...... and would love any opinions on the quality of the shoe and the value for the money.....

But not on how they look?

 

But not on how they look?

Absolutely -- please feel free to comment on looks as well.

 

Santonis are pretty nice and typically retail for around $500. These look to have really soft leather. So the price is good for a new pair of Santonis.
On the look, they seem a little confused. They are sleek Italian loafers but with a tassle, which is usually on more conservative-style loafers. I don't like the look too much.

 

I don't like this model.

 

Santoni quality is fine. The question is whether you like the somewhat more rounded toe in combination with the tassel. Another point is that Santoni and Ferragamo and, indeed, many Italian lines tend to be a little light in construction. Thus, they may stretch a bit to accommodate a particular foot. Keep that in mind when considering size.

 

many Italian lines tend to be a little light in construction. Thus, they may stretch a bit to accommodate a particular foot. Keep that in mind when considering size.

Would this suggest to purchase a half size smaller than normal?

 

Feet are as different as the humans to which they are attached. Sizes vary among manufacturers. So what works for some may not work for others. That said, I customarily buy loafers in European 41 or US 8, which is a half size smaller than my usual 8 1/2. If the shoes are tight at all, they will normally stretch to fit after a few wearings. Otherwise, a walk wearing dampened wool socks followed by slow drying will usually put them right. It is a trick I learned in the Army. I have found that Santonis, Ferragamos and Facconables stretch to fit with little trouble.

 

I would suggest buying true to size a bit more than buying smaller as these have a vamp that runs back up your foot fairly far and can pinch across the top of your foot if on the small side. I have a pair of Santoni FAMs in a penny loafer style and the leather on the upper feels like a glove. I think they are great shoes but they are light and subject to wear to the point that I have had mine re-soled in front of the heal in something akin to a vibram non-skid since the original leather sole is thin. I don't wear them excessively outside on pavement but not because they are flimsy, I just want them to last! The leather is butter soft and takes a shine well and as for that pair - I almost bought the twin in 10.5d (maybe from the same seller?). I think they look sharp, the color is wild and I get compliments on the simple black penny loafers I have so I would imagine those would serve you well paired with the right slacks. The only word of caution I have is that if the color is as reddish brown as the picture and not a more traditional brown then pairing them with slacks and a matching belt might be a bit trickier or more limited but at that price I personally wouldn't care that much.

 

Assuming you like the style, I don't, Santoni has at least two or more levels of quality. The FAM (hand made) is the top of the line and sells from $800 or more. most of the other shoes are in the $450-$600 range. The price is very nice if you want that shoe. I don't like a tasseled loafer that looks like it shoe be a penny loafer. This is an old style shoe imo.