When it comes to dress shoes and loafers, I have written about my favorite companies before.
And typically, those companies sell shoes that are a bit more on the expensive side. But I’m always open to reviewing dress shoes that are not expensive and are affordable for men who don’t want to spend over a hundred dollars for a pair of dress shoes.
A company that has been targeting the budget-conscious man and woman with its numerous dress shoes and sold on Amazon is the company, Journey West.
Made in China, I decided to give Journey West a try.
The first was the Journey West Mens Penny Loafers.
Penny loafers are low, laceless shoes that are in a moccasin style. Originally made by Norwegian man Nils Tveranger who wanted to improve the design of the teser and combined elements with Iroquois Native American moccasins and called the Aurland moccasins which were bought by European and American foreigners and later discovered by an Esquire Magazine staffer in 1935.
Seeing the potential in the Aurland mocassin, Arnold Gigrich, founder of Esquire Magazine partnered with John Bass, son of the founder of G.H. Bass and by 1936, this new adaptation featuring a thicker with a distinct strap in the middle would become known as the “Weejun” (an American play on the word “Norwegian”). And later as the “Penny Loafer” and it became a hit especially among Ivy League students and celebrities.
Debated by men (and women) if it should be worn with no socks (or with no show socks at least) or with socks, what we do know is that many companies have made their own version of the Penny Loafer.
Which now leads me to the Journey West Mens Penny Loafer. These loafers are made in China and retail for $99.
The shoes come in a yellow box that is reminiscent of the yellow boxes of Invicta watches and if the box was to make you hyped, I will say that if Journey West wants to make a good impression, ditch the yellow box and go for something black, dark gray or darker brown or even beige. The yellow box is no doubt a turnoff but we don’t judge shoes by its box.
I do like the fact that it came with its miniature plastic shoehorn, if the shoes are smug for some people.
I am judging these loafers on look, stitching, fit and comfort and I wore these shoes for more than a week and put it through some tests.
I went for a black penny loafer which features calfskin leather, rubber sole with stitch detailing on low stacked heel and fully cushioned memory foam insole.
You will notice the sticker-like coverings on the sole, just remove those as best as you can, if you intend to keep them. Otherwise, if you are returning them, don’t peel it off.
OK, now my impressions of the shoe after wearing it for the week.
Let me preface that I own many loafers of different colors, primarily from companies that sell in high end and also G.H. Bass Weejuns (the company which originated the loafer) which is probably one of the main competitors to Journey West in terms of price point.
While I can’t say if the shoes are handsewn, nor can I say if it’s made of genuine leather, I do know one thing, these shoes are well-stitched and are darn comfortable. Size 11’s fit me perfectly as they do my Alden’s.
I can say that size 11, would be similar to the sizing of the 11D’s of my more expensive Alden’s and Allen Edmonds. These Journey West Penny Loafers fit perfectly for me, unlike the size 11 Weejuns which I need to get an 11W and are more narrower. These fit me perfectly.
So, for the price of $99, I have to say these penny loafers are pretty cool and are very comfortable. So from aesthetics, to comfort and fitting, as well as overall stitching, I’m quite impressed and also a bit surprised.
You’re definitely getting your money’s worth on this one and have to say, these shoes beats similar priced shoes (from established brands) when it comes to fit and comfort.
The Journey West Mens Penny Loafers are recommended!
