We’ve been following the hype around Jamie Haller shoes – sandals, loafers, and flats in buttery leather, handcrafted in Italy – for a few years. We haven’t been able to try them on in person, but Jo was just in Santa Barbara and the brand’s new flagship store, its only retail location, recently opened, so she sped over to try on the shoes everyone is raving about. Are they that soft? Yes. Is the fit ‘glove-like’? Yes. Do I need to get them? Yes. The only problem is they sell out very quickly, so you must put your name on their waiting list (they call it 1st Dibs, not to be confused with the online marketplace) and wait impatiently. Here is the link to get signed up. And, here is what I tried on and loved (they fit true to size for me).
Penny Loafers: This is the shoe that everyone is talking about! They come in lots of different colors and fabrics (crocodile, pony hair, suede). Boy, these are soft and they slip right on (the Freda Salvator loafers I bought in the Spring require a shoe horn). Inspired by the handsome lines of a ’70s Italian men’s loafer, they are made with Old World Sacchetto construction for a glove-like fit and feel that you can’t unsee.
The Bit Loafer: The closest dupe to the iconic Gucci loafer, at a fraction of the price. A more traditional structured loafer with a soft, unlined feel. A thicker sole with a sturdy heel. Handmade in Italy using unlined Vachetta. A brass bit for traditional detailing. This is also available as a mule.
The Buckle Loafer: These are reminiscent of the 70’s Italian penny loafer, plus belted with a lacquered brass double buckle.
Mule: This is new and intriguing. Inspired by the iconic Morrocan babouche, they can be worn heel down as a mule or heel up as a shoe. Perfect with skirts or pants.
The Elastic Slipper: A cult favorite, handmade in soft, unlined Italian lambskin. An almond-shaped toe and high vamp frame the foot with elastic soft shirring at the opening. Available in green (very on trend for fall) or Caramel. These are so comfortable!
The Lady: It’s hard to find a good-looking, dressier, low-heeled shoe that’s also available in espresso, which is even harder to find! A low vamp, lady heel, and Italian, beautiful brass hardware in an organic oval to top them off. They are also available in Navy, another hard color to find!
The Lennon Boot: A true Beatles-inspired boot, with an elongated toe and a Cuban heel. A long and lean beauty handmade in Italian Calfskin. A leather sole with integrated rubber anti-slip injection and a stacked leather heel. Also available in leopard 🙂
