Loro Piana Summer Walks
Are the Summer Walks worth it? Loro Piana introduced the Summer Walk loafers in 2005 as an easygoing shoe made for summer's breezy lifestyle. They're not precious, so you can wear them on a stroll on a boardwalk. They've got white rubber soles, so they won't leave scuff marks on the deck of a boat.
In 2013, LVMH acquired an 80% stake in Loro Piana for €2 billion ($2.56 billion), and six years later, Loro Piana began marketing these shoes more aggressively. They had a pop-up in the Meatpacking District for shoes only, and the Summer Walks resonated with men in the art world, including Larry Gagosian. Don't underestimate the need for comfortable footwear in that crowd.
The Summer Walks' fanbase then grew to business executives who sought footwear that lands between dress shoes and sneakers. The "billionaire's loafer" become part of a new iteration of understated, refined staples, to be proclaimed loudly and repeatedly over social media as QUIET LUXURY.
The prices have steadily increased to about $1,000 a pair. Yes, the suede is beautiful, the rubber sole is well execute, and all the details are refined. But it's still a suede slip on with a rubber sole. You can easily find equivalent quality at $400. You can find compelling alternatives for less.
And yet fellow luxury labels launched their own versions of this casual suede loafers. You can get a version from Hermès for $1,300 that boasts a Kelly lock where LP's signature summer charms hang out. Prada gives you this look with their triangle logo plate and signature square toe. Brunello Cuccinelli makes a pair with their iconic small beads.
Not to be missed, Louboutin offers this boat shoe with a red sole; unclear whether it leaves red scuff marks.
We also have really compelling affordable alternatives. I love ones that bring their own point of view, whether it's Peter Millar's sharper almond toe or Scaroso's gorgeous color options.
