What are Loafers?
Loafers are simply constructed shoes that base their style on the ancient moccasin worn by many Native American tribes. Though loafers are often credited as becoming fashionable in the 1930s, many early Americans styled their slippers after moccasins. Elaborate buttons were still considered fashionable and more European inspired than early loafers. In the 1930s, loafers were re-introduced to the United States via pictures of Norwegian farmers wearing them to perform work. The shoes featured no buttons or shoestrings, had a low heel, and fit below the ankle. Loafers suddenly became quite popular, and were manufactured by both Spaulding and the Bass Company. Bass retained the Norwegian name for loafers, calling them Weejuns. One can still purchase Bass Weejuns today, though technically they only differ from other loafers in name.
