Ladies Loafers
The loafer has quietly become one of the most useful shoes you can own: it's replaced the court shoe for work and the ballet flat for weekends, and made a lot of women realise they don't need a heel to feel dressed. Our collection runs from slim classic loafers to chunky lug-soled versions, in leather, suede and patent, with black, burgundy and brown leading the colours. Brands include Gabor, Wonders, Paul Green, Tamaris, Jana and Ara. Shop with us in Skerries, Co. Dublin, or online with free delivery on orders over €69 and free returns within 30 days.
Classic or chunky: which loafer should I go for?
They do quite different jobs. A classic loafer is slim, low and unfussy, the one that sits neatly under a tailored trouser and goes to the office without a second thought. It's the more versatile of the two and the one most likely to still be in rotation in five years. A chunky loafer has a thick lug sole and a heavier, squarer shape, often with a chain or buckle across the front. It's the more current look, it adds a little height, and it holds its own against wide-leg trousers and a heavy coat where a slim loafer would disappear. Most customers who wear loafers regularly end up with one of each.
Are loafers comfortable for all-day wear?
Generally yes, as there's no heel to tire you and nothing to fasten, but there's one thing to watch. A loafer has to grip at the heel to stay on, so the fit across the instep and at the heel matters more than in a lace-up. If the heel slips when you walk, it's the wrong loafer for your foot rather than the wrong size, and going smaller won't fix it. Styles with elasticated gussets or an elastic heel hold the foot better, and you'll find them from Rieker, Wonders and Marco Tozzi. Most of ours have a padded or cushioned footbed, and the Rieker and Wonders wedge loafers add a little cushioned lift underneath. If you're on your feet all day, a small wedge or a slightly thicker sole is kinder than a completely flat one.
Do you stock loafers in wider fittings?
We do. Jana loafers are made on an H fit throughout, the wide fitting, and Ara make some of theirs on an H too. Several Gabor loafers are a G, slightly wider than standard. The fitting is stated on every product that has one, and our size guide explains what the fittings mean. If you're unsure, give us a call on 01 8490847 and we'll talk it through.
Are loafers true to size?
It depends on the brand. Our loafers come from several different makers and each fits a little differently, so the sizing note on the individual product is the one to go by rather than any general rule. One thing does apply across the board: because a loafer has no fastening, avoid going up a size for extra room, since an over-large loafer slips at the heel, which is the one thing a loafer must not do. If you're between sizes or unsure, give us a call on 01 8490847 and we'll advise on the particular style.
Do you stock vegan loafers?
Yes. Jana and Marco Tozzi make PFI vegan approved loafers, and Xti's patent loafers are PETA approved, all made without animal leather. It's stated in the product details of every vegan style, and you can browse everything suitable in our vegan footwear section.
How do I look after patent and suede loafers?
Patent is the easy one: a wipe with a soft damp cloth brings it back, and a tiny amount of petroleum jelly on a cloth restores the shine if it dulls. Never use a suede brush on patent. Suede loafers need the opposite: a protector spray before the first wear, then a soft suede brush to lift the nap and lift marks. Let either dry naturally, away from a radiator, if they get caught in the rain. We stock protector sprays and brushes in our shoe care section, and there's more advice on our shoe care page.
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