Why Loro Piana Summer Walk Loafers are Still the Only Shoes That Matter

You’ve seen them. Even if you didn't know the name at the time, you’ve definitely seen those creamy white soles flashing underneath a pair of tailored linen trousers at a marina in Portofino or, more likely, on a tech CEO heading into a mid-morning meeting in Palo Alto. They are the Loro Piana Summer Walk shoes. Some people call them "quiet luxury." Others just call them the "Succession" shoe. Honestly? They’re just arguably the most successful piece of footwear designed in the last thirty years.

It’s weird, right? A brand famous for $5,000 vicuña sweaters somehow conquered the footwear world with a slip-on that looks, at first glance, like a very expensive deck shoe. But there is a reason these things have become a uniform for the global elite. It isn't just about the flex. It’s about a very specific type of comfort that most luxury brands actually fail to deliver because they’re too busy being "fashionable."

What actually makes a Loro Piana Summer Walk?

Let’s get into the weeds of the construction because that’s where the value hides. Most people think they're paying for the little charm on the laces (the "My Charms" version) or just the brand name. They aren't. Well, mostly they aren't.

The upper is made from unlined suede. This is important. Usually, shoes have a lining that adds structure but also adds stiffness and heat. By ditching the lining, Loro Piana made a shoe that fits more like a glove or a heavy sock than a traditional loafer. The suede itself is treated with a water-repellent finish—don't go jumping in puddles, but a light drizzle won't ruin your $900 investment immediately.

Then there’s the sole. It’s a proprietary blend of natural rubber and technical agents. It’s not just "white." It’s actually a translucent, slightly amber-toned rubber that Loro Piana developed to be non-marking. That’s a nod to their sailing heritage. If you’re on a multi-million dollar yacht, the last thing the owner wants is black scuff marks on the teak deck.

The weight is the kicker. They are incredibly light. You can hold them with your pinky finger. This lightness, combined with the lack of internal structure, means there is zero break-in period. You put them on, and you’re good to go. Most high-end leather shoes require a week of blisters as a rite of passage. Not these.

The "Quiet Luxury" trap

Everyone talks about "Quiet Luxury" like it’s a new thing. It’s not. Loro Piana has been doing this since the Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana days. But the Loro Piana Summer Walk became the poster child for the movement because it represents a specific lifestyle: the "off-duty" billionaire.

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It’s the shoe for the person who doesn’t need to wear a suit but still wants everyone to know they could buy the building. It’s a signifier. When you see that white sole, you know exactly what it is. It’s become a bit of a meme in certain circles—the "Midtown Uniform"—but the reason memes exist is that they’re based on a ubiquitous truth.

Why they might actually be worth the price tag

Okay, $900 to $1,100 for a suede loafer is objectively insane. We can agree on that. You can buy a pair of Sperry topsiders for $60 and get 40% of the look. You can buy a pair of Duke + Dexter or Scarosso for $250 and get 80% of the look.

So why do people keep buying the originals?

1. The Suede Quality: Loro Piana is, first and foremost, a textile house. They get first pick of the world’s best hides. The nap on their suede is incredibly fine. It doesn't get that "shaggy" look that cheaper suede gets after three wears.
2. The Space on the Heel: On the back of the right sole, there’s a small space where you can write your name. This comes from the sailing world where guests would leave their shoes in a basket before boarding. It’s a tiny, useless, wonderful detail.
3. Resale Value: If you take care of them, these shoes hold their value remarkably well on sites like RealReal or Grailed. You can often get 50-60% of your money back, which you can't say for most "fashion" sneakers that go out of style in six months.
4. Repairability: While they aren't Goodyear welted in the traditional sense, a skilled cobbler can actually do a lot with these. However, most people just buy a new pair because, let’s face it, if you’re buying Loro Piana, you’re probably not looking for a discount cobbler in the yellow pages.

Real talk: The downsides

It’s not all sunshine and Aperol Spritzes. There are real issues with the Loro Piana Summer Walk that the influencers won't tell you.

First, they have zero arch support. None. If you have flat feet or need orthotics, these are going to be a nightmare for long walks. They are "Summer Walks," but ironically, if you walk 10 miles in London or New York in them, your lower back might start screaming. They are "car-to-restaurant" shoes.

Second, the white sole is a magnet for grime. Within two hours of walking in a city, that pristine, translucent sole is going to be grey. You have to be obsessive about cleaning them. Use a damp cloth and maybe a bit of mild soap, but never, ever put them in a washing machine. I've seen people do it. It ruins the suede’s natural oils and turns them into cardboard.

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Third, they run big. Almost everyone I know who owns them had to size down a full size, sometimes a size and a half. If you buy your "true" sneaker size, you’ll be clomping around like you’re wearing clown shoes.

How to style them without looking like a caricature

The danger with Loro Piana is looking like you're trying too hard to look like you're not trying.

Don't wear them with a suit. It looks lopsided. The shoe is too soft and unstructured for the sharp lines of a blazer and trousers.

Instead, lean into the textures.

• Linen: Obviously. A pair of drawstring linen trousers and a crisp white tee.
• Denim: Keep it light. A washed-out blue denim or even white denim (if you're feeling brave) works perfectly.
• Shorts: This is where they shine. Avoid cargo shorts. Go for a tailored 7-inch inseam chino short.

The color choice matters too. While the "Sandstone" or "Pearl Grey" are the classics, they are also the hardest to keep clean. The darker navy or "Chocolate" versions are much more forgiving and, honestly, look a bit more sophisticated because they aren't the "standard" choice you see on every Instagram mood board.

The competition: Who else is doing it?

If you can’t stomach the grand-plus price point, you aren't alone. The market has noticed.

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Brunello Cucinelli makes a version, but they tend to be even more expensive and often have more "design" elements that take away from the simplicity.

Tod’s is the obvious rival. Their Gommino driving shoe is the "other" great Italian loafer. But the Tod’s shoe has those rubber nubs on the bottom. Those nubs wear down if you walk on pavement. The Loro Piana flat sole is much more durable for actual ground contact.

Zegna has their Triple Stitch sneaker, which occupies a similar "luxury casual" space. Those are great if you want a more athletic feel, but they don't have the effortless elegance of the Summer Walk.

Is the "Open Walk" better?

You might also see the Open Walk. It’s the Summer Walk’s older, sturdier brother. It’s a chukka boot height and features a patented elastic opening that makes them easy to slip on but keeps them more secure on the foot.

If you live in a colder climate like New York, London, or Berlin, the Open Walk is actually a more practical purchase. You can wear them in the fall and early spring. The Summer Walk is strictly a warm-weather play. Trying to wear Summer Walks in November makes you look like you forgot to check the calendar.

Practical steps for the potential buyer

If you’re ready to pull the trigger, don't just go to the website and click "buy."

1. Go to a boutique: You need to feel the suede. More importantly, you need to find your size. Since these are unlined, they will stretch slightly over time. You want them to be "snug" but not "tight" when new.
2. Buy the protection spray: Loro Piana sells their own, but Saphir Invulner is the gold standard. Spray them before the first wear. It creates an invisible barrier against liquids and stains.
3. Get a suede brush: A crepe brush is best. It’s softer than a brass brush and won’t damage the delicate nap of the Loro Piana suede. Use it after every few wears to "kick up" the dust and keep them looking fresh.
4. Cedar shoe trees: Essential. Because the shoe has no internal structure, it will collapse and develop ugly "pancaking" wrinkles if you don't keep them on trees when you aren't wearing them.

The Loro Piana Summer Walk isn't just a shoe; it’s a membership card to a certain way of living. It's about valuing the tactile sensation of the world's best materials against your skin. Whether that's worth a thousand dollars is up to your bank account, but in terms of pure design, it's a masterpiece of "less is more."

Keep the soles clean, keep the suede brushed, and for heaven's sake, don't wear them with socks. That is the only real rule.