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Penny loafers. J.M. Weston 180 vs. Alden. Or suggest something better.

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16K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  prospero1b  
#1 ·
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?
 
#3 ·
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.
 
#4 · (Edited)
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.

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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
 
#9 · (Edited)
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