A good pair of penny loafers are a must-have in any closet. They are versatile, comfortable, and can be worn all year round, from work to a night out with friends. However, finding the perfect pair of loafers can be a challenge. Some are too stiff for everyday wear, while others are too trendy and won’t stand the test of time. That’s where Cole Haan’s Lux Pinch Penny Loafers come in. These classic loafers have been around for centuries and are made with soft-grain leather, making them a top choice for everyday wear. As a fan of Cole Haan shoes, I was excited to try out the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers and see if they would become a staple in my shoe collection. Read on for my full review of these loafers.
What Makes a Good Pair of Loafers?
Living in New York City, I know the importance of having comfortable and practical footwear. My shoes need to be able to keep up with my busy lifestyle, whether I’m walking to work, exploring the city, or going for a bike ride. Comfort and practicality are key, but I also want my loafers to be stylish and versatile enough to wear with a range of outfits. This can be a tall order, but the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers tick all the boxes.
What I Love About the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers
Priced at under $200, these loafers are a great value for a pair of real leather shoes. Unlike my other leather loafers that are stiff and require a breaking-in period, the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers were soft and flexible right out of the box. I was able to wear them all day without any discomfort or blisters.
To truly put these loafers to the test, I wore them on an eight-mile bike ride from Williamsburg to Prospect Park. Cole Haan claims that these loafers feature their “3D Lux Comfort” technology, which provides shock absorption, arch support, and cushioning for the heel. I could feel the cushioning as soon as I put them on, and it made a noticeable difference during my bike ride. These loafers were just as comfortable as my running shoes, but much more stylish.
Aside from their comfort and practicality, the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers have a timeless design. The soft and shiny grain of the leather gives them a luxurious feel, and the classic penny silhouette can be dressed up or down. I’ve worn these loafers with a dress for a night out and with a casual outfit for running errands. No matter the occasion, these loafers have become my go-to choice for comfortable and stylish footwear.
Things to Consider Before Buying
The product listing suggests sizing down by half a size for those with narrow feet, but I found that the opposite was true for me. I usually wear a US women’s size seven with medium width feet, but the size seven loafers were too tight. I ended up going up half a size, and they fit perfectly. Keep this in mind when purchasing, and if you have wider feet, it may be best to go up half a size.
Another thing to note is that the soles of these loafers do not have a strong grip, especially on the upper part of the sole. I did experience some slipping while walking on the ramp of the city’s street curbs. If you prefer more traction, you can always take the loafers to a cobbler and have a rubber grip added to the sole.
Additional Details About the Loafers
The Cole Haan Lux Pinch Penny Loafers are available in four different colors and come in women’s sizes ranging from 5 US to 11 US, in half-size increments. They are also available in standard (medium) width.
Where to Buy
You can purchase a pair of these loafers on the Cole Haan website, as well as on Zappos and Amazon.
Final Rating
Overall, I highly recommend the Cole Haan Lux Pinch Penny Loafers. They are comfortable, stylish, and versatile, making them a great investment for your wardrobe. Just keep in mind the sizing and potential for slipping on certain surfaces. With proper care, these loafers will become a staple in your shoe collection for years to come.