G.H. Bass 'Weejuns' Loafers: Is It Worth It? - Trad Penny Loafer Review

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Gentleman's Gazette
#GHBass #loafers #isitworthit

For today's video, we selected two different styles of Weejuns. First is the Logan which is billed as the original style with a dyed edge leather sole and a flat strap across the vamp. For the Logan, we selected the medium brown leather that was most commonly seen in many vintage advertisements for Weejuns. The other style is the Larson in blue which features a natural colored leather sole and contrast stitching, as well as decorations on the side of the saddle strap, referred to in the loafer world as beefrolls. Both of these pairs retail on the Bass website for a price of 110 dollars. This is the standard price for most pairs of Weejuns although Bass does offer other styles for as little as 95 dollars and as much as 195. Both of the styles we selected today features smooth leather soles with rubber top lifts on the heels, as well as a handcrafted welt. As for the build quality of the shoes, they both seem fairly solid if somewhat unremarkable.

As for fit and comfort, both pairs fit true to size. I ordered an eight and a half in both and they're fairly comfortable out of the box. More comfortable and better fitting, in fact, than the dark oxblood penny loafers I recently ordered from Allen Edmonds. Because by nature, a loafer covers less of the foot however, fit will vary not only from brand to brand and style to style but indeed from pair to pair. In this case, both of the styles we ordered did fit me well. On the Bass web site, most models are offered in full and half sizes and some are also offered in wider widths, though not all.

All of this then brings us to our main question for today, do we think that a pair of Weejuns from G.H Bass and company are worth it?

While the brand has maintained its classic styles and also expanded into new territory, we think that the models of today are ultimately serviceable shoes. That is to say, they're certainly better than something like a cemented sole model you would get from a typical department store but there are also higher quality options out there. Something from Allen Edmonds in America, for instance, or a brand like Loake in England.

Generally then, we think that the $110 price point is just about right for a modern pair of Weejuns. If cared for properly, they could certainly last you for a handful of years and could be resold by a skilled cobbler, assuming you have leather soled models. Meanwhile, the $95 easy Weejuns give off the impression of being somewhat cheaper with features like a small tag on the side of the shoe and slightly chunkier rubber soles. And assuming the same general build quality, we'd say that the shoes at the higher end of the line are probably priced a bit higher than they're worth. It should be acknowledged, of course, that we've formed these impressions of the shoe after only having them for a short while and of course, to really get the full experience, you'd want to wear them for a longer period of time, at least a few months.

[Greggory]

I have worn Bass Weejuns since college in the 1980's. They were awesome then and today they are still amazing. Great video!

[watcherwlc]

love how he considers his outfit "exceptionally casual" when in reality an outfit like that is as formal as some people get.

[musher]

Born and raised in Maine, where the weejun was a commoners shoe back in the day. We often wore them in the summertime everyday for every occasion.

[hammalamiri]

Keep the is it worth it videos coming. Best on youtube

[craft-o-matic]

I found two pairs at a thrift store. I bought them, and love them. I don't have many opportunities to dress up at this point in my life, so I really enjoy my Weejuns when I am hanging out on my days off, or out shopping, etc. I have the Weejuns Harvard Limited Edition, and the other pair is a Kiltie with tassles and a Horsebit with a round medallion in the center of the horsebit that has the G.H. Bass logo. I haven't been able to find the name of this particular model, but it is made with a Cordova (burgundy colored) leather. Mine are a women's size 7. Considering I bought both pairs for $8, I think they are more than worth having. Thank you Preston! I always enjoy your videos! xo Lisa

[MCgrease]

I just bought a pair of Burgundy beef roll Larson's last week and so far I really like them. They were tight out of the box on day 1 and I was really worried about the fit because the vamp on the left shoe was rubbing uncomfortably on the top of my foot. But after just the second wear they are almost completely broken in already.

Sure there are better quality loafers out there, but at double the price. These are a classic look and decent quality. I didn't have any of the QC issues with mine.

I would say definitely worth it.

[carltrotter]

Very eloquent and informative video, not that that isn't standard for this channel. Mr. Schneider and Mr. Schlueter are the two most qualified for operating this amazing channel.


P.S -
Perhaps...
Eton Shirts: Are they worth it?

[betsyrocks]

I love my Weejuns. They're not that expensive and totally worth it.

[Jorge-lmbg]

Next to my AirMax 97s these are the most comfortable shoes I own. Also extremely versatile. If done right you can wear almost anything with them (not shorts tho).

[thegodfather_]

I'm still waiting for the Preston jazz singing special

[DanTrustsTheFathersPlan]

Those are grown man shoes. Top Notch reviews Sir!

[Ingrid]

Love GH Bass loafers have worn them since college and still do. Have you noticed the heel is slightly long? I think they look especially awesome worn with jeans and white athletic socks and sans socks for an East Coast vibe👍

[SuperBullyone]

Bass Weejuns used to be great. When I was 12 or so, 50 years ago, I got my first pair, the leather was thick and the shoes well made. I still have 2 pair, they look great, but they are junk. I now buy Allen Edmonds, Tricker, and Alden.

[cheburashka]

I’ve really enjoyed my Larsons. Had to go a half size down from my Allen Edmonds size for best fit. They broke in beautifully after a couple wears. I’d say well worth $100. The leather soles are very thick and sturdy and should last a while.

[greywolfe]

I actually have a pair of Oxblood Weejuns that were made in the US. They, obviously are many years old. Worn infrequently, they are in great shape.

[JD-vvqp]

I'm in the market for a new pair of shoes and I get paid tomorrow. Timing of this video is 👌

Preston has grown so much!!! Now, I wonder if we're ever going to see a Lady's Gazette...

No, really, I need that sort of guide, with that amount of information, it would be fantastic!

[chrysiarose]

I just purchased my first pair ever, I never had expensive quality shoes before. Trying to learn how to care for them and wear them with what clothes.

[Mr.honest]

I now know why they called them penny loafers. And I have a suggestion for another video, make a video about pipe smoking. I believe it'll be a interesting video to do👍

[TWHowl]

STOP. These DO NOT fit true to size! Check their reviews online, and I have a pair I just got in the mail that will eaily need to go down an entire size minimum! Order a full size smaller, you will thank me later!