The signature Loro Piana loafers and what defines them
Loro Piana built its name in Quarona, in northern Italy, as a maker of fine fabrics: cashmere, vicuña and wool of unusual softness. Its footwear follows the same thinking. There are no logos to speak of, and the appeal lies in material, construction and how the shoe feels once it is on.
The Summer Walk is the model most people mean when they search for Loro Piana loafers. It is a low, moccasin-style slip-on, typically in suede, unlined or lightly lined so it moulds to the foot, set on a flexible rubber sole. It is designed to be worn without socks, which suits a South African summer, from lunch in the winelands to a relaxed evening at a braai.
The Open Walk is its ankle-height cousin: the same soft suede and relaxed silhouette, cut higher, with a little more structure for cooler months. Some seasons also bring versions with small decorative details such as a leather charm or tassel, which add a touch of personality without breaking the understated look.
Choosing colour, material and size
Start with how the recipient dresses. Neutral suedes, such as tan, sand, taupe, navy and dark brown, work with chinos, linen and tailored shorts, and are the safest first pair. Brighter or pale shades suit someone who already owns a neutral pair and wants something for weekends.
Sizing deserves care, because a soft, unstructured loafer behaves differently from a stiff leather shoe:
- Italian brands generally size in EU numbers, while most South Africans know their UK size, so convert carefully.
- Unlined suede tends to give a little with wear, so a pair that feels snug but not tight is usually right.
- If you can, check a shoe the recipient already wears comfortably, or note their size in a similar Italian loafer.
On budget, these sit at the upper end of the luxury loafer market, and a pair will typically run comfortably into five figures in rand. Price is driven by the suede, the hand construction and the model. For other houses and styles, our guide to luxury loafers is a useful comparison.
Care, and why a pair makes a good gift
Suede rewards a little attention. Brush it gently with a suede brush after wear to lift the nap, use a protective spray before the first outing, and avoid heavy rain. Store the shoes with cedar shoe trees or tissue to hold their shape, in the dust bags they come with, away from direct sun so colours do not fade.
As a present, a pair of Loro Piana loafers says you have noticed how someone likes to live: comfortably, without fuss, with an eye for quality rather than labels. They suit a milestone birthday, a retirement or a partner who travels often. Browse the wider range of Loro Piana shoes or our edit of gifts for him for related ideas, and if you have a particular model or colour in mind, tell us and we will come back with options.