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The tassel loafer is a classic style of shoe that has been popular for decades. It originated in the United States in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity among Ivy League students and young professionals.

The tassel loafer was initially designed by the shoemaker Alden Shoe Company in Massachusetts. It was inspired by traditional Norwegian shoes known as "Aurland moccasins" or "penny loafers," which had a slip-on design with a strap across the front. The tassel loafer took this basic design and added decorative tassels to the front, giving it a distinctive look.

The tassel loafer became associated with the preppy style and was embraced by college students and professionals who wanted a comfortable yet sophisticated shoe option. It was particularly popular among Ivy League students, who wore them with their classic button-down shirts, khaki pants, and blazers. The shoe's combination of casual elegance and ease of wear made it a staple in the wardrobes of many fashion-conscious individuals. 

Elton Tassel Loafer - Earth Suede

SKU: 8011/9-6.5
Regular price
Unit price
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£505.00
Sole Guide
Men's Size Guide
Recommended Extras:Shoe Tree Size Guide

The tassel loafer is a classic style of shoe that has been popular for decades. It originated in the United States in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity among Ivy League students and young professionals.

The tassel loafer was initially designed by the shoemaker Alden Shoe Company in Massachusetts. It was inspired by traditional Norwegian shoes known as "Aurland moccasins" or "penny loafers," which had a slip-on design with a strap across the front. The tassel loafer took this basic design and added decorative tassels to the front, giving it a distinctive look.

The tassel loafer became associated with the preppy style and was embraced by college students and professionals who wanted a comfortable yet sophisticated shoe option. It was particularly popular among Ivy League students, who wore them with their classic button-down shirts, khaki pants, and blazers. The shoe's combination of casual elegance and ease of wear made it a staple in the wardrobes of many fashion-conscious individuals. 

SHOE KNOWLEDGE

Loafer

The loafer style dates back to Norway in the early 1930s. Taking inspiration from the moccasin shoes worn by native Americans in North America, and the simple slip-ons on the feet of Norwegian fishermen, the first design was born.

Popularity grew and export orders were sent across Europe and America. Esquire magazine even featured an article with photographs of Norwegian farmers wearing the shoe in cattle loafing sheds.

Soon after, the Spaulding family of New Hampshire, USA, began manufacturing a similar shoe, called the Loafer. This name later became a generic term used to describe a slip-on, moccasin shoe.

In 1934, G. H. Bass made his first version of the loafer which he called Weejuns. This appears to be a play on words on the origin of the original designer. A distinctive feature of this new design was a strip of leather stitched across the saddle of the shoe, featuring a shaped cutout.

In 1950s America before trainers were invented, the Weejun became the shoe of choice for young men and students. It became fashionable to keep a dime in the half moon cut out slot of the leather strip. This eventually gave the shoes their colloquial name of Penny Loafer, which is still used today.

LAST NO: 11659

This last has been developed for our Loafer collection and features are rounder toe shape. The size (length fitting) of Tricker’s footwear made on this last (11659) is true to size, we recommend sticking to your regular UK Size. If you are unsure of your UK size, use our size guide to convert your known size to a UK size.

The last is a hard, three-dimensional form on which the shoe is constructed. Depending on the style of shoe we use different lasts, this is what dictates the overall shape, proportion, fit and character of the shoe.

Castorino Suede

In Castorino Suede the full-grain leather and skin of a hide are left intact, and the flesh side is the suede. Castorino is extremely lightweight and features a very fine nap.  

Castorino is extremely lightweight and features a very fine nap. This shoe is perfect for the changing seasons and the cushioning is ideal for long walks and people who work on their feet most of the day.

We recommend using a rubber suede brush with bristles to help maintain these shoes.

Why Tricker's?

8 weeks | 260 processes

10 min watch | The Construction Process

8 weeks | 260 processes

10 min watch | The Construction Process

A True Investment

100% Repairable

It's inevitable that shoes will need a bit of TLC from time to time but look after them and they will last you a lifetime.

We offer a fully inclusive repair service from re-heeling to total makeovers.

Uncompromising Standards

Built To Last

Our uncompromising standards of craftsmanship, honest materials, environmentalism and sustainability are values that have been preserved and developed through five generations.

Every material used in our construction can be traced back to its source.