no visible defects on the uppers.
My lug sole horse-bits (still black) are even more durable and survived every-other-day use through three winters now with original soles.
However, my trendier, thin soled brown horsebit (very different from the standard) and other slip-on loafers from Gucci are less satisfying. The ones with a very thin sole and no real edge or lip at the toe, becomes scuffed on every use. Presumeably this occurs when the tip of the toe rubs against the sidewalk when walking briskly. Not recommended. I wish I had put the $$ into more Aldens shell cordovans, the price is equivalent. Even the salesperson said most of their new models are built solely to look good on the runway or to be worn once or twice by trust fund babies.
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