I Can’t Stop Wearing These Cloud-Like Loafers My Mom Owned in the ‘90s

A couple years ago I thrifted a pair of loafers I adored… well, which I adored the idea of. They were perfect in every way — from the chunky sole to the rich, slightly faded leather and elevated metal detail across the bridge of the foot — except for comfort. I did everything to break them in, wearing them around the house and on long walks with layered socks and bandaids, but despite my efforts, they remained pretty much unwearable. Despite that, I couldn’t bring myself to buy a new pair, under the delusion that one day I’d slip these on to find that, overnight, the leather had softened and insoles become cloud-like.

But that all changed when I saw Katie Holmes step out in a pair of flat, streamlined loafers ahead of spring. The shoes looked so perfect that I started to imagine the many ways I’d wear the style: with casual jeans like the star, paired with tube socks and a mini skirt, or simply with my favorite dresses. So I finally did what I should have done years ago: opened a new tab and added G.H. Bass’ classic Whitney loafers to my cart.

G.H. Bass Whitney Loafer

Nordstrom

The moment they arrived, I fell in love. They were chic, sophisticated, and, unlike their chunky counterparts, relatively understated, making them versatile enough to wear with just about everything in my closet. One fan described them as “elegant,” explaining that they felt “like Audrey Hepburn when wearing them,” and I couldn’t agree more. The style includes a penny keeper – which gives the shoes a smart, somewhat masculine feel — small heel, and moccasin-inspired stitching at the toe. They look luxe and I’m happy to report that they feel it, too.

The loafers are designed from a durable leather that has some give and features a thick insole that supports each step I take — I’m talking sneaker-like cushioning. Where my previous loafers had left my feet covered in blisters, these stay perfectly in place without rubbing against my toes or heel. And shockingly, there was no break in time, something other wearers also noticed. “[They] fit comfortably right out of the box,” said one customer, while another raved that the shoes immediately “fit like they were made for” them.

I, of course, did what any good daughter would do and called my mom to report my findings, to which she replied something along the lines of, “Duh.” To my surprise, she had owned loafers from this very brand both as a child and in the ‘90s (a good reminder that trends are cyclical and to hold on to your staples!) and had experienced the exact same comfort. Plus, she noted that she wore her last pair for years, something I also plan to do given the style’s timeless but chic look and remarkable level of comfort.

G.H. Bass’ Whitney Loafers might be the only shoe I slip on this spring. Shop more colors and shopper-favorite styles from the iconic brand, below.