Frustrated with the search for penny loafers. Vintage Bass Weejun identification and small loafer size rec's.
I'm frustrated. I've been on a search for penny loafers as part of an improvement in my overall wardrobe. I've currently purchased Bass Weejuns and a couple Meermin offerings. The biggest issue I'm experiencing is that I have smaller feet. My Brannock size is 7.5C and nothing I seem to like comes in that small of a size. I'm hoping this isn't too simple of a question and that it's worthy of a full thread of recommendations.
The look that I want is the classic Bass Weejuns Larson. I bought a pair earlier this year size 7M and they were slightly too big. The leather seemed stiff and uncomfortable and I read that the brand quality has fallen off. But I love the style. This is what I want a loafer to look like.
I also tried two Meermin shoes. Both were Goodyear welt. One was the naked kudu on their Nova last in size 7 (UK size, too big) and the other was the expresso on the Ron last in size 6.5 (which is a 7.5 in the US). I found both of these shoes too big, but the shape of the toe on the Ron last was too narrow.
My next pick is the burgundy heritage shell cordovan from Meermin. This is their Sway last, which seems to have a wider toe box, which I would prefer. My problem is that they don't have my size in stock, which I've signed up for notifications of.
I'm frustrated with being the "wrong size" for shoes being made. Like I don't get to be a part of the thing I want. But I know there's something out there for me that'll scratch my itch. So I am looking for help and I'm hoping you folks here have some advice.
- I know vintage sizes are somewhat smaller overall than sizes today. Say, a 7 in 1982 would be tighter than a 7 now. If I want a Bass Weejun, is there a specific year break I can look for that would allow me to find ones that are higher quality while being closer to my Brannock size? Additionally, is there a specific guide somewhere, or special search terms I can use on ebay to figure out how to distinguish new resales from vintage Weejuns? Or brand logo changes or stamp differences on the inside of the shoe?
- What other loafers that are similar in style to the Bass Weejun style are available in smaller sizes? I'm open to any brand and price point at this stage. I live in Nashville, TN, and don't have the luxury of walking into a major shoemaker in NYC or London for a fitting. So I recognize trial and error will be part of it. I hope that custom shoemaking isn't where I'm going to wind up...
Any help in my search is greatly appreciated. I'm at my wit's end here.