Herring Shoes Journal

When spring gets going, we always start rolling out the loafers but what about a men’s buckle loafer? Considered a preppy, smart-but-happy-to-be-dressed-down shoe, the loafer is a perennial favourite. But sometimes a style comes along that is just a cut above the rest.

A loafer AND a monk shoe

The Rigoletto is actually a loafer AND a monk shoe. This is where the upgrade from other loafers lies. Plenty of loafers feature buckles or an equestrian-style horse-bit trim, the Rigoletto’s brass detail is set to the outer side. It’s like a monk shoe buckle.

The monk shoe has had a renaissance in recent years, potentially due to Daniel Craig sporting them as James Bond in Skyfall. However, its origins are low show biz and can be traced back centuries ago to European monks. They wanted a more practical, closed-toe shoe rather than their usual sandal. The monk shoe began to emerge in the early 20^th century for fashionable gentlemen that wanted a little more flamboyance. More dapper than dandy, the monk shoe is sleek and brilliantly bold.

The Rigoletto is very much a loafer too with classic defining features. It has a low profile to expose the ankle, plus the small heel and stitched apron.  

Goodyear-welted loafer

Many loafers are Blake-stitched, by combing glue and a single row of stitching to connect the upper to the sole. These beauties are welted. The additional layer of cork makes them more comfortable. They are satisfyingly repairable, and you can hang onto them for many a year.

The Rigoletto is made by our incredibly talented friends at the Carlos Santos factory in Portugal where each shoe is hand-patinated, which means they are intentionally aged and coloured with a lustrous coating to give them a vintage appearance. As you can see from the photo, this does not mean they are scuffed and falling apart but have a characterful patina that is akin to an artform. 

Our website claims these are suitable for the ‘confident dandy’, but I reckon these are slightly more conservative than that. The Rigoletto is a standout blend of two shoes that have been handcrafted by some of the best shoemakers in Europe. What’s not to love?