Penny Loafer question

[Monsieur de Givenchy]

I have a high instep/arch. Not crazy high. I can wear Derbies/Bluchers with no problem. But on Oxfords, there is always a big triangle from bottom to top, because they don't close in a flush way.

Now, I really like penny loafers. But the few I have tried press down on the top of my foot like a torture instrument.

Is there any company that offers stylish penny loafers for people with high arches? Sizing up or going wide just makes for such a clumsy fit.

Or is bespoke the only way to go?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[krudsma]

I have a high instep/arch. Not crazy high. I can wear Derbies/Bluchers with no problem. But on Oxfords, there is always a big triangle from bottom to top, because they don't close in a flush way.

Now, I really like penny loafers. But the few I have tried press down on the top of my foot like a torture instrument.

Is there any company that offers stylish penny loafers for people with high arches? Sizing up or going wide just makes for such a clumsy fit.

Or is bespoke the only way to go?

Thanks for your advice.

Which ones have you tried? Would one with a lower vamp help? I don't have a high instep but I imagine the Alden LHS would be comfortable on pretty much anyone.

 

[JJ Katz]

A brand called "Mocassinis" ("loafers" in Italian) makes a loafer where the vamp is relatively short and the rise low; I guess they might impinge on the base of the neck of the foot less? Just speculating. I have a pair and they seem nice for the price. They are a rather narrow, FYI.

 

[ppk]

I have a high instep and narrow heels. Unfortunately, the Alden LHS is one of the worst fitting shoes for me. I would not buy online, especially if you can't return it easily. If possible, I would go to a store and try them out.

My best fitting penny loafers are Clarks, suede penny loafers and Cole Haan Pinch Penny Loafers. I got both for less than $50 off eBay. Both seem to have stitched welts.

 

[Monsieur de Givenchy]

I have a high instep and narrow heels. Unfortunately, the Alden LHS is one of the worst fitting shoes for me. I would not buy online, especially if you can't return it easily. If possible, I would go to a store and try them out.

My best fitting penny loafers are Clarks, suede penny loafers and Cole Haan Pinch Penny Loafers. I got both for less than $50 off eBay. Both seem to have stitched welts.

Thanks for this, Walter. Now, Clarks I wasn't able to find any penny loafers in their current collection. And the vintage ones don't have leather soles, which is a must for me. The Cole Haan look good. Will check those out. Appreciate your feedback.

 

[Monsieur de Givenchy]

A brand called "Mocassinis" ("loafers" in Italian) makes a loafer where the vamp is relatively short and the rise low; I guess they might impinge on the base of the neck of the foot less? Just speculating. I have a pair and they seem nice for the price. They are a rather narrow, FYI.

Just checked their site. They look very nice indeed. Thank you.

 

[Monsieur de Givenchy]

Which ones have you tried? Would one with a lower vamp help? I don't have a high instep but I imagine the Alden LHS would be comfortable on pretty much anyone.

Will try this specific model. Thanks.

 

[brax]

All Alden LHS are not the same as they can be made on a variety of lasts. I’m an easy fit and the Van last does the job. But a buddy is not an easy fit because of his instep and he swears by the modified last. Yep, that’s the name: the modified last.

 

[Monsieur de Givenchy]

di

All Alden LHS are not the same as they can be made on a variety of lasts. I’m an easy fit and the Van last does the job. But a buddy is not an easy fit because of his instep and he swears by the modified last. Yep, that’s the name: the modified last.

Didn't know they were that flexible. Thanks.

 

[krudsma]

I actually didn't realize that either, whenever I refer to the LHS I'm imagining the 986 or the unlined Brooks Brothers model. Both of those are on the Van last I believe.

 

[barutanseijin]

All Alden LHS are not the same as they can be made on a variety of lasts. I’m an easy fit and the Van last does the job. But a buddy is not an easy fit because of his instep and he swears by the modified last. Yep, that’s the name: the modified last.

There are no Modified last loafers. (Or at least none listed in the Alden Model Project).

LHS come on the Van, Plaza, Leydon, Copley, Aberdeen and Tom lasts. The vast majority are on the Van last, though Copley, Leydon and Plaza loafers are generally available somewhere. The Plaza last has more room at the instep than Van. I have no experience with Copley or Leydon loafers.