Hailing from my hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Jay Butler has been making waves on this planet of #menswear ever since launching a decade in the past in 2014.
Founder Justin Jeffers, who’s additionally the person behind The Superb Younger Gentleman, has been within the menswear running a blog sport since early 2011. That’s over 13 years, which is a lifetime in web years.
I recall stumbling upon his weblog just a few years again whereas researching varied made-to-measure, customized suiting corporations, however didn’t understand he launched his personal shoe model. If you wish to know extra about Justin and the way he went from his weblog to model, try this inspiring interview over on The Buttoned Up Podcast.
For a fast take a look at the idler in video format, hit the play button under.
On this assessment I’m going to the touch on 3 key elements of what I believe makes an ideal shoe—the model, the development & high quality, and the worth. And the way Jay Butler fares in every class.
However first, permit me to drop some data on the penny idler and its origins.
WHY THE PENNY LOAFER?
The penny idler is a basic heat climate shoe that’s extremely comfy, might be dressed up or dressed down, and worn on a mess of events. Whether or not at work, at a marriage or wandering in regards to the monuments at Washington DC, it’s the kind of shoe which you could actually put on all summer season lengthy.
I’ve solely begun to embrace the idler lately and it’s shortly turn into a summer season staple in my guide.
It has two dressier siblings, the tassel idler and the bit idler which might be worn extra formally with fits, however nonetheless retain an informal stance since they’re slip-ons in spite of everything. Lastly there’s the opera pump which is a proper idler primarily worn with tuxedos. In any case, the penny idler stays essentially the most ubiquitous of all of them.
ABRIDGED HISTORY OF THE PENNY LOAFER
Precisely a century after America declared independence from England, the penny idler originated underneath the Bass model. They didn’t attain mass market till 1936 going by the title of “Weejuns,” quick for Norwegian.
it or not, they have been initially worn by Norwegian fishermen and later adopted by preppy ivy league college students. Right this moment, loafers are worn with every little thing from swimwear all the way in which to customized fits.
Do you know? Phrase has it that the leather-based strap working throughout the entrance of the idler with the little slit had a operate—to carry, yep you guessed it, a penny—which conveniently on the time was how a lot it price to make a cellphone name.
JAY BUTLER REVIEW: THE “CROMWELL” SUEDE PENNY LOAFER
In the course of the shoe break-in course of, I wore my Jays down the shore on a seaside journey w/the fam., slid them on a visit to Baltimore for a enterprise assembly, and took them out to the driving vary—Applicable for such locations if ya ask me.
Scroll by way of the pictures above to see a few of my #JourneysWithJay up to now.
THE STYLE
When Justin requested me what model shoe I wished to check drive, my first selection was the olive inexperienced suede Millbank bit idler, which is one in every of their seasonal colours however to my dismay there weren’t any in my measurement.
I made a decision to go along with the versatile darkish brown suede Cromwell penny idler. Suede as a result of it’s extra breathable than the complete grain leather-based, making it excellent for the summer season warmth. I opted for darkish brown, albeit a bit extra formal than a lightweight brown, however extra versatile.
If me then I’m all for versatile items that may be dressed up or dressed down. Justin additionally kindly threw in an identical belt. It has the identical nap feeling because the sneakers, complimenting them completely.
Personally, I like how the Jay Butler sneakers stay true to the basic idler silhouette with just a few refined modifications.
Summer time 2024 Replace: I managed to get my arms on the olive suede Millbank bit loafers and have put loads of milage on them the previous few summers.
Jay Butler loafers distinguishing options:
- Decrease vamp—(vamp is the piece of leather-based that covers the highest a part of the foot) Creates higher steadiness between foot and shoe in contrast with different loafers I personal which have greater vamps.
- Thinner sole & decrease heel—The thinner sole sacrifices a cork cushion, however makes for a sleeker look than different loafers on the market. And decrease heel is extra elegant than a chunky one.
- Padded insole—To make up for the dearth of a cork sole, there’s a padded insole that gives cushion from heel to toe, molding to your foot over time.
These are small particulars, however make an enormous distinction to any discerning man.
THE CONSTRUCTION & QUALITY
Justin seemed into India & China and thought of Spain & Portugal as potential factories to work with. He discovered the precise match for Jay Butler in Mexico, the place their sneakers are handcrafted. He stated they have been good folks that have been sincere and forthright about their companies.
Mexico appears to be doing a reasonably good job with the development. The sneakers are light-weight, versatile and sturdy. I’ve worn these loafers for an excellent three weeks now they usually’re even starting to mould to my ft.
I’ve a pair of loafers from Cole Haan that I picked up 6-7 years now that minimize the again of my ankle up fairly good. It occurred as a result of I used to be strolling aggressively for a protracted distance.
However with the “Cromwell” loafers from Jay Butler, I’ve had no discomfort on the again of my ankle, even in the course of the break in interval. The consolation and help for my achilles says quite a bit about Jay Butler’s building.
Jay Butler idler attributes:
- Leather-based sole (Classier than a rubber sole)
- Hand sewn suede higher (means a extra cautious consideration to element)
- Blake stitched outsole (permits for resoling when the leather-based wears out)
- Combo heels (half leather-based and half rubber—offers the texture of strolling on leather-based with sturdy qualities of rubber)
- Full-length padded insole with arch help (for lasting consolation)
The underside line:
The Jay Butler “Cromwell” suede idler feels nearly as good because it appears and there’s a pleasant nappy texture that I can inform goes to age nicely.
THE PRICE
Should you ask Justin, his aim for Jay Butler was to create sneakers for gents underneath $200. Up till just lately, Mission completed. Sneakers used to vary from $145-$195, (minus the unique made to order unique sneakers). Now the loafers are round $225 which is comprehensible given inflation. Justin created an inexpensive idler with out compromising on building, high quality of supplies and magnificence. A tough feat to realize on this planet of menswear.
$225-$250 appears to be the candy spot that almost all males are keen to spend, who know that they should improve their sneakers, however aren’t keen to drop $300+. My take is that Jay Butler is a high quality shoe model that sells trendy loafers at an inexpensive value level.
PENNY LOAFER WEARING TIPS
- Put on pants with no break whereas sporting loafers. It makes for a cleaner, extra streamlined look. It’s most aesthetically pleasing in my eyes.
- Go sockless—it’s summer season, it’s enjoyable. Present just a little ankle. Should you should, you’ll be able to all the time go along with the trusty no-show socks.
- With Jay Butler’s, I like to recommend sizing up a half measurement since they run a bit small. I obtained my regular 7.5 at first they usually have been too tight, I went with the 8 they usually’re kosher.
- Loosen up and have enjoyable together with your model. The idler’s informal nature jogs my memory that it’s simply garments on the finish of the day.
IN THE END
Discovering a sub-$250 shoe that’s nicely made, nicely styled and nicely priced is usually tough. And Jay Butler manages to test all 3 bins. Sooner or later, I see Jay Butler persevering with to develop as they make waves within the menswear trade. Proper now they’ve loafers and matching belts, however in time I can see them increasing their providing. We’ll see.
When you have any questions, as all the time, you’ll be able to attain me at khoi [at] gentlemanwithin [dot] com. I’d love to listen to from you.
A be aware: The sneakers and belt on this assessment was complimentary. These are all my very own ideas and opinions based mostly on my expertise and a few on-line analysis.
WHAT’S YOUR STANCE ON LOAFERS—LOVE ‘EM, HATE ‘EM?
Let’s proceed the dialogue over within the Gents Inside Personal Fb Group.
Trying ahead to seeing you in there.