I know JM Weston are well made, but I just don't like them. They're just too clunky and I think you can get what you want for much less with Alden.

In fact, for the price of the JM Weston calfskin, you can get a shell cordovan Alden penny loafer. You may also want to consider Crockett & Jones:

 

My first thought for new loafers was Westin since I've heard great things about the 180s, but I've never owned the brand before. The three Aldens that I own are fantastic shoes, but I've never owned any of their loafers. I'm also looking at the Crockett & Jones Harvard loafer in cordovan; a little bit more money, unlined, and beautiful.

If I do Alden, it would be cordovan.

 

My old Allen Edmonds loafers are finally falling apart and I want something new, but not in the Lobb/Green prince range. Don't want re-crafting. Traditional, preppy, penny loafers in burgundy, leather or cordovan.

What say you?

I have one pair of Weston shoes (Suede monk.) and it's one of the finest pair of shoes I own, and fitted at the store, they're very comfortable. I think I know the last shapes that SG 67, prefers, so I would understand him finding the 180 clunky. My preferences are far more traditional, and I consider them classic. However, at the prices I saw via a quick check, it sounds to me as if they're coming close to pushing EG prices, and certainly exceed other fine shoes like C&J.

I haven't had a lot of luck getting Alden shoes to fit that well, something about my heel being too narrow for their lasts, and while they're good shoes, (And I have 2 pair.) I don't believe they approach the quality of Weston.

I don't have any, but have you considered Rancourt? Members who've tried them seem to love them. They're a traditional hand-sewn, if that's not too rustic, and U.S. made penny. And their dressiest is calf and leather lined. They're less than 1/2 the price of the Weston shoe.

https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/men-s/loafers/penny-loafers/weltline-penny-loafer-calfskin.html

 

Alden shell cordovan or Rancourts.


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^^
Were the choice mine and it was between the shoes mentioned above, it would be, hands down, the Alden shell cordovan penny loafers!

 

I'm digging those Kudu suede penny loafers on the Rancourt website.

 

My vote would be for JM Weston. I really like that last, just ordered a second pair of their 180s. I think their quality control, manufacturing, soles, etc are a notch above Alden. Both models seem like classics though so you won't go wrong either way.

 

Rancourt

I have two pairs of Rancourt beefroll penny loafers; one pair in CXL with their montello mini lug sole and the other in tan calf with leather soles. They are the best replacement I could find for the now discontinued USA-made LLBean beefroll loafers, several pairs which I wore out. I have bought other styles of Rancourt shoes and expect to buy more.

Their customer service is excellent. I discussed my initial purchase with the son of the owner who happened to answer the phone when I called. He arranged for slight tweeking of the volume of one of the shoes. When I have since called to place an order the sales person has made reference to the modification and asked if I wanted it on the pair I was ordering.

I have no connection with the company beyond that of a highly satisfied customer.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Gurdon

 

Thanks for the replies/suggestions!

 

Loafers? It has to be Crockett and Jones. I'd go for the Bury or the Sydney. Sadly, I don't think either comes in burgundy.