Shoe blog

Tod’s Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers

Tod's Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers

All right. I am in a bit of a pickle. Normally I love the Tod’s brand. The Della Valle family has made some smart moves, after all, and they have led to some gorgeous shoes. I’m not so sure about Tod’s Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers ($394.99 at Saks), though. I can’t decide if these loafers are fabulous or full of fail.

Because I mean, I get it. Something about them is tres chic, right? But I am just not at all sure that the whole leopard print motif really works with loafers. I am the first to admit that I am not the hugest loafer fan, but I am also willing to admit that there are a lot of examples out there that negate my general distaste. I just don’t know if this shoe is one of those examples.

So, yes, they are made out of pony hair, the sole is a rubber driver. The toes are rounded, the lining is leather, the insoles are padded, and the stitching detail is exquisite, which you would expect from the Tod’s brand. Separately, all these aspects are fantastic. But put together? I am just not so sure about that.

For one thing, I just cannot really decide if I like the white leopard print. A more standard, brown leopard print might work better. I mean, it’s a loafer after all, you expect those to be made of some kind of brown material. And yeah, okay, I get that using white leopard is really innovative and cool, I just can’t really say I dig it. At any rate, Saks has them on sale, down from $565, so that’s cool, right?

Maybe it would look better in leather rather than pony hair. Maybe I’m just crazy. What about you? Do any of you feel this loafer? Am I missing something?

Tod’s Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers, $394.99 at Saks