Alden unlined is key.

 

Alden suede flex welt penny's. They're like slippers

 

Shoes trees are essential, however, multiple pairs in rotation really is the best way to avoid odor issues.

Alden LHS in calf or suede are heavenly without socks.

 

Of course there's also Belgian Shoes, but that's a different thread.

Different, indeed. If you can talk me into slummin' it with a Stella Artois, we can talk about Belgian Shoes!

(Craft guy here)

 

Rancourt. And get some cedar shoe trees for them.

Try their pinch penny.

 

I like wearing just about any shoe without socks (I know, the press is going to have a field day), but I like wearing anything with more give better than a more structured shoe. For work I'll often wear a hard-bottom tassel loafer or a BB unlined LHS (which is really still a pretty substantial shoe - possibly owing to the cordovan material), but my favorite is my Cole Haan bit loafers. I've beat them to hell and they're barely distinguishable from boat shoes in feel. At this point I feel like the bit on them is like a pair of marble lions in front of a raised ranch.

I'd highly recommend looking for something that's not only made from a soft leather, but also has a thinner sole. The Cole Haan bits fit this to a T. From looking over the Gucci's they're based on they also seem to be similarly constructed.

Of course there's also Belgian Shoes, but that's a different thread.

 

Get some plain Dr. Scholl, or generic, insoles, and powder your feet pre-wearing, no matter what brand. My shell LHSs from Brooks are surprisingly comfortable

 

Rancourt. And get some cedar shoe trees for them.