The Return of the Sloop

It was 18 months ago that I first wrote about the Sloop, nicely shaped leather soled loafers with the look of a boat shoe, after The Sartorialist photographed Luca Rubinacci wearing a pair. The maker, a Milanese venture called SW1, closed its retail doors during the recession and the design has been virtually unavailable since then. That was too unfortunate a situation to be allowed to continue, so this week A Suitable Wardrobe is re-introducing the Sloop in two colorways at the online haberdashery.

Lightweight, the Sloop is relaxed, with laces that tie and untie. They are as easy to wear with shorts or chinos as they are comfortable under a blazer or cotton suit. And they look just as at home scuffed up in Mahattan Beach as they do freshly polished in the Hamptons.

The Sloop will initially be available in dark brown calf suede or polished dark brown calf for $475 a pair including shipping. Mid-brown water buffalo (shown in the photo) will follow later this summer because, frankly, some guys are going to decide that one color is just not enough.

I understand that the concern most men have about buying shoes online is whether or not they will fit, and I assure you that ASW will do everything it can to get customers into the right size. If the fit is not right, I will send you another pair and pay the return shipping on the originals. And do it over again if necessary. Just be careful to wear them on carpet during the try-on so the soles are not scuffed.

Getting products loaded on to the store is time-consuming and my Sloops may not be photographed and on the site until the middle of the week. In the meantime, email me with questions or to reserve a pair.