Loafers prove time and time again that they are one of the most classic yet stylish shoes around.
They are a must have in any man’s shoe collection and perfect to wear throughout much of the year, depending on your location of course.
Plus the versatility of these shoes showcase how much of a statement they can make without being loud.
That being said, looks aren’t everything.
While the Beckett Simonon Cohen Loafers may look classic and stylish, there’s much more when determining the overall value of a shoe.
In this Beckett Simonon Cohen Loafer review I’m going to talk about my initial impressions, shoe style, the fit/on feet experience, how they wear, and wrap things up with some pros and cons.
Now, let’s get started.
Unboxing & First Impression
When I first received the Cohen loafers, I was pleasantly surprised with the packaging provided. Although it is just a standard shoebox, what was inside took me by surprise.
I received 2 separate dust bags to hold the shoes (always convenient for travel), cushioned insoles, and a thank you card. I felt like I had bought some Ferragamos! Personally, I appreciate the amount of effort that brands put into their packaging experience; it speaks volumes on their product.
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Cohen Loafer Style
The Beckett Simonon Cohen Loafers provide a sleek, contemporary style made from one piece of full grain leather and heels that feature a full Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) rubber cap for added traction.
The low cut and laces-free style of the loafers are a great way to dress smart casual and are my favorite shoe style for the spring and fall months.
I ended up getting the Cohens in a tan colorway. I find that tan goes well with almost any type of pants, but I mainly wear them with dark wash denim or light colored chinos.
During the summer months, I wore them with no-show socks to showcase the contemporary aesthetic they excel at. They Cohen loafers are offered in 5 different colorways including black, Bordeaux, brown and oak. Plenty of options to choose from.
Quick Note: You might like this Beckett Simonon Reid Sneaker Review.
Cohen Loafer Fit
As with any shoe, you will have to break in the Cohen loafers. The first time I wore these, I noticed that they didn’t require much of a breaking in process.
I was able to walk in these without excruciating pain by the second day. I usually walk about 15,000 steps a day to give you an idea of how much I walk in any given day.
And since the Beckett Simonon uses a Blake stitch method (in which a row of stitches attach the upper, insole, midsole and outsole together), this construction results in a sturdy yet extremely comfortable shoe, plus it’s completely resoleable when the shoes have worn down.
Additionally, these Cohen loafers are breathable. New York City summers can be quite brutal and having shoes that help you air out the sweat and stench are a big plus in my book.
The Vachetta leather lining allows my feet to breathe, regulates temperature and absorbs moisture. After reading into Vachetta leather, I’ve learned that it is the same leather that is used in the trimming of Louis Vuitton luggage and handbags. And so, it’s guaranteed that you are receiving luxury quality from these shoes.
Quick Note: You might like this article featuring Cole Haan vs Beckett Simonon.
How They Wear
I immediately noticed a squeaking noise in the beginning that subsided a bit as the day went by during the break in process. After a couple of wears, I’ve concluded that air is collecting between my foot and the roof of the shoe which is causing popping noises, especially as I am walking downstairs.
As mentioned before, looks aren’t everything. The bottom of the loafers are very slippery. Even after wearing them for the past couple of months, I still feel uncomfortable running with these shoes as I did when I began wearing them.
For someone who lives in NYC, being able to run to catch my train or down the stairs is a must and these shoes just don’t let me do this in a safe manner. Adding rubber to the outsole (not just the heel) could help greatly for the shoe’s traction.
» Related: You might like this long-term Beckett Simonon Morgan Trainer Review.
On another note, these are great shoes to bike with though. I don’t usually change outside my work attire and just hop on a Citi Bike and commute to and from work in the summertime. The heels provide great security to prevent my feet from slipping on the pedal and I can still bike in style.
I actually receive many compliments when I wear them. And I’m happy to report that the full grain leather finish is just as fresh as day one. I’ve only had to polish them once so far.
Ultimately, Beckett Simonon’s Cohen loafer seems to be very versatile. They look great with both dressy and casual styles. And I have worn them with shorts and suits alike. Additionally, the tan color is an absolute classic. They can be worn with everything from chinos (my usual go-to pants), dark wash denim, or even shorts with a button down for those hot and sweaty summer months.
Quick Note: You might like this Beckett Simonon Dean Oxford Review.
Comfort & Durability
I’ve got to say, the Beckett Simonon Cohen loafer provides great comfort, especially for long distance walking. NYC is a city where walking is one the best ways of getting around.
After trying to break these in, I was able to walk with these without an issue. They even provide insoles in case you require more cushioning in trying to navigate the concrete and pavement that covers much of the city.
As for the leather’s durability, it did not scratch or crease as much as other leather shoes I own during the first couple of wears which is a major plus. The Cohen loafers are proving to be quite durable for lengthy days of walking through the jungle that is NYC.
Quick Note: You might like this Beckett Simonon Davis Weekender Review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sleek classic look
- Luxury Shoe without the luxury price
- Vachetta Leather allows feet to breather
- Shoe’s natural luster is kept for extended periods of time
- One of the most stylish shoes I own
Cons
- 3 month wait period
- Bottom of shoes too slippery
- Shoes collect too much air creating popping noises when walking
Conclusion
Overall, the Cohen Loafer is an absolute staple for any gentleman’s shoe collection. The style and durability of these loafers make them a classic that will withstand the test of time in terms of fashion and in use.
Depending on your environment, I would be a bit wary wearing them on a rainy day or if you live in a high paced environment where you run a risk of slipping. Regardless, it is still one of the best pair of shoes I own and would recommend for casual to formal events.
A note: Beckett Simonon sent these shoes for purposes of this review. These are all my thoughts based on my experience with the shoes. Gentleman Within holds all control over editorial content.
About Arnold
Arnold is a SUNY Albany graduate working as a Geographer and currently resides in Long Island City, New York. An avid gym goer and men’s fashion enthusiast, he believes that focusing on one’s internal and external well-being will lead a man to a successful and happy life. Some of his other interests and hobbies include biking, traveling, running, transportation, finance, hiking and baking.
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