Skip to main content

La Canadienne’s Alberto penny loafers offer a modern take on a classic slip-on shoe

Why you should buy La Canadienne's Alberto loafers

La Canadienne Loafers
Nate Swanner/The Manual / The Manual

Do you know how penny loafers got their name? Back in the 1930s, a payphone would cost a measly two pennies to make a call. Penny loafers featured a slot in the tongue that could hold a penny in each one, just enough to cover an emergency phone call home if you needed. While classic shoes have developed over time, they have largely stayed the same. La Canadienne has found a way to upgrade the penny loafer and declare the return of the classic shoe.

La Canadienne Loafers
Courtesy of La Canadienne / La Canadienne

Back with class and style

We know what you’re thinking: these are my grandfather’s shoes. There is a reason that, even after retirement, Grandpa still wore a luxurious pair of men’s loafers both in the house and with his suit. The La Canadienne Alberto showcases a timeless style and slightly more oversized silhouette than its predecessors. Still, it retains the classic look that our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers came to know and love.

Recommended Videos

Like all shoes from La Canadienne, the Alberto is built to be worn around the city. The soft and light sole keeps the shoe as comfortable as a slip-on can be without being a slipper. The suede uppers feature the company’s revolutionary City Dry technology and will be suitable for either rain or shine. The penny loafer may have had a down cycle through the 2000s and 2010s, but La Canadienne is paving the way for the classic men’s slip-on shoes to make a giant comeback.

La Canadienne Loafers

Add some color to your shoe wardrobe

What makes these loafers feel like a significant upgrade over anything else on the market, other than the City Dry, is the color. While most others will be stuck in their black or brown leather penny loafers, you will be sporting the rich blue color that will keep you more stylish than the rest. The Buy at La Canadienne is the perfect fit for a casual moment or a unique choice for a dress-up event.

La Canadienne Loafers

How to wear the Alberto

These shoes will be suitable for nearly all moments you decide to wear them this summer. If you are headed to a barbeque, toss these on with a pair of shorts and some no-show socks for the ultimate casual look. If you are headed to a summer wedding, the loafers will look great with a linen suit. The Alberto will work best in the in-between moments when you wear jeans or chinos with a polo or a button-up shirt. If you stick to slim-cut jeans or chinos, these will be the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.

This summer, you will be tempted to stick to the usual white sneakers, sandals, and dress shoes. However, La Canadienne has made it easy to invest in one pair of shoes that can replace all three with style and panache. The Alberto signals the return of the penny loafer.

Buy at La Canadienne

Mark D McKee
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Topics
Santo Studio expands its footwear offering with new lifestyle sneakers
Santo Studio releases new sneaker
model wearing trento sneaker

Just in time for spring and summer, Santo Studio is bringing the perfect casual sneaker for all your adventures. As part of the brand’s continued efforts to expand its footwear collection, the luxury design studio has released a new lifestyle sneaker to freshen up your everyday looks. With the classic white sneaker look, this new sneaker is laidback and elevated. Despite its casual vibe, it has all the premium details you would expect from Santo Studio. Offering users the look of a retro football-inspired sneaker, this silhouette is similar to some of the hottest shoes of the moment. While it shares the common slim and sleek design of the adidas Samba, the newest Santo Studio sneaker dons a more sophisticated look that you can seldom replicate. 
Meet Santo Studio’s Trento Sneakers

 

Read more
ASICS newest boot is far from your classic hiking shoe
ASICS releases new sneaker-boot
pair of black suede sneaker boots

It’s no surprise to find an endless supply of classic chunky hiking sneakers under ASICS’ lineup. The athletic company has long become known for its classic ‘90s-style techy sneakers that can easily handle most journeys. While the brand has changed things with some bolder collaborations, its newest release is far from what you typically find in its catalog. Taking the form of a boot, the latest release is about adding military strength, durability, and design for a rugged and stable shoe. Although the design seems to step out of the norm for ASICS, the boot continues the same premium quality and craftsmanship you seek out of your performance footwear. 
Meet ASICS’ new sneaker-boot hybrid

With their latest release, ASICS’ takes on a sneaker-boot hybrid that invokes some of their most rugged and bulky features yet. Taking on the previously released GEL-YETI TOKYO HI GTX, ASICS is redesigning its nonnative collaboration for a sleeker and darker look. Covered in a black suede upper with GORE-TEX lining, the sneaker boot has both durability and chicness that’s hard to find on the trails. Matte black hardware and contrast stitching allows the design to exude a subtle sleekness emphasizing the premium craftsmanship. While the hybrid design looks and feels luxurious, it remains a practical choice with a quick lace system that gives users easy access. A rugged outsole helps maintain traction and balance, no matter what terrain you’re exploring. This new hue is set to be released via ASICS’ website on February 10 and will retail around $219. While the initial release of this silhouette came as a shock to all, the new colorway evokes the feel of a different type of sneaker boot. While not changing much of the design or features, this new GEL-YETI TOKYO HI GTX is a must-have for all hiking fans.

Read more
Martine Rose, Clarks add volume to the classic loafer
New Martine Rose, Clarks collaboration
lilac padded oxford shoes on green table

Everyone knows the versatility and sophistication that a loafer has to offer. The loafer is a traditional dress shoe that has slowly become an everyday shoe rather than reserved for formal events only. Because this footwear has earned its way into everyday looks, the key is making it unique from your average formal shoe. Thanks to Martine Rose and Clarks, this is no longer a problem, as they’ve created a one-of-a-kind shoe that mixes street style with the timeless loafer. As part of their Fall/Winter 2024 campaign, these two brands have decided to give the loafer a comfortable and cushioned upgrade, without disregarding style. 
‘Coming Up Roses’ footwear collection

Along with a remixed loafer, Martine Rose has updated Clarks’ Oxford, Torhill Hi, and Clog designs. Each was redesigned in bold hues and a unique extra padding on the outside, to provide more volume and design. The Torhill Hi designs are available in black, pink, orange, and brown crocodile leather. Torhill Hi’s easy-to-wear slip-on style makes for an ideal option for colder weather looks.  The Clog was also released in similar black, orange, and brown crocodile leather materials. Clarks’ Wearers can find Clarks’ mid-heel Oxford shoes in black, lilac, and orange hues. Each design comes with Martine Rose’s touch of extra padding, along with Clark’s typical support system for comfort. An easy way to upgrade your daily looks, these pastels and pops of color will add a unique flair to your looks. This footwear collection ranges from $180 to $290 and is available on Martine Rose and Clark's websites. Select retailers will also carry pieces. 

Read more